Adjusting sag on the front end (1100) - PITA!

[twodear]

the info i provided comes first hand in regards to replacing the front 19 inch dual sport wheel with a 17 in S wheel this effectively lowers the front end, or looked at another way raises the rear .
This mod was done to my 2001 R1150 GS
Anyway the rear wheel was also replaced with a 17 5.5 in S wheel and a 180/45 17 tire

I would like to make the same mods to my 1150GS - as long as the right wheel and brake combo are used the sets of wheels can be changed to suit the ride.

Did you mean a 180/55-17 on the rear?
The stock rear rim/tyre on the GS is 4.00 inch with a 150/70-17.

The front would now be a 120/70-17, right?
Stock rim/tyre is a 2.50 inch 110/80-19

The stock rear tyre would have a 105mm sidewall, the 180/55 would have a 99mm sidewall, effectively lowering the rear axle by 6mm. A 180/45 would have an 81mm sidewall which means the rear axle height would be reduced by 24mm.

The front wheel lowers the front by 25mm. The stock front has an 88mm sidewall while the 17inch has an 84mm sidewall for a total of 29mm lowering at the front axle. On top of that, the smaller diameter tire would also have a reduced trail.

If I've done the math right, a 120/70 front and 180/45 rear combo should theoretically result in a 5mm relative change in front to rear ride height from stock.

Perhaps someone that has their head wrapped around all the variables fhat have been introduced and dynamics of the telelever can explain how further reduction of trail by lengthening the shock corrected the falling-in effect.

[sgoodwin]

Where would you find a 180/45-17 tire? Never seen such a size anywhere, only 180/55.

[Mrmerlin]

sorry its a misprint SB 180/55-17
The front rim is 2 inches smaller 19 vs 17

[roger albert]

Perhaps someone that has their head wrapped around all the variables fhat have been introduced and dynamics of the telelever can explain how further reduction of trail by lengthening the shock corrected the falling-in effect.

It is a matter of perception (i.e. a rider can think that, or a mildly educated rider can cause others to believe it) but it is NOT the way things work.

That having been said, I've had riders report such 'reverse effects' when tuning before. In general, the bikes with too much trail require too much muscling around, causing the rider in some cases, to wrestle the pig too much too far, resulting in the rider, unawares, causing the bike to drop in too far (because THEY are steering it too far)

But as far as physics go, NO, that's not the way things work.

[jaytee]

Another opinion about Wilber's:

I ordered custom sprung Wilber's for my R1200ST. The fit and finish was excellent but the remote preload hangar was in a horrible place and the rear was under spring so much that I had to max out the hydraulic preload adjuster to set sag and the front was such a pita to get to that I never bothered changing it.

The parts look nice but the "custom" is not so unless you ride into Ted Porter's.

[Noblehops]

Originally Posted by jaytee

Another opinion about Wilber's:

I ordered custom sprung Wilber's for my R1200ST. The fit and finish was excellent but the remote preload hangar was in a horrible place and the rear was under spring so much that I had to max out the hydraulic preload adjuster to set sag and the front was such a pita to get to that I never bothered changing it.

The parts look nice but the "custom" is not so unless you ride into Ted Porter's.

Yeah, I can relate to the PITA - that was the original theme of this thread of course. If PFFOG posts a photo I'm gonna make one of his contraptions. But in lieu of that, the MotionPro thingie I got worked pretty well, and you could also try the 'rotate the spring' thing I did last night. That actually worked. They would have put a new hose on that rear if you asked, I bet.

Still have the bike? I say it was worth all the effort to get it set right. I rode the bike to work today and it is getting very close to dialed. It's been an unexpected thrash.

N.

[PFFOG]

Originally Posted by Noblehops

...........If PFFOG posts a photo I'm gonna make one of his contraptions. .

N.

I will hobble out tomorrow and get a pic.

[jaytee]

I sold the ST to buy the S. on this bike I did a ride-in to Racetech to get them dialed in properly and have been happy.

[Noblehops]

Originally Posted by PFFOG

I will hobble out tomorrow and get a pic.

Oh, you're laid up? For sure, take your time, sorry about that.

N.

[PFFOG]

Originally Posted by Noblehops

Oh, you're laid up? For sure, take your time, sorry about that.

N.

Yea, it was buried in the adult bling thread.

Originally Posted by PFFOG

Well, rather than another titanium bling thread, I figured I would just add to this.

As long as precious metals continue to rise in value, I figure I increased my net worth by about $15

Started PT this week and Doc said it is healing nicely.

[Mrmerlin]

twodear sorry i typed the wrong tire size it was an180/55-17, I have fitted Bridgstone 020 tires.


So following your math and the numbers you posted I come up with a total front end drop of 23 mm from swapping out the wheels,

thats a front drop of 29MM with the rear drop of 6 mm this turns to 23mm. total front drop.

I fitted a 3/4 inch spacer to the top of the shock because the bike after the first test ride leaned over in a turn if you let go of pressure on the bars it would start falling.

the steering was a lot faster and with the front end lower the bike wasnt surefooted,
the spacer corrected this.
BTW I spent a bit of time fitting different spacers to see what made the bike handle the best

[Noblehops]

Originally Posted by PFFOG

Yea, it was buried in the adult bling thread.

Holy ****ing ****. I'll go find that thread and not make you repeat yourself telling me how all that stuff got put in your leg. Heal well and fast and put the subject of a tool photo right out of your mind for a while.

N.

[PFFOG]

Here are the pics

The position the ratchet is in would be to loosen a bottom, or tighten a top adjuster. By working the ratchet, you can see the range of turn/bite.

You can also add an extension to the set up.