[Mangina]

I want to setup the suspension on my bike. Problem is I know nothing about it. I don't want any aftermarket stuff for it yet. Does anyone know where I could find some beginner info on this? Preferably something that describes what the components are, and what they do, and how to change them, and why you change them?

[Chain]

Pick up a copy of Kevin Cameron's Sportbike Performance Handbook. There are several chapters which will serve you well. Some of his writing is technical, but it's still a good read.

[HondaGalToo]

Did you search this forum? There used to be a lot of good info on suspension, but I think it was lost when switching to the new forum.

Read this link It has a lot of good info.

The first thing you need to do is set sag, which may not be possible with the stock suspension, especially the forks, since the stock springs are probably too light for your weight, unless you're 140lbs or less.

The front sag should be 36-38mm and the rear should be 26-28mm. To measure it, you'll need some friends to lift the bike up, so you measure with the suspension fully extended. Next, with your friends supporting the bike, sit on it with full gear. Pump the forks a few times. Then, place your feet on the pegs, and have someone measure again. This is the sag, and it should be between the numbers listed above. If it's not, adjust it with the preload adjusters (top of the forks, need a wrench. Rear, need the tool in the toolkit to move it). On the forks, measure the distance between the dust seals. On the rear shock, measure the distance between the rear axle and a fixed point on the tail section directly above it.

For starters, set all compression and rebound settings to 1.25 - 1.5 turns out from full tight. (full tight is turned all the way in to the right (clockwise)). Turn out the specified number of turns by turning the screw to the left (counterclockwise). Careful with the screws, they are delicate.

Hope this helps some.