Suspension Adjustment

[travstoll]

Three Questions:

So...I bought my bike with 700 miles on it used from the same dealer where it was originally purchased. Somehow the original owner managed to misplace the factory tool kit. Is there another way to adjust the rear shock to be a little stiffer other than with that yamaha factory wrench in the tool kit I don't have?

The reason I need to adjust is because i removed my stock fender and installed a license plate bracket. The bottom of the plate is about 7 or so inches from the top of the rear tire, and somehow every once in a while the tire hits the plate and bends it a little. Currently the suspension is still set on 3 (factory setting on a scale from 1-7, 7 being hardest) With all my gear on, tankbag, backpack, and tailbag that adds an extra 185 give or take a few pounds. I weigh about 155. What setting would you recommend to make the suspension stiffer and stop the tire from hitting the plate?

and is this the tool I need???:

The tool below is a suzuki factory wrench from an sv650 that my friend has.

[99vengeur]

That tool looks like it should work. I weigh about the same as you and I have mine set at 5. This has stiffened up the rear a ton and helps with cornering as well. Takes the soft feel out of it and makes for a better ride.

[travstoll]

Originally Posted by 99vengeur

That tool looks like it should work. I weigh about the same as you and I have mine set at 5. This has stiffened up the rear a ton and helps with cornering as well. Takes the soft feel out of it and makes for a better ride.

are your forks still at stock settings?...what all adjustments can I make with the suspension besides the rear preload?

[99vengeur]

There's not really anything we can do to adjust the forks, except maybe moving them higher. That won't really adjust the load though, just the ride height. So, aside from the rear preload, the FZ6R lacks any other suspension adjusting abilities. I think that is one reason vitrox is modding his to have the R6 forks.

[travstoll]

Originally Posted by 99vengeur

There's not really anything we can do to adjust the forks, except maybe moving them higher. That won't really adjust the load though, just the ride height. So, aside from the rear preload, the FZ6R lacks any other suspension adjusting abilities. I think that is one reason vitrox is modding his to have the R6 forks.

wow....I bet yamaha changes that in a new version of the 6r. I can't believe there is no way to adjust.

[99vengeur]

Originally Posted by travstoll

wow....I bet yamaha changes that in a new version of the 6r. I can't believe there is no way to adjust.

Yeah, that would be nice. I guess they figure as an "entry-level" sport bike there really isn't a need for a fully adjustable suspension.

[travstoll]

Originally Posted by 99vengeur

Yeah, that would be nice. I guess they figure as an "entry-level" sport bike there really isn't a need for a fully adjustable suspension.

I'll show them....I will probably end up tearing my forks down and reinstalling some racetech springs and new oil...r6 forks seems like way to much work.

[joloy133]

Originally Posted by travstoll

I'll show them....I will probably end up tearing my forks down and reinstalling some racetech springs and new oil...r6 forks seems like way to much work.

I did the hyperpro kit for much cheaper with great results. Just for your info, kind of a current topic now on another thread.

[travstoll]

Originally Posted by joloy133

I did the hyperpro kit for much cheaper with great results. Just for your info, kind of a current topic now on another thread.

Right on...thank you. That looks like exactly what I need. You have done both. Should I do the rear too, or will the front suffice my needs?

[joloy133]

Originally Posted by travstoll

Right on...thank you. That looks like exactly what I need. You have done both. Should I do the rear too, or will the front suffice my needs?

With the stock rear I was rollin on 5/6 preload, (5 was perfect for everyday stuff, 6 when I was doing more aggressive stuff which was a little stiff for everyday). With the new rear I ride on 4 for everything and haven't felt the need to move it. They just match up really well this way, IMO. You probably would be fine with the stocker in back as the front springers were the weak spot, and that info came from Racetech directly when they got my size, wgt., etc. (Just did a 160 mi trip on freeway, bike felt great, even on some of the rough patches, avg 70-80 mph). The suspension mod is underrated, even here on our site. Hope you do it also so I can read your take on this subject.