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Suspension Set-Up - Setting Sag By Bob Bell Setting sag properly on today’s race motorcycles can mean the difference between flowing around the track, attacking the corners, blitzing the whoops or fighting the bike, pushing or knifing in corners, getting kicked and swapping in the whoops. Small changes in the bikes balance can make large changes to its handling characteristics. The first thing to understand, though, is that every rider is different. A sag setting for one person may not be ideal for another. For example: Johnny Campbell sets up his Baja winning XR650R’s with 96 mm sag. Steve Hengeveld runs 92-94 mm, and Robby Bell and Kendall Norman run 100mm. Through testing, they have determined that these work best for their own styles of riding. “Oh great, how do I know where to start?” there are some general guidelines for most bikes as a starting point. Most Japanese off road bikes like between 100-105 mm and KTM’s seem to like 110-112mm. It is best to check with your suspension person to get a starting point for your bike. To set sag, you need a sag measuring tool (highly recommended) or at lest a tape measure, hammer, punch, felt pen and helpful assistant. The first measurement is made with the bike on a stand with at least the rear wheel hanging off of the ground. Measure from the rear axle straight up to a point on the rear fender. Set the sag tool to zero at a point on the fender and mark it with the pen. Next, take the bike off the stand and sit on the bike as far forward as you can before the seat slopes up and stops you. Hold both of the handlebars with your elbows up and balance the bike with the very tips of you toes, putting all of your weight on the bike. Bounce a few times, take a deep breath, let it out and now measure from the axle to the mark on the fender. On a sag tool, it will tell you your sag. Example: first measurement 0 Second measurement 102---this is your rider sag. If the sag is too low, you need to punch loose the spring spanners and tighten them. If it’s to high, you need to loosen the spring spanners. Recheck sag after each adjustment. Once the sag is set correctly, it’s time to check static sag. This will determine if your spring is correct. Measure the sag, but this time without the rider on the bike. Bounce the bike a few times, and then measure. Measurements of more than 45-50 mm may mean that your spring is too stiff. Measurements of less than 15-20 mm may mean that your spring is too soft. Check with your suspension tuner for his recommendation. What to look for: Sag too high-
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