Suspension F.A.Q.

Suspension can be one of the most confusing aspect of motorcycles, hence why the Suspension FAQ was created.  Below is a range of questions we frequently get asked.


  • WHAT ARE THE BEST SETTINGS FOR MY BIKE?
    This is probably the most frequently asked question for a suspension tuner.  The truth is that every rider is different, and there is no magical number that a tuner can give you to make your bike set up properly.  Because riders have different riding skills, weights, and preferences the best way to have your suspension set up is to work with a tuner to adjust the bike to you.
  • I DON’T HAVE A LOT OF MONEY, WHAT’S THE BEST UPGRADE FOR MY SUSPENSION?
    A lot of times riders can get away with stock equipment.  We will work with the stock suspension first and then make upgrade recommendations based on rider riding skills, weights, and preferences.  If the stock suspension is completely wrong for a rider the minimum we recommend are springs.
  • I HAVE THE SAME BIKE AS MY FRIEND, BUT YOU RECOMMENDED DIFFERENT SETTINGS FOR ME THEN, HIM.  WHY?
    Every rider has different riding skills, weights, and preferences (do you see a pattern?).  When we make recommended settings or upgrades to a rider, they are what we believe to be the best settings/upgrades for that particular rider on that bike, and no one else.
  • WHAT DO YOU USE FOR SEALS AND BUSHINGS?
    We only use OEM seals and bushings.  OEM seals and bushings do the best job while giving the longest life.
  • WHAT SAG NUMBERS SHOULD I USE?
    The following are starting sag numbers that Velocity Calibrations goes by.  These numbers are NOT set in stone!

    FRONT SAG REAR SAG
    STREET 30 – 35 mm 30 – 35 mm
    TRACK/RACE 25 – 30 mm 25 – 30 mm
    DIRT 60 – 75 mm 95 – 100 mm
  • HOW OFTEN SHOULD I REFRESH MY SUSPENSION?
  • Track/Racing
  • Forks – About twice a season
  • Shock – About once a season
  • Street
  • Forks and Shocks – About every 5000 miles
  • NOTE:These numbers are approximate, riding abilities and conditions will also impact intervals.
  • I HAVE MY BIKE SET UP TO MAGAZINE “X” ‘S RECOMMENDATIONS.  SHOULD I STILL GET A BASELINE SETUP?
    The short answer is, yes.  Every rider is different, and the settings in a magazine are set up for that rider’s ability and weight.  Now a rider will feel a difference from a magazine’s setup vs. no setup.  But ultimately your bike will have the best performance from a individual setup.
  • I JUST CHANGED TO A DIFFERENT BRAND OF TIRES, DO I NEED TO ADJUST MY SUSPENSION?
    This is somewhat tricky of an answer.  Certain brands of tires like Pirelli and Michelin have soft sidewall carcasses, but tires like Dunlop have a stiffer sidewall.  What does this mean for suspension?  Depending on what tire you go from settings could be too stiff or too soft, changing the feel of the ride.  In addition manufactures may have different sized tires, which affects geometry.  What we suggest is after changing tires, go out and ride at 80% of ones ability.  This allows the rider to pay attention to any changes the bike may have after changing the tires and adjust as needed.