Gen2 ES Suspension Settings

regulator

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Philadelphia, PA USA
Before we start, let me say that I might be spoiled by the Penske setup on my '12 ST. I'm not saying that my ES is bad, but it doesn't feel as good as the Penske setup to me.

I can't get to a sag of 50-55mm on my '14 ES. I get measurements of around 75mm even at 2up + luggage preload setting. Measurement is around 100mm at 1 up, and 85 when set to 2 up. For reference, measurements taken at 195 lb (no gear) w/AltRider guards, skidplate, and rear rack (say 20 lbs?). Figure I'm around 210 with gear and up to 230 with luggage.

I assume that my shock is working properly, but want to make sure. Has anyone else measured the sag on an ES and gotten closer to 50/55mm with similar weight?

Is it possible to put a heavier springs on the ES? Anyone done it? Any results you can share?
 

tomatocity

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Have not tried to set sag. I agree with both of you about the suspension feeling soft but... it seems to work.

On a recent trip to Twisty Land... Single Rider and Luggage: 38L dry bag packed full. Before I departed I set the preload to 2 Riders thinking rough roads ahead. I chased the front-end most of the day changing dampening all over the scale. Anywhere from chattering into the corner to over-steering in and out of the corner. Coming out of Shelter Cove I stopped and changed the Preload to 1 Rider + Luggage. Handled very well on a rough to very rough Mattole Rd at speed and slow. The following days it handled everything with grace. I was surprised that a seemingly small preload adjustment would have that much of a effect on the front-end in all situations from CA-96 to US-101 to Forest Route roads to a mixed Bald Hills Rd to Greyback Rd both ways to no paint roads Sawyers Bar Rd and Cecilville Rd and Somes Bar Rd.

My point is the suspension seems to work for my needs. Would I like to understand why it works... yes. But until then I will enjoy this suspension.

A couple weeks later I took a trip with part of it to the same area. This time with OEM Luggage. The front-end would not grip the road (CA-3) entering to corners. Suspension setting seemed to be good. The second night I checked tire pressures and had too much air in the front tire. Handled well the next day while leaving an increasingly smoky valley.
 
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