What is preload on a dirt bike?

Preload. This refers to how compressed the spring is when it’s at rest. In other words, preload is how much tension is always on the spring. More preload results in harsher suspension because the spring constantly wants to expand. Naturally, less preload makes for a softer ride.

What does preload do on a motorcycle?

Every Rider is Different A motorcycle riding near the top of its suspension travel might feel stiff and uncomfortable. Winding on preload raises the suspension, and removing preload lowers it. If the ride height is too low and there’s too much sag, the motorcycle might feel unstable and move around too much.

Does preload affect ride quality?

Spring preload pushes the tire down and makes the suspension work. On big bumps at speed the spring preload pushes the tires down to better follow the terrain and make a smoother, more controlled ride. Under articulation the spring preload increases tire contract pressure improving traction.

Does preload change ride height?

The suspension may feel stiffer when preload is increased, but that’s because adding preload compresses the spring, so it takes more pressure to move the suspension any further. Adjusting preload simply determines the motorcycle’s ride height.

What should my rider sag be?

Ideal rider sag can range from 25mm to 40mm or more, depending on the bike and how you intend to use it. A good rule of thumb is to aim for 30mm for street use, and 25mm for track use. 9. The sag amount is adjusted by adding or removing spring preload front and rear.

What happens if I have too much preload?

Can You Have Too Much Preload? Springs work in both extension and compression so too much preload makes the springs too soft on compression. When this happens we have to compensate with shock valving and sometimes that can lead to harshness.

Does adding preload increase sag?

Preload adjustment To recap, preload affects your suspension’s sag. “Adding” preload causes that end of the motorcycle to rise, and vice versa. However, it DOES NOT adjust the suspension’s stiffness. The “stiff” impression when you crank up the preload is due to the reduced the sag.

Should front and rear sag be the same?

Using different sag front and rear will have huge effect on steering characteristics. More sag on the front or less sag on the rear will make the bike turn more slowly. Increasing sag will also decrease bottoming resistance, though spring rate has a bigger effect than sag.