[ccwilli3]

Okay...

Have a 2003 600RR, 1.05N Ohlins Springs in the forks, stock valves, etc. Ohlins rear.

Having some stability issues while hard braking at the track... Front feels spongy, likes its not planted or solid. Seemed to compress nicely and with good travel, but after that, while still braking, it seemed unstable as hell... Also, the rear end felt like it wasn't stable either, wanted to come around a lot... So what I did was add a half turn of rebound to the front forks. With the heavier springs, I figure the damping is overcome by the increased weight of the Ohlins springs. This seemed to help some. It removed some of the po-go effect and calmed the front under hard braking...

I then took some rebound OUT of the rear. I turn the rebound damping down (less damping) 4 clicks (out of 60) and gave it a whirl. Seemed like the rear tire didn't wanna come off the ground as easily and the rear was able to extend quickly enough to maintain contact... This didn't seem to adversely affect tire wear either, so I was somewhat pleased. It combined with the front, felt better.

What I did yesterday at VIR-N seemed logical to me when adjusting my own suspension. Unfortunately, GMD computrak wasn't there this time, so I couldn't run to them... (figures, they are at every trackday I've been to until I need them! Thats my luck! )

Can someone provide some assistance? I am still not pleased with the overall stability of the bike while on the brakes. My 929 and RC51 (both had DK and traxxion forks) had ultimate stability while on the brakes and I know without a fork job on the 600RR, I won't get that either. But what I am trying to do is get it as good as I can get it stock, and this winter have some work done to the front.

So am I on the right course? Am I heading in the right direction or am I thinking about this wrongly? Is my reasoning sound on the rear adjustments? What about my thinking on the front adjustments?

Thanks for your help...

CC

[BDA116]

My two cents: I think the front is a compression damping issue, not rebound. A lot of people like to set compression once and dial the rebound, but the issue with soft vague forks is more often a lack of compression issue, although the feel is similar to lack of rebound.
Suspension is so touchy and depends very much on riding style, but if it were my bike and my riding style, I would take the rebound back off the forks and add two clicks of compression damping. I know you said it seemed it was compressing nicely, but it can be masked sometimes.
You could leave the half turn of rebound there if you'd like, I just suggest taking it back out to start where you were at.
As far as the rear goes, two things contribute to the rear wanting to run wide: too much rebound and not enough compression. Too much rebound can cause the rear to kick out on entries - particularly bumpy ones due to being packed in.
I think you're on the right course with the rear as long as it doesn't start wallowing. If that happens, add a couple clicks of rebound back.
Again, suspension is a funny animal so without being there and riding your bike, these are the best suggestions I can make.
Good luck with it.