Suspension setup for rain

[Dennis in NH]

I read in places that for cars, they use a softer suspension setting in the rain. Is this same for motorcycles? I'm trying to figure out why.

From some stuff I read about cars, they just said that in rain, the cars will be going slower and don't need as much grip that a harder suspension would give on the track. But I figure if you're in the rain, don't you want as much grip as you can get -- so keep the suspension settings stiff?

Anyone know? I know, ... , most folks don't ride in rain .

I ordered some Hyper Pro front springs and rear spring and I'm just wondering how this will affect my rain handling.

Thanks,

Dennis

 

[FZ1inNH]

I am unsure about the suspension Dennis. But, I personally feel there is more merrit to the tires used when in the rain over the suspension. A good rain tire for the bike will likely outweigh at least half of the suspension changes.

On that note, I do not think your choices for springs will hinder riding in the rain at all either. On the front, besides the springs, what weight oil will you be using? Any thoughts on cartridge emulators?

 

[RJ2112]

Anything is better than the OEM fork springs, in any conditions. A properly controlled suspension stroke keeps the wheel in contact with the pavement as much as possible. Too stiff (which the FZ OEM setup is most certainly NOT), and the tire can skitter across the pavement.

The only real difference between riding on dry clean pavement and rain soaked stuff is that you can't see potholes and have the potential to hydroplane. That takes a lot of speed, and a fairly deep puddle..... deeper than what you would see on most highways and surface streets. Even if you hit a deep spot at speed, the wheel's gyroscopic effect will keep the bike stable through the thing and out the other side. If you KNOW it's a deep spot, romp on the gas as you get to the hole, to lighten the front wheel and power out of it.

In everyday circumstances, there is slightly less traction on wet pavement. You lose more safety due to loss of visibility than to traction, IMHO. Visibility to other road users, followed by personal blurred vision. Slowing down to appropriate speeds for what you can see is a really good idea......

 

[DefyInertia]

I agree with RJ2112 that CLEAN wet pavement is fine. But it's the oily/wet and debri ridden wet or dirty and wet pavement that will put you on your head. Metal sewer covers etc. etc. will also be slick.

I too wouldn't be worried about the suspension changes you're making.

I can see why they would soften the suspension on cars but I'm not going take the time to spell out why that makes sense to me....I'm no expert of any kind anyway.

 

[Dennis in NH]

The Hyper Pro spring kit is supposed to come with 15wt oil. The front springs are progressive so it should improve things up front. The rear spring is stiffer too.

I use RoadSmarts and either will get another set or will go with a sportier tire that's know good for rain.

I'll look into emulators perhaps sometime later but if this upgrade helps enough, I'll be done. My goal with the suspension upgrade is to improve the bike's handling and perhaps make it more of a sport bike. I don't want to give up too much utility in the rain -- around here, we get rain during the good riding seasons and I don't want that to stop me from riding.

I'm interested in going to the track -- but with the primary goal of being a really good street rider; I don't expect to become a racer. It's like having a nice sports car -- it can do a lot more than is needed on the street -- but it sure feels good to drive (even if you don't care to race it). If you turn it into a race car, it's just loses too much street functionality.

I'm 185 lbs with full gear and the OEM FZ6 suspension as is seems ok. I just noticed these past few weeks that when running over frost heaves, I wonder if the tires are coming off the ground (if only a little). I'm hoping improved suspension will fix this.

Thanks all for the responses.

Dennis

 

[deeptekkie]

I read in places that for cars, they use a softer suspension setting in the rain. Is this same for motorcycles? I'm trying to figure out why.
From some stuff I read about cars, they just said that in rain, the cars will be going slower and don't need as much grip that a harder suspension would give on the track. But I figure if you're in the rain, don't you want as much grip as you can get -- so keep the suspension settings stiff?
Anyone know? I know, ... , most folks don't ride in rain .
I ordered some Hyper Pro front springs and rear spring and I'm just wondering how this will affect my rain handling.
Thanks,
Dennis

(OH THAT'S IT.....I was quite content with life.....now you've given me something else to ponder! : )
Good question - thanks!

 

[Kriswithak]

I read an article a little while back saying that people often get asked about tyre pressure in the rain, and that a common misconception is to lower the pressure.
Apparently though the front tyre should be at the recommended pressure so that it can 'cut' through the water on the road effectively (from memory).

Needless to say the only time I've noticed suspension as an issue in the rain was the time I was on my way to work, took a tight corner, came into the straight and gave it some gas over a bump and the rear wheel left the ground momentarily going over the bump. My suspension is pretty stiff for my weight though anyway.

Custom suspension should only make it better however..

 

[Speedygonzales]

Springs will ajust the sag. So the bike is sprung correct for your weight.

The "rain-setting" for suspension is not something you adjust with springs, but with the hydraulic system.

If you would have a rear Ohlins (or other high end shock) and front R6 forks, you could set your bike up for rain riding on track. With the compression and rebound.

On the road, with non adjustable suspension ( hydraulic that is ). Don't bother! Set your sag and tire pressure like it say's in the manual and that's it.

Ps: getting a good suspension setting with high end suspension is not an easy task, 99% of people who will play with it. Wil do more wrong than good. That's why there are suspension specialists. And no I am not on of them .