suspension Stock vs modified

[Patrick]

This might sound like a stupid question, but I read over and over again. People saying that when they sorted the suspension on these bikes that it was a "night and day difference" I haven't done mine yet. So I'd like to know in specifics what did a new suspension fix that was wrong with the stock suspension. I have my own ideas of what is wrong with the suspension. But this being my first street bike. I'm having a hard time seeing clearly what is wrong and what is normal. And what can I expect from spending all that money.

What did it do when it was stock, and what does it do now?

 

[Fichtenelch]

the front dives a lot when you apply the brakes for example, also if you drive a corner hard and there is a bump on the road, the soft stock suspension ruins your line. with new front springs + oil and a new rear shock this gets much better.

 

[adam]

This might sound like a stupid question, but I read over and over again. People saying that when they sorted the suspension on these bikes that it was a "night and day difference" I haven't done mine yet. So I'd like to know in specifics what did a new suspension fix that was wrong with the stock suspension. I have my own ideas of what is wrong with the suspension. But this being my first street bike. I'm having a hard time seeing clearly what is wrong and what is normal. And what can I expect from spending all that money.

What did it do when it was stock, and what does it do now?

I wound my forks down all the way, half a turn clockwise on the right screw and half a turn on the screw clockwise in the gap near the bottom of the tank. Amazing difference. Only changed mine last week after worrying for a year I might cock it up. A mate had his professionally set to these settings for his weight etc. I'm 5ft 11 and about 13stone so similar weight and height. The bike is much more stable, to be honest it feels like a new bike. Get it done!!

 

[Locksmith]

Plus you look uber cool with an ohlins sticker on your bike

I found the front was quiet soft and hard stops were a bit woollen feeling. Didn't really feel too bad at the rear.

I had a chance to aquire ohlins springs and a shock at an advantageous price so bit the bullet.

Bike is so much better handling. I'm no Rossi or mechanical expert so cant really put into words, but you feel so much more confident entering/during/exiting a bend.

 

[motorcycleboy]

This might sound like a stupid question, but I read over and over again. People saying that when they sorted the suspension on these bikes that it was a "night and day difference" I haven't done mine yet. So I'd like to know in specifics what did a new suspension fix that was wrong with the stock suspension. I have my own ideas of what is wrong with the suspension. But this being my first street bike. I'm having a hard time seeing clearly what is wrong and what is normal. And what can I expect from spending all that money.

What did it do when it was stock, and what does it do now?

I'm about 70kg(154lbs) and i used the stock suspension for 16.000km(10.000mil).
Front forks are equiped from stock with 75kg/mm springs and rear shock is equipped with a 10,2kg/mm spring.
These means that the stock MT-09 is setted soft front and stiff rear.
For my body weight i could turn my bike better when i had my rebound settings almost full soft (slow) front & rear..
About preload, i usually don't like to fix any suspension's "problem" that way so, i'd let it at "stock" settings: Front 6 rings out, rear at the midle position -4-.
With the PR4's for my riding skills was like a "lizzard" ! But there were always in my mind how to improve my bike's suspension generally.
Finally, I've changed the front's springs with stiffer 90kg/mm and changed the stock shock with a ZX's which has softer spring 9,1kg/mm and is fully adjustable.
So, now my bike is more "balanced" front-rear and has obviously better turn-in when cornering.
I think that stock suspension is quite good for the beginers or for the first period of bike's life... then it becomes "tired".
That was obvius when the suspension's specialist "rate" my front's springs at 73,5kg/mm after 16.000km, when new were "staying" at 75kg/mm.
Also this man said that street bikes must have front springs from 80kg/mm till 110kg/mm... so only this means that MT's front is "oversprung" when the rear suits better for heavy riders or dual riding..
As you find your suspension OK there is no reason to start spend money for a cheap bike as the MT-09 is..

 

[Yam MT 09]

locksmith , how much was the advantageous price just out of interest ? cheers

 

[Locksmith]

I got them off another member who bought them but changed his mind and went with another brand. Lucky old me paid £400 for them all brand new never used.

 

[Yam MT 09]

RESULT !!!!!! well done the locksmith !

 

[Fluke]

Hi Patrick
I've changed the rear shock first and the main difference for me was that the bike didn't squat coming out of corners which made it squirm and feel vague. It made it scary putting the power down until I was out of corners.
I also really noticed that the front felt soft and out of balance by comparison so changing the front springs for some ohlins sorted that out and now I'm a lot more confident in the twisties.
I highly recommend you do it mate. Let us know how it is once you do it.
Cheers mate