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From: rich@hpfcrs.UUCP (rich)
Newsgroups: net.cycle
Subject: Re: Need advice on suspension setup
Message-ID: <7100001@hpfcrs.UUCP>
Date: Mon, 18-Mar-85 21:37:00 EST
Article-I.D.: hpfcrs.7100001
Posted: Mon Mar 18 21:37:00 1985
Date-Received: Sat, 6-Apr-85 02:15:28 EST
References: <508@hou2e.UUCP>
Lines: 54
Nf-ID: #R:hou2e:-50800:hpfcrs:7100001:000:1931
Nf-From: hpfcrs!rich    Mar 28 18:37:00 1985

> I just took delivery on my first motorcycle (Honda VF700 Sabre), and
> I'd like to start playing around with the suspension.  Would anyone
> care to answer a few questions?

I bought a 750 Sabre last summer.  It was my first bike, so my
comments lack a historical perspective.

>     Also, can I install
>     some sort of crossover between the forks to equalize the pressure?

As an aside, why don't the manufacturers always provide crossovers?
It seems to me imbalance would at least add to stiction and wear, if
not be unsafe.
 
> 2)  On my rear monoshock (pro-link), what's the difference between
>     rebound damping adjustment and air pressure adjustment?  If one is
>     set hard (or soft), should the other also be set hard (or soft)?

The magazines complained about the suspension of the Sabre; I think
they found excessive damping -- both compression and rebound, front
and rear -- yet some wallowing in the turns.  It does seem to me to be
impossible to arrive at anything close to a soft touring setup.
I have been unable to discern much difference between positions '1' 
and '4' on the rebound damping.  Since there's so little difference, 
I rarely take the time to play with it anymore.  Perhaps mine is 
abnormally insensitive.  Or perhaps I am.
 
> Also, any feedback on fairings would be helpful- I never imagined 60mph
> would be that windy!

I closed my eyes and dished out the bucks for the factory fairing.  I
don't remember what I paid for it, but it's expensive for what you
get.  It's a compromise between a cafe and a full touring fairing.

Good features:

- Narrow (not really a full touring fairing)
- Well integrated with the bike
- Light (40 lbs)

Bad features:

- Head is in the full blast 
- Expensive
- Squeaks and rattles (probably a generic fairing complaint)
- Narrowed field of vision in mirrors

> Dan Masi
> AT&T Bell Laboratories
> Holmdel, NJ 

Rich Carr
Fort Collins, CO
hpfcla!rich-c