make that 10% count - bike setup

they say it is 10% bike 90% rider or some ratio, better make that 10% count.

So yesterday I found myself working hard to case some crazy Canadian on a WR250 through the tight stuff. And as much as I love my Motoz tires I was pushing the front end in my efforts. At a rest stop I realized I have never checked my sag or tried different heights on the forks in the clamps since Les at LTR waved his magic wand. So I thought I would raise the forks some. They were already at 2 lines showing so I put it to 3. Was pretty amazed at the difference. Much improved front end stick. So I moved them so there were 3.5 lines showing which might be over the limit be WOW, turns hard and front end sticks like glue. Amazing. I also added a few clicks rebound to the forks to slow them down and also keep the ride height lower in front effectively steepening the geometry.

The end result of raising the forks and tightening the rebound was much improved front end stick (like amazing), and much more trust in the front end. My speed obviously increased and i found keeping the fast friend from the north right at my front tire not as hard. It really did make all the difference in the world as to how hard I could push it. I was absolutely loving it again and could ride with nimbleness I had not had before.

I kind of kick myself for not playing with geometry more as I know Huskys are very sensitive to this. I think I will blame it on LTR's fabulous suspension as it made me feel there was no need for improvement.

Bottom line is if you don't like how your bike handles or need it to do something else make sure you mess with geometry and suspension settings. The difference it can make is alarming especially if you are riding nearer the limit of your comfort.

Fork height / rear sag / rebound damping... these things can / will change in a large amount how your bike sets up and goes through stuff.

Food for thought.

That would be the opposite of what I did. You will want to lower your forks in the clamps, add compression damping for the front. For the rear, more sag and more rebound.

No, I'll take a picture today. I'm sure i am running mine up higher than they are supposed to be but i really liked it for the tight stuff.

It's amazing to me the number of riders that go out and spend good money on a modern bike and then don't ever use what they've bought. I've known folks that never touched the clickers, and some have never even changed their fork oil! It's taken me a long time, and sometimes I miss the cues, but after I get fresh fork oil I can definitely tell the difference in the fork action.

I wasn't all that happy with the front end action on my KTM 450 EXC when I got it. The thing steered like a Mack truck. After raising the forks a whopping 2 lines it felt like a whole new bike. Still has the turning radius of an Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser, but it hustles through the tight stuff much better, and it's much easier on me physically.

I just put a 5gal tank on my 610 and had to mess with the clickers to stiffen up the front end so that it could handle all the extra weight on the front. They weren't kidding when they called it a "tank."



WoodsChick

Nope, tire not hitting the fender. But then again I was weaving between he tress not hitting doubles.