1199 ABS: how to adjust the front/rear suspension?

Read the pages in the book, but maybe I'm just too stupid to understand how the hell I get a softer suspension. For the fronts I'm pretty sure I should counter clock turn the "screw" on top, and then same counter turn at the bottom part of the fork.
But how do I set up the rear shock to be softer?

Our roads here in Bangkok are not that good, I need to soften them up as long as I'm on the road.

Did 300km today Bangkok-Pattaya, when I came back I went straight to the dealer and ordered the comfort seat.

You might consider changing the shock from F (flat) to P (progressive) which theoretically is for passenger use. I rode around for the first 600 miles in F and liked to beat me to death. It made a huge difference.

I plan to take mine to a suspension guy that I know. to set up sag and all that.

1199Bangkok said:

Read the pages in the book, but maybe I'm just too stupid to understand how the hell I get a softer suspension. For the fronts I'm pretty sure I should counter clock turn the "screw" on top, and then same counter turn at the bottom part of the fork.
But how do I set up the rear shock to be softer?

Our roads here in Bangkok are not that good, I need to soften them up as long as I'm on the road.

Did 300km today Bangkok-Pattaya, when I came back I went straight to the dealer and ordered the comfort seat.

Click to expand...

F and P, are u on a S model? I don't think I have any susp settings to do in the screen on the base.

No it's a base model but it's a MANUAL setting on the back of your shock. It's same for base and S models here's the page from the owner's manual.

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1199Bangkok said:

F and P, are u on a S model? I don't think I have any susp settings to do in the screen on the base.

Click to expand...

Every 1199 has the P and F setting. Read the page he noted above. You have to unload the rear end to remove the bolt that has threads on it and unthread it to the next set screw. There is a post somewhere here that takes you thru it all step by step. Good luck and be careful down at pattaya beach! They also love to steal hot bikes over there! When I sold my 1198 Corse the guy who bought it shipped it over there for big bucks!

I wouldn't mess with changing the rear suspension links rising rate from F to P unless you want to take a chance of running into the stripped thread issue that is generating the recall. Let your dealer do it so that they can perform the recall mod at the same time.

If you do not understand how the compression and rebound adjusters work I would recommend consulting with a professional. For example, making a change to the compression settings does not mean you need to or have to make any changes to the rebound setting. In addition it is important to get the rear sag and front preload squared away before even thinking about making dampening adjustments.

There are a number of sites that have some good advice and many shops that specialize in suspension who can get you dialed in and improve your understanding at the same time. One thing to keep in mind, this bike is not meant to be a boulevard cruiser. The suspension will always be a bit on the stiff, hard side because it is geared towards racing needs, not comfort needs. I'm sure you understand this but just make sure you do not have unrealistic expectations concerning plushness. It isn't going to happen. Then again, once person harsh is another person's perfect.

Modern suspension is wonderful with it's adjustments and flexibility but it can be a double edged sword, so to speak.

Ok thanks....I'll just have to bring it in then.

Honestly, it's your best bet if you are not familiar. A reputable shop will help get you pointed in the right direction and help you understand what the settings do and how they impact the bike's ride and handling.

Consider this, racing teams have technicians that do nothing but deal with suspension settings. It is quite involved and both an art and science. It takes years of experience to become an expert. As such, don't feel intimidated by not understanding something and don't be afraid to ask questions. Most people really have little understanding of their suspension to be honest. I admit to knowing a little but am no expert. I do know that you are best making one change at a time, noting the change, riding the bike and noting your impressions. Over time you will find general setting that you will like.

Here in Arizona where it is really hot in the summers but much cooler in the winters we can see as much as a 40 or 50 degree fluctuation in seasonal temps. On most of my street bikes I have two settings for the forks and shocks. One that works better during the cooler months and one that is better for the hotter months. I imagine it will be the same with the 1199.

Here is where the S offers a real advantage in that the changes can be more easily made and compared for riding impressions. But the overall process of dialing in is the same. One change at a time.