Suspension Tuning and Maintenance Series:

Suspension Set-up Chart

Congratulations, you now have a new C-cycle Suspension Set-up custom dialed to your weight, riding ability and application.  Careful installation of the suspension components will allow the suspension to work properly.  All of the bearings, linkage swing-arm, wheel and steering, should be serviced, greased and adjusted. All clamping surfaces should be clean and free of dirt, grease and oil.  The suspension hardware should be tightened to the proper torque values.  The lower triple clamp bolts should be only tightened to approximately 15 foot-pounds.  This allows the fork slider to operate without binding. The upper clamp can be tightened to 18 to 20 foot-pounds. (Consult with your owners manual for the proper torque specifications).  The front axle and clamps should be free of dirt grease and oil.  The axle should be aligned with the fork legs.  This is accomplished by (1)  Assemble the front wheel to the fork legs.  (2) Tighten the front axle and front brake caliper.  Leave the axle pinch bolts loose!  (3) Remove the motorcycle from the stand and pump the forks up and down a few times.  This will center the axle with the fork axle clamps.  (4)  Tighten the front axle pinch bolts to the proper torque value.

The C-Cycle Suspension Set-up chart contains all of the specifications for your suspension including Spring Rates, Fork Oil Level/Volume, Shock Nitrogen Pressure and Adjustment Points.  It also contains recommended settings for the “Clickers” that give you a baseline for different track conditions (what works well on hard-pack won’t work well in sand).  In addition there are recommended settings for shock sag and fork tube height.  There is also a troubleshooting guide to help diagnose some common suspension traits.  Your suspension is delivered with the “Standart” settings.  These recommended settings were developed throughout our testing, but each rider may have individual preferences.

Custom tuning involves a systematic approach and testing a variety of settings to obtain the best “feel” and performance.  Keeping accurate records is essential. First adjust the suspension to the baseline settings for the terrain you will test, (gravel with jumps, sand, rocks etc).  Next start adjusting the suspension in the order listed below.  Test each area separately until satisfied then move on to the next.  Test base setting.  From base setting move 5 clicks stiffer, test.  Return to base setting.  Move 5 clicks softer, test.  Determine which direction feels better.  Return to base setting and adjust towards best feel. 

• Front Compression Adjustment(Low Speed)
  • Too stiff- Small bumps harsh, deflection, pushes in corners.
  • Too soft- Rides lower in stroke blows through first part of travel.

• Rear Compression Adjustment(Low Speed)
  • Too stiff- Kicks side to side.
  • Too soft- Rides lower in stroke blows through first part of travel.

• Rear Rebound Adjustment(Low Speed)
  • Too fast- Kicks straight up.
  • Too slow- Suspension packs can’t react to subsequent obstacles

• Rear Compression Adjustment(High Speed)
  • Too stiff- Rides high in travel firm feel.
  • Too soft- Blows off easily rides lower in travel

• Front Rebound Adjustment(Low Speed)
  • Too stiff- Arm pump headshake

Additional Fork Tuning: If the fork feels too harsh try lowering the oil level in 10mm increments.  If the fork bottoms add oil.  If the fork doesn’t use full travel, lower oil height.  Fork springs that are larger displace more oil and springs that are smaller compensate when using larger or smaller springs.

C-Cycle Suspension Service

16 West High St. East Hampton, CT 06424 - 860-267-1710 – www.Ccycle.com