Setting your suspension sag

[GregMember]

Here is how to properly set your Race Sag (or Rider Sag) and your Static Sag (or Free Sag).

Setting your Race Sag is the very first thing you do when dialing in your suspension. But it is equally important to have the correct Static Sag for optimum performance.

Moto -X Settings:
94 to 100mm works the best for an MX set-up. Start out with 100 mm (or 4″) as a starting point.

Desert Settings:
We set the bikes at Finke to 100mm they say that 100 to 112mm works the best for a desert or an off-road set-up. They recommended for desert to start out with 112mm (4.5″) as a starting point.

Trail riding is 100mm to 105mm, it is a good starting point

Before you start, loosen jam nut on top of the spring using a punch and a hammer rotating it counterclockwise.

How to set Race Sag:

Make a mark on your fender with a pen.
Put your bike on a stand to take all the weight off the suspension.
Pick a spot toward the rear of the swing arm as a reference point, then mark it with a pen.
Measure the distance between the two marks. (Write this number down on a piece of paper)
Then totally geared up (helmet included), sit on the bike in a neutral position.
Have the same person measure between the two marked points. (It is very crucial to have the same person do the first and second measurement to ensure the second measurement is taken in the same spot as the first.)
If the distance is less than the desired amount, loosen the spring by rotating it counterclockwise. Loosening the spring will let the bike sag more.
If the distance is more than the desired amount, tighten the spring by rotating it clockwise. Tightening the spring will raise the bike up therefore reducing the sag.
Rotate the spring in small increments, taking a measurement after each adjustment of the spring.
After you’ve achieved your desired Race Sag it is time to check your Static Sag (or Free Sag).
Static Sag (or Free Sag)

Static Sag is the amount of Sag the bike has on it without a person.

Try to have no less than 12.3mm (.5″) and no more than 37.5mm (1.5″)

After your Race Sag is set have the same person that did those measurements do this one.

Put the bike on a stand so there is no weight on the suspension, take a measurement.
Then take the bike off the stand, push on the seat firmly a couple of times (try not to bounce the bike) trying to collapse the suspension a few inches. After the bike returns to its position with no rider on it take a measurement. Do this procedure a few times to get a correct measurement.
If your Static Sag is less than 12.5mm or (.5″) you need a heavier spring.
If your distance is more than 37.5mm or (1.5″) you need a lighter spring.
After you get your Race Sag set and the Static Sag is within 12.5mm (.5″) and 35.5mm (1.5″) tighten the upper jam nut with your punch and hammer by rotating it clockwise. Point it a couple of time to ensure that it won’t come loose.
It is important to note that there is no magic number of a Race Sag. Every manufacturer and suspension company has their recommended settings.

Understand setting your sag is the first rule in suspension, you can then match the spring rates to your body weight and customize the valves and valve stacks to your ability and the type of riding you do. If you do this you’ll go faster with more confidence. After all when it comes right down to it suspension is really the best safety feature you can buy. That’s why you never see a pro riding with stock suspension whether it is in the desert or the pros on TV racing Supercross . It’s the cheapest insurance policy you can buy!

Give it a try, and let me know how you go.

Cheers TB

[Mick DMember]

Put your bike on a stand to take all the weight off the suspension.
Pick a spot toward the rear of the swing arm as a reference point, then mark it with a pen.
Measure the distance between the two marks. (Write this number down on a piece of paper)
Then totally geared up (helmet included), sit on the bike in a neutral position

Hey TB when you sit on the bike, I am guessing it is now back off the stand on flat ground. Correct?
This is something I have been meaning to do to the XR and my son’s KX but not known exactly what to do. Great post,Again.

[GregMember]

Yes Mick of the stand, Sorry. Good point and well noticed !

[GPMember]

If you do this you’ll go faster with more confidence.
Word! Adjusting my DRZ made a HUGE difference.
Btw I read in DirtBike Magazine that you should set the race sag to 110mm on the (new?) KTMs. It gets weight off the front and you can use the forks with less compression which is good.

[Author]

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