Bottoming Forks Out - Requesting Feedback

DLIT · Apr 3, 2016

So I know fuckall about setting suspensions up. I do know it's bad to have your forks bottom out. Now, I knew I was braking pretty hard (the oncoming car was also a cop!)...but it didn't feel like I was nearly bottoming out. I was cruising at around 110 or so when I started to see the top of the trailer over the small crest so I started braking, then I realized the oncoming car was a cop so I squeezed a bit harder. The Ohlins kept the bike nice and stable and I never felt out of control. With that said, what would be the recommended adjustment (aside from getting new springs) to help combat compressing so much; stiffen the compression and maybe some preload? I have yet to get my bike setup for my weight and I'm going to do that when I get to Cali on the 10th.

http://youtu.be/FdaiYBetvQw

AntiHero · Apr 3, 2016

Yep--more compression, more preload, but you'll need heavier springs probably.

How many miles on your bike? Could be fork oil viscosity is shot, too.

wfoduck · Apr 4, 2016

I recommend putting a zip tie on the fork up by the dust seal. Go for a ride and try braking hard. The zip tie will show you how much travel you are using.

DLIT · Apr 4, 2016

AntiHero said:
Yep--more compression, more preload, but you'll need heavier springs probably.

How many miles on your bike? Could be fork oil viscosity is shot, too.

Got just under 10k now so you're probably right.

wfoduck said:
I recommend putting a zip tie on the fork up by the dust seal. Go for a ride and try braking hard. The zip tie will show you how much travel you are using.

Did that last year and it was pretty low. Removed it for winter because I removed the forks, clean them up real good and keep them in the house.

maslov · Apr 4, 2016

I've recently had to change fork seals and fork oil on my '12 1199s. I did this at 12k miles. Speaking to my local Ohlins rep he said it's good to service your Ohlins at least every 10k miles, obviously more if you're racing or doing track days. He also recommended changing out the valves... relatively cheap upgrade that will go a long way.

nvetro · Apr 4, 2016

I recommend putting a zip tie on the fork up by the dust seal. Go for a ride and try braking hard. The zip tie will show you how much travel you are using.

This, there should be about 15mm or so between the bottom of the zip tie and the base of the fork. A lot of people believe bottoming out means the seal touches the bottom of the fork when it actually happens way before then, also over time with metal and debris accumulating at the bottom of the fork that effects the amount of travel left also.

Sure its bad to bottom out your front suspension, when you are upright its less dangerous than if you are trail braking hard into a corner, bottom out the fork, which then causes the tire to absorb the rest of what the suspension should be doing. That's when you loose the front into a turn most commonly at the track (especially with a cold tire).

In my case I am going with heavier front springs and replacing the fork oil, but I am also 210-215 lb

Bottoming Forks Out - Requesting Feedback

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