Re: Preload importance; Factory Knows Best

[Bob Hadden <kbhadden@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

I don't really know the finer points of suspension adjustment, Ben.  
Butt!  If your bike isn't topped out when your not sitting on it, I 
would suggest you up the preload a bit!  ;-)))

Bob Hadden - '05R12GS, '62R27

On Feb 14, 2006, at 12:12 PM, Ben Barkow wrote:

> As I said, except for extreme settings, preload has little consequence 
> for riders off the racetrack. Certain people with a poor grasp of high 
> school physics may not agree.
>
> But compression finesse matters a lot. But having compression damping 
> adjustment is too pricey for BMW to include. Therefore, if you want 
> really good handling, I think Tom's advice is to ask BMW what your 
> correct weight should be and then diet accordingly ("Factory knows 
> best"... eh).
>
> However preload can have important consequences for a non-handling 
> issue: parking. It influences the height of the bike so when you are 
> dismounted it can change the ease of getting your machine up on the 
> centerstand (and correspondingly, the ease of tipping over on the 
> centerstand when all your wheels are touching the ground on irregular 
> terrains) and likewise influences stability on the sidestand too.
>
> The astute reader will quickly recognize the possible need for raising 
> rear preload when parking a heavily loaded bike.
>
> Cheers.
>
> Ben                                                                    
>                                               Ben Barkow, Toronto... 
> 40 seasons on Beemers, 45 as a biker
>
> 1999 R1100S, 2004- Leo Vince exh, JetHot coatings, Techlusion 1031,
>   large sticky foam filter, TB balance tube, debaffled crossover, 26 
> inch windscreen, air horns, Diablo Stratas

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