Installing the front end

Guys please can you guide me?
I have re installed my front shocks after a rebuild when I removed them I measured the amount of shock protruding out from the top triple tree clamp, I have read and understand that this will affect the way the bike falls into a corner
I am trying to find out what is the recommended amount it should stick out for street use and a very middle of the road rider? I recorded 7mm when I removed them and was wondering what you guys set it to be who know these 1299’s well.
I find the sterling a bit heavy and am wondering if I should play with this height?

With the later models V4 it was 4mm over the top clamp. Flush with the top clamp makes for a more comfortable riding position but I think the bike squatted too much when accelerating.

I've never felt my 1199, Streetfighter V4 or Panigale V4S ever felt like the steering was heavy. Do you have the preload all sorted out for your weight?

bp_SFV4 said:

With the later models V4 it was 4mm over the top clamp. Flush with the top clamp makes for a more comfortable riding position but I think the bike squatted too much when accelerating.

I've never felt my 1199, Streetfighter V4 or Panigale V4S ever felt like the steering was heavy. Do you have the preload all sorted out for your weight?

Click to expand...

Thanks for answering, I have the front preload all the way out ( soft as the book says for basic set up) the rear I’m still trying to work out ..I have 9mm of thread showing on the shack ( 1299 base;

You have the front preload turned all the way out? This can't be working to your advantage and is DEFINAETLY where I'd start. Even if you are 105lbs taking all of the preload out would make the bike use up too much of the suspension's travel even under its own weight. This could be dangerous if your bike bottoms out on a turn.

Have you measured your bike (static) and rider sag? That is how much the bike droops under its own weight and your weight?

I'd set front static to 25-30mm with rider being 40mm. Rear 12-15mm static and 30mm rider.

bp_SFV4 said:

You have the front preload turned all the way out? This can't be working to your advantage and is DEFINAETLY where I'd start. Even if you are 105lbs taking all of the preload out would make the bike use up too much of the suspension's travel even under its own weight. This could be dangerous if your bike bottoms out on a turn.

Have you measured your bike (static) and rider sag? That is how much the bike droops under its own weight and your weight?

I'd set front static to 25-30mm with rider being 40mm. Rear 12-15mm static and 30mm rider.

Click to expand...

Thank you for this
under hard breaking with no front preload it still never bottoms out, I had the cartridges inside removed and the front was rebuilt with more shims
I will try and set the sag

So if you are running no preload, and you still cant get the right sag numbers as in its still too stiff (max breaking and are not bottoming the forks) then your spring rate is too stiff. Not sure what to mean by adding shims, if its what I think then you are just adding more preload to an already stiff front end.
Are you the original owner of the bike? Do you know if the springs are OEM or were they changed? How much do you weigh? In my bike (I am not the original owner) I was struggling to get the right sag numbers it was too stiff. I assumed it had the OEM springs installed. I was wrong, the previous owner must have been a pretty heavy dude cuz there were 11Nm springs in it. I went o 9.5 Nmn springs and it was much better. I am finally able to get the correct sag set.

I’m the original owner I weigh 72kg and with kit say 77 max

Did you measure your front sag?

If that’s with gear you may be in the light side needing lighter springs.

You are over sprung. Significantly.