Suspension question

[KSRider12]

So the stock suspension set-up on my 2002 Max rode really harsh. I replaced the fork springs and rear shocks with Progressive units but the ride is still pretty harsh if the road is not perfectly smooth. When I changed the suspension components on my 1991 ST1100 with Progressive products the ride got awesomely better. Why does the Max still ride like a hard-tail?

 

[VMAXXIMUM]

Did you set your static sag?

 

[KSRider12]

There's no air in the forks and the shocks are at their lightest spring setting. As I recall I used the spacer length recommended in the installation instructions for the fork springs. I weigh 166# and the suspension barely moves when I sit on the bike.

 

[MaxMidnight]

There's no air in the forks and the shocks are at their lightest spring setting. As I recall I used the spacer length recommended in the installation instructions for the fork springs. I weigh 166# and the suspension barely moves when I sit on the bike.

If it barely moves as you say then this would imply that you have insufficient static sag which is causing the harsh ride.

 

[KSRider12]

Thanks for the reply. Well, I can shorten the fork spring spacers but the shocks only have a pre-load adjustment on the springs, so I'm guessing that replacement with lighter value springs would be my only means to adjust the rear?

 

[Fire-medic]

Thanks for the reply. Well, I can shorten the fork spring spacers but the shocks only have a pre-load adjustment on the springs, so I'm guessing that replacement with lighter value springs would be my only means to adjust the rear?

OEM shocks have 4 damping settings besides spring pre-load. Look at the manual.