newbie with drz 400 sm ?? setting sag

[ucatreo]

I just bought an 06 sm and i have 400 miles on it in 5 days. I cannot believe how much fun I can have on that thing:ride:

I mean seriously, I just traded my gsxr 1000 and I feel like I'm riding for fun again.? I could go on for pages about how religious it is...but I figure you folks already know as you are reading this.

I have searched the forums and found all kinds of info on how to set up sag for the drz off road but I am curious about a road set up. I weigh 185 lbs and will only be on road or a little graded double track. I can't imagine it being more fun than it is now bone stock but I know most bikes are a little softly sprung for my weight. I see there is no external preload adjust so i figure to get new springs for the front and take advice on the shock. some static sag advice on both ends will be much appreciated.

john

[smcalpac]

Setting the sag is for the most part just as any other dirt bike. I believe the "book" amount is 100mm (about 3 3/4"). As for springs, definitely get the bike sprung for your weight. It is easy to do and helps enormously. Lasly, valving, if you ride with a passion (read fast) stiffen everything up on compression and rebound.

[ucatreo]

so use a "dirtbike" amount of sag like 100 mm and not a street sag (less) for my drz 400 sm which will only be street ridden? I have never ridden a dirt bike before but have done a lot of street riding.

?

[ucatreo]

I have been all over this site and other SM sites and read quite a few august opinions on sag. There is still limited consensus on the subject for SM. I have some SM racer types suggesting 25-35mm and some dirt oriented types suggesting 80-100mm sag front and/or rear:banghead:

my static and race sag are 35mm and 55mm fork

and 35mm and 100mm rear.

these are to about + or - 5mm according to the 7 yo daughter who was assisting me this morning until her feet got cold (literally) in the garage.

I feel as though the rear of the bike sits a little low when I ride, although I am having the time of my life on the thing.

Any thoughts?

[kembro]

I wound my pre load up the other day as the DRZ was getting a little saggy. I took it up until it just returns to full extension of the shock on the stand. I find even though i'm more on my toes it gives it better handling. Better turn in, with less push and absorbs bumps better. Will measure the specs, when I have a spare set of hands.

On the 17" motard wheels I run the triple clamp at the top of the forks. When on 21/18 dirt wheels, I set the triple clamp 2 marks down (10mm I think). This setup is as far as i'd go as it has just a hint of insability on gravel at 90km/h.

In the sealed twisties with the 606's, it's just brilliant in this setup. No push on the exits, just holds it's line at over 100 through most corners.

Cheers

kem

[ucatreo]

thanks

I'm figuring more preload in the shock

Maybe try for the same 35/55mm sag as the fork and go from there.

[Salvatore DiCato]

On 11/9/2007 at 9:07 PM, ucatreo said:

I just bought an 06 sm and i have 400 miles on it in 5 days. I cannot believe how much fun I can have on that thing:ride:

I mean seriously, I just traded my gsxr 1000 and I feel like I'm riding for fun again.? I could go on for pages about how religious it is...but I figure you folks already know as you are reading this.

I have searched the forums and found all kinds of info on how to set up sag for the drz off road but I am curious about a road set up. I weigh 185 lbs and will only be on road or a little graded double track. I can't imagine it being more fun than it is now bone stock but I know most bikes are a little softly sprung for my weight. I see there is no external preload adjust so i figure to get new springs for the front and take advice on the shock. some static sag advice on both ends will be much appreciated.

john

Got off 1000 also. I don’t want street sag on this bike I enjoy the soft plush ride.  Softened up the front also stable on the highway and have no problem in turns I agree it’s the most fun I’ve had in years I’m loving this bike I’m at about 3 3/4 of sag  Close to 190 pounds dressed