When it comes to street and adventure bikes, proper suspension setup is essential for achieving optimal handling, comfort, and safety. Yet, many riders overlook this critical component, assuming their bikes are ready to go as soon as they roll off the lot. The Classic Motorcycle Channel is here to bust that myth, demonstrating how to dial in suspension settings using the innovative Slacker Digital Sag Scale.
Why Suspension Setup Matters
The suspension system on any motorcycle is designed to perform two main tasks:
- Maintain tire contact with the road – ensuring consistent traction and stability.
- Absorb bumps and irregularities – providing comfort and control, whether you're carving through twisties or tackling off-road terrain.
However, these systems can only perform as intended if they are properly adjusted to suit the rider's weight, riding style, and load. This is where the concept of "sag" comes in.
What Is Sag?
Sag refers to how much the bike's suspension compresses under its own weight (static sag) and under the weight of the rider and their gear (rider sag). Proper sag ensures that the suspension operates within its designed range, allowing it to respond effectively to road conditions and rider inputs.
The correct sag values vary depending on the bike's intended use:
- Street bikes typically require 30-35mm of rider sag.
- Adventure and off-road bikes might need slightly more, around 50-70mm.
Incorrect sag can lead to poor handling, reduced comfort, and safety concerns. A bike with too little sag may feel harsh and unstable, while excessive sag can cause a "wallowy" ride and bottoming out.
How the Slacker Digital Sag Scale Simplifies Setup
Traditionally, setting sag has been a cumbersome process, often requiring a second or third person to help measure suspension movement while the rider sits on the bike. The Slacker Digital Sag Scale revolutionizes this process with its precision and ease of use.
Here’s how it works:
- Attach the Slacker to the bike – The device sticks onto the axle using a super strong rare earth magnet and provides real-time digital measurements of sag measurements right on the handlebars using the wireless remote display or the Slacker Virtual Remote smartphone app.
- Measure static sag – With the bike upright and no rider onboard, the Slacker measures how much the suspension compresses under the bike's own weight.
- Measure rider sag – With the rider seated in their typical riding position (gear included), the Slacker measures the total rider sag.
- Fine-tune preload – Adjust the suspension preload to achieve the desired sag values and measure again to verify.
The digital interface eliminates guesswork, allowing for riders to set their suspension up with absolutely no assistance required. This ensures that the bike’s suspension is perfectly dialed in for the rider's needs and riding conditions.
The Classic Motorcycle Channel's Suspension Setup Philosophy
The Classic Motorcycle Channel emphasizes that every bike, regardless of its make or model, benefits from suspension tuning. In their video tutorials, they demonstrate the process of using the Slacker Digital Sag Scale to adjust both street and adventure bikes, highlighting the following key points:
- Consistency Is Key – Regularly check sag, especially when switching between different riding configurations (e.g., solo vs. two-up, panniers loaded vs. unloaded).
- Don't Overlook Basics – Tire pressures, chain tension, and suspension settings all work together to influence handling and suspension performance.
- Test and Adjust – After setting the sag, take the bike for a test ride. Note how it feels under braking, cornering, and over uneven surfaces, then make incremental adjustments as needed. Add more sag for stability at speed and less sag for better steering in tight corners.
Benefits of Proper Suspension Setup
Riders who invest time in suspension setup often report:
- Improved cornering stability and confidence.
- Enhanced comfort over long rides.
- Reduced wear and tear on suspension components.
- Better control in emergency maneuvers.
- Overall improved consistency and safety.
Conclusion
Proper suspension setup is not just for racers or off-road enthusiasts—it's for every rider who has a bike with adjustable suspension. By using the Slacker Digital Sag Scale, the Classic Motorcycle Channel shows how easy it can be to achieve manufacturer-intended performance and elevate your riding experience. Whether you’re commuting on the pavement, hitting a track day, or exploring uncharted trails, dialing in your bike’s suspension is the key to unlocking its full potential and assuring it performs as the manufacturer intended increasing confidence and safety.
