Initial Suspension Setup

Just picked up a leftover 2017 FZ-10, and thought I’d share my initial suspension setup process. None of the following is original, just what I was able to find on the ‘net, along with my experience with previous bikes. The settings I chose below are for a 185 lb rider doing spirited street riding.

A couple things to know going into this:

I find that the fork and shock on a street bike take around 500 miles to “break in”. Before they hit this point, they can be a little stiff and cranky, which can lead you in circles when trying to a good setting. Find an initial setting you can live with, and get the suspension broken in. Then go searching for that elusive perfect setting.

Sag: There are a plethora of videos on Youtube on measuring the sag. Make sure you understand the difference between rider sag and static sag. You set the rider sag, which results in the static sag. The static sag simply tells you if the stock springs are the correct rate, or too hard, or too soft. Don’t waste your time playing with clicker settings until AFTER you set the sag.

1) Setting the shock rider sag. I went with a target of 35mm. After you get the target value, measure your static sag. My static sag was 13mm.

2) Moving on to the fork. My target was 35mm. Static ended up at 26mm. Hint: put a zip-tie on one of your forks.

3) Remeasure your shock sag. When you change the fork sag, it can affect the rear sag. Correct if necessary.

4) Now you can play with the clickers. I found the owner’s manual settings way too soft and bouncy. Knowing that I still had to break in the suspension, I didn’t waste too much time on testing. Here’s where I ended up. Shock: HS = 2 ½, LS = 7 clicks out, Rebound = 4 clicks out. Fork: Preload = 13 turns in, Compression = 7 clicks out, Rebound = 4 clicks out.

I’ll post an update after I get it broken in and have a chance to do some testing.

Jerry