Adjusting front suspension

[markvhend]

Hi all,

Been riding 30 years and have never had to adjust forks so ashamed to say I don't really have a clue

Have tried searching but general answer seems to be to change springs and oil etc

Perfectly good advice, but would rather try adjusting preload/rebound first

Can anyone tell me how to do this, I.e. What to turn/adjust, which way to turn it, and what results I should expect

At the moment it feels a bit flighty/skittery (is that a word?) when cornering on average to poor road surfaces and a bit harsh when hitting bumps

Any advice appreciated

Ps, the jaws springs are on the ever increasing shopping list, just want to explore other avenues first

Cheers
Mark

 

[andyBeaker]

I might be mistaken, but I think you will be searching for a very, very long time for adjustments on the Bird front end. The Bird was designed by Brunel if you weren't already aware.

;-0))

The JAWS front springs do make a big difference - the best way I can describe the difference is that it feels 'plusher' than stock.

However, the most important factor is to have both tyres at 42psi, it really does make a difference. And having decent tyres of course.

 

[noobie]

The front has always been a "just is". The jaws spring upgrade generally is felt to make an improvement even more so given even the youngest ones will be around ten years old.

Something I did just notice on the jaws motorcycles website when looking for the spring upgrade kit was these preload caps. I must admit to never having had a set and until this morning did not know they had them.

Has anyone fitted these and how did they feel?

http://www.jaws-motorcycles.co.uk/bird2.htm#risers

 

[lumpy]

The only way to adjust the rebound, and consequently compression is to change the oil. The Bandit 1200 fork caps of certain years fit the Bird and offer preload adjustment but 1200 Pete, subsequently JAWS, also marketed custom made fork tops to do the same. Adding preload makes no difference to the spring rate, it only changes the static sag. You can experiment with air gaps but wouldn't suggest that just yet until. An oil change would pay dividends to start with.

 

[57grant]

My vote is to upgrade to jaws springs and new 10w fork oil, it really does make a difference. Its also a very easy job to do.

Some on here have put more modern forks in from other bikes, I think ZZR 1400 ones fit well

good luck

Grant

 

[markvhend]

Going to be keeping the bike for a long time so might as well have it feeling right.

Jaws fork springs ordered.....

Cheers all for the advice

 

[lumpy]

Going to be keeping the bike for a long time so might as well have it feeling right.

Jaws fork springs ordered.....

Cheers all for the advice

I would have sought advice from a suspension company like Ohlins or White Power, or even Hagon to decide what is the best for you

 

[markvhend]

I would have sought advice from a suspension company like Ohlins or White Power, or even Hagon to decide what is the best for you

fair comment but have a limited budget

 

[CBRDEAN0]

Going to be keeping the bike for a long time so might as well have it feeling right.

Jaws fork springs ordered.....

Cheers all for the advice

I started with JAWS springs
Then installed racetech valving
Then JAWS pre-load adjusters
Then a K-tech rear shock built for me ( were on offer at ?299 )
Then a fork brace
Then a 6mm shim

Pretty happy with the suspension now

 

[markvhend]

the 6mm shim is already fitted......

 

[noobie]

Given your on a budget, jaws spring kit and fresh oil on the front and contact jaws personally on Monday and get him to refurb your shock to your weight and style of riding is probably the best value for your pennies.

 

[markvhend]

Cheers all

Fitted the jaws springs this evening, too wet outside to road test them though