Help setting up K3 1000

[bushy]

I'm trying to get the bike not to dive so much at the front end on hard braking, the shocks compress so much would like to stop some of that travel? Any ideas

The back end of the bike under hard riding through corners tries to slip away almost like the shocks compressing under the acceleration, its not the tyres they are fine and I have used the same make of tyre since new (Dunlop 208) I have only noticed this problem this year, would the rear shock have worn slightly as the bikes 18 months old, would hardening up the rear shock help?

[Dangeruss]

LACK OF COMPRESSION DAMPING (REAR SHOCK)

There is too much rear end "squat" under acceleration; the bike wants to steer wide exiting corners (since the chassis is riding rear low/nose high).
Hitting bumps at speed causes the rear to bottom out, which upsets the chassis.
The chassis attitude is affected too much by large dips and G-outs.
Steering and control become difficult due to excessive suspension movement.

So increase the compression damping on the rear.

[rxx]

What's your sag setting, rebound, acompression setting, and wieght at this moment?

[freddybomb007]

hello,set the front end up,there are screw type knobs in the middle of the fork tubes,turn them in, meaning down,this will make the front end more firm and better response for you,and it is good too for the wheely''s, they won''t smash dowm if you ever hit hard,good luck,, freddy

[Quattro]

Freddy...your advice isn't quite right.

You likely need stiffer rate springs for the fork. This will combat the brake dive. Also increase (slightly) your compression damping on the front (the screw at the bottom of each fork leg), and turn OUT (to the left) the Rebound damping about 1/4 turn (4 clicks)...this is the screw at the top of each fork leg. this should slow down your fork compression, and speed up your fork rebound.

As for the rear, like Dangeruss said, try slightly turn IN the compression damping screw. Make small adjustments and then try it...then come back and re-adjust. You may need to have the rear shock re-valved for your weight as well.

[Blue_White_By_U]

I had major problems with my suspension until I revolved and restrung the forks and shock. After that, the suspension was much better and easier to ride the bike faster because I had more confidence and better grip.

[andyb]

I'm having my forks re-sprung and valved at the moment by K-Tech. The fella I spoke to said that although the K3/4 fork is generally good, the compression damping adjusters have too sharp a taper on them. He said that after more than 4 clicks out there is no more real adjustment remaining.

[Hammer 4]

Blue_White_By_U said:
I had major problems with my suspension until I revolved and restrung the forks and shock. After that, the suspension was much better and easier to ride the bike faster because I had more confidence and better grip.

Must be some high test string your usin....

[sportbike solutions]

well, apparently, something's changed. so it's up to us to find out what it is.

I'm assuming from your statements, bushy, that in the 18 months you've been riding this bike, you haven't made any changes to your suspension or chassis (ride height). Stop me if I'm wrong. I'm also assuming that up until recently, you haven't had any of the aforementioned problems, correct?

Before you start looking at mechanical troubles, is there any possibility that either:

a) your riding has progressed, causing you to be unsatisfied with what was previously a satisfactory setup?

b) your riding style has significantly changed?

c) your weight has significantly changed?

If you feel that one or more of the above apply, then it's still something that can probably be addressed with suspension adjustments or changes.

If not - then yes - it's possible in 18 months for suspension components to go bad. could be acute damage in either the forks or shock, or just time for a rebuild/recharge/new oil.

Post back & give us some more info. it's sometimes complicated getting to the heart of the matter dealing with suspension.

Also - it would ideally be best to get you setup with springs for your weight, and probably change the fork oil level, and get the bike sagged (yada yada yada) - but I'd like to see why what was working for you before is no longer working for you now first.

BTW - simple answers are rarely the right ones. Some advice you get won't only not help... it could be 'Dangeruss'