I took my bike to hell yesterday. Well actually it was "Hel". They make brake hoses etc for race bikes and for anybody who wants them on their motorbikes, cars etc. I'm sure you have heard of them as they are one of the leaders in braking systems.
Anyway, my appointment was with a suspension specialist named Steve who had worked with British Superbike teams for years. We had already spoken and he explained to me that there are minimum adjustments to be made on a V-Strom compared to a sports bike but he would set it up to suit my weight and style of riding as far as the adjustments allow.
I put on all of my riding gear and prepared for a work out while he attached a measuring device to the rear of my bike and a cable-tie to the forks. He lifted weight on and off the front, made some calculations then played with the rear adjustment, counting the number of turns from both extremes before inviting me to sit on the bike with my full weight. Measurements were taken again then I was asked to take all of my weight off which meant me standing on my tip toes. That's where the work out began. I now have even greater admiration for ballerinas. My calf muscles are stronger today. I could have got on and off the bike but it would have taken longer.
It turns out that when I bought my bike used a couple of years ago, someone had played with the suspension and got it as wrong as possible, whatever his weight was. Steve made adjustments then asked me to take a ride on the bumpy twisty road right outside and come back to report my findings.
After a quick ride I was back to report that the feel was different. I now felt more attached as my bike seemed to fit better (if you know what I mean). No more adjustments needed to be made so I paid and left. The usual cost would be £50+ vat but Steve kindly gave me some discount. Steve is very knowledgeable and explained what he was doing and why, well as best he could to a moron.
After leaving I went for a ride to the nearest garage to check that the nail in my rear tyre had leaked no air before I have it repaired on the 17th. My local garage was going to plug it. I found that the nail was gone so must have been a tiny stone stuck in the deep tread (as it was a new tyre) and though it looked like a nail, it was not. The pressure was also spot on, taking into consideration that the tyre was now warm and not cold as it should be when setting pressure.
I then went for a long ride. Wow! I really did notice a difference and wish I had the suspension set up two years ago. Also, a couple of slip roads onto and off the A30 where my bike had previously scraped the ground showed that the rear had been lifted a little because it didn't scrape at all, the road was damp though so it could be that I instinctively wasn't leaning as much even though I thought I was.
Long story short. I would recommend having your suspension set up properly, it is not too difficult to do it yourself with assistance from someone who can take accurate measurements but for such a low price it's worth having a suspension expert do it.
Just my opinion, take it or leave it but I'm happy I had it done. One other thing, my description of the work he did may not be exact and I might have missed something.
Sorry if I've gone on a little (lot) but you probably speed read this anyway and overlooked the waffle, thank you
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