Suspension

Basic Suspension Setup

Basic suspension set-up is very important in the overall performance of your suspension. Below are some helpful steps you should follow to insure the components are installed properly and basic set up is correct.

When installing your forks torque the triple clamp pinch bolts to the manufacturer’s specifications (generally 15 - 16 foot lbs.) After you have installed the front wheel and slide the axle through, push down on the handlebars a few times to insure the axle lugs are seated squarely on the axle before tightening the axle pinch bolts. Improper installation can cause binding in the forks and harshness/stiffness in fork action.

   Hot Tip

SHMX has installed an “O-Ring” on one of your Fork Sliders. This is a Free tool

provided to help you gauge the amount of fork travel you are using on your forks

First, Slide the “O-Ring” about half way up the slider, then after your ride, check the “O-Ring”

position. This indicates how much fork travel you are using and will help you fine tune your forks

softer or stiffer based on the “O-Ring” position

When installing the rear shock, lift up on the rear wheel when tightening the shock bolt. Tightening extended can

throw off your sag measurements. After installing the shock be sure to set your rider sag and check your free sag.

RIDERSAG

Measurement A : Place bike on a stand, wheels un-weighted;
measure from the left inside fender bolt to a point on the rear axle.

Measurement B : With the bike off the stand, place the rider w/gear on
the bike in a normal riding position with feet barely touching the ground.

Have someone measure between the same two points as before.

• Measurement A - Measurement B
Remember these are only “General” recommendations. Different riding styles,

tracks and  brands may vary these set-ups.

However, listed below is a good starting point to choose from:
65cc ............. 70-75mm
85cc ............. 85-90mm
125-650cc ..... 100-120mm

Too much rider sag indicates you must increase pre-load to the spring by turning the Spring/Pre-load Adjuster clockwise.
Too little rider sag indicates you must decrease pre-load to the spring by turning the Spring/Pre-load Adjuster counter clockwise.

 

FREESAG
Measurement C : With the bike off the stand and the rider off the bike; push down on the back end and

let the bike come up by itself.

Measure between the same two points as before.

Measurement A - Measurement C (Generally 25 - 35mm)
If you set your rider sag and your free sag does not fall within the recommended range; a spring change may be needed.

HINT: Less than 25mm generally indicates a stiffer spring is needed and more than 35mm indicates a softer spring is needed.

NOTE: 1" = 25.4 mm