Guest Posted June 29, 2018 Share Posted June 29, 2018 I'll start out with a disclaimer that for my application the stock FJ-09 suspension has been adequate. This means NO PASSENGER. I'm still on the way home from Alaska and with about 70lbs worth of gear the stock suspension can be tweaked to perform well. Front preload dailed up to show just two lines and rear maxed. Rebound set at least at 3/4 of max front and rear. The AlCan has some wicked sections with frost-heave and such but the bike rarely grounded or became unsettled even at speed. I suspect with a little time and patience you too can adjust for a reasonable effective stock suspension. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
koth442 Posted June 29, 2018 Share Posted June 29, 2018 Suspension is entirely subjective. I'm happy it works for you, but you're an exception. Everyone wants a different feeling let alone differences in weight / riding style etc etc. '15 FJ09 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Supporting Member betoney Posted June 29, 2018 Supporting Member Share Posted June 29, 2018 the stock suspension can be tweaked to perform well. Front preload dailed up to show just two lines and rear maxed. Rebound set at least at 3/4 of max front and rear. I suspect with a little time and patience you too can adjust for a reasonable effective stock suspension. When I bought my bike, I had my settings almost exactly the same as you, and will admit for general riding (errands around town or commuting), the stock suspension was "surprisingly adequate". For serious touring or sport riding, you WILL quickly find its shortcomings. The good news is, it can be made so much better. like @piotrek said, just adding the correct springs is a noticeable improvement. ***2015 Candy Red FJ-09*** Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Supporting Member texscottyd Posted June 30, 2018 Supporting Member Share Posted June 30, 2018 When I had the stock suspension on my FJ, I ended up with settings very similar to what you’ve described, @fz1rider. It worked reasonably well, and I thoroughly enjoyed the first 5k miles on the stock suspension & Dunlop 222s. I used to joke that the OEM tires got really greasy just about the same time the stock suspension got totally overwhelmed. I guess I ask a lot more from the FJ as a sportbike than some other owners do. Suspension is very personal and extremely subjective, and if you’re happy & it works for you, that’s fantastic. For me personally, the suspension upgrade was kind of inevitable... it’s an awesome all-around bike, and “fixing” the suspension has been hands-down the best money I’ve spent on the FJ. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted July 1, 2018 Share Posted July 1, 2018 Suspension is entirely subjective. I'm happy it works for you, but you're an exception. Everyone wants a different feeling let alone differences in weight / riding style etc etc. I can appreciate what your trying to imply but with gear and close to double the legal limit the stock suspension can be tweaked to perform admirably. High speed sweepers on frost heaved roads can no doubt be more settled with aftermarket goodies but are easily a non-event with the right tires and a little experience on a stock setup. The only reason for me to share my experience with a stock suspension on the AlCan is the fact I drove entirely too fast and lived without dropping a cool grand on the front or rear suspension. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Member Brick Posted July 1, 2018 Premium Member Share Posted July 1, 2018 I live in the curves and hills of wester North Carolina and when I started sport riding my FJ09 I thought it was trying to kill me! Cogent Dynamics fixed my suspension and are reasonably priced too. Well worth it to me! YMMV! Everyone is different. Brick 2015 Yamaha FJ-09 "Red Molly" 2014 Yamaha Super Tenere' ES 1999 Suzuki SV650 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pattonme Posted July 2, 2018 Share Posted July 2, 2018 The only reason for me to share my experience with a stock suspension on the AlCan is the fact I drove entirely too fast and lived without dropping a cool grand on the front or rear suspension. Nobody suggested you'd die. Just that when you have good (or at least better) suspension under you, you can enjoy the experience and can feel what's going on. And to truly overwhelm it you have to be riding a hell of a lot harder than anyone has any business on the street. If you can't imagine a $400, $650 or $1000 in upgrade could ever be worth it, well then you need to ride a bike that has been upgraded and you might change your tune. *grin* Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bonoeuf Posted July 3, 2018 Share Posted July 3, 2018 I upgraded mine because even with a suspension gur seting it up, it rode badly. On very bumpy surfaces it felt like it would thro me off. I could not hold onto the bars. With Andreani cartridges and a K-tech razor lite it rides as I want it to. No more scares in corners when leaned over and the bumps come. The bike feels stable and smooths out those nasty bits. I am a very happy Susan owner. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted July 5, 2018 Share Posted July 5, 2018 the stock suspension can be tweaked to perform well. Front preload dailed up to show just two lines and rear maxed. Rebound set at least at 3/4 of max front and rear. I suspect with a little time and patience you too can adjust for a reasonable effective stock suspension. When I bought my bike, I had my settings almost exactly the same as you, and will admit for general riding (errands around town or commuting), the stock suspension was "surprisingly adequate". For serious touring or sport riding, you WILL quickly find its shortcomings. The good news is, it can be made so much better. like @piotrek said, just adding the correct springs is a noticeable improvement. Florida-Alaska-Florida.... no drama with the stock suspension. There are some limitations but the bike never felt unsettled albeit a little undersprung. That's why my original disclaimer said the FJ-09 is NOT a two up commuter. I encountered every possible road scenario possible on my Alaska trip and lived. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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