MXWrencher.com - How to Set Your Suspension Sag 

dont ever compare dirt bikes to tennis again lol

Its frustrating when guys do these videos and don't know what they are doing. Here is the PROPER way to setup rear suspension spring rate and preload; 1. Measure Axle to spot on fender with rear wheel in the air (as shown in video); 2. 1/2 tank of fuel, riding gear on, stand on foot pegs and have 2nd person balance you while taking measurement. Write down measurement (as shown in video); 3. If this measurement falls within the spec for your bike (look it up in manual) proceed to next step. If measurement is not enough, add spring preload by adjusting spanner nut down (as shown in video); Repeat process until measurement is correct. If measurement is not enough, turn spanner nut counterclockwise to loosen preload; Measure again; Repeat process until correct measurement (This is called "Race Sag"). 4. Next (this step is the critical step overlooked in the video) grab rear of bike no rider, and lift weight up until almost no weight is on rear tire, then release and let bike compress suspension under its own weight (this is called "free sag"). The difference between the measurement when rear wheel is in air (this was the 1st measurement taken) and the "free Sag" measurement should be between 15mm and 25mm; If its more then 25 mm then you need to swap out the spring for a spring with stiffer rate, then repeat entire process until all measurements are within spec. If the measurement is less then 15 mm you need to swap out the spring for one with less spring rate, repeat entire procedure until measurements are correct. Setting up "Race Sag" by simply cranking preload into the spring but yet having a spring with the wrong rate, adversely effects the bikes ability to absorb bumps through the suspension range, it effects bottoming, it effects the suspension to prevent bucking you off the seat, it effects power down traction coming off corners, it effects how the bike launches off jumps and it effects the balance of the bike with front end. It takes a while to understand how this all works but if you are doing any kind of track riding you need to pay attention.

Thanks for this. Your videography is much better than other videos out there. “I hope you guys can see this” (we can’t) just doesn’t cut it. Thanks again.

Few things for people reading the comments. I just got done softening my suspension on my '09 250F. The top lock nut was a bitch to get loosen. I basically used the end of a small jack-stand winding lever and smacked it with a metal mallet. Finally got it to budge after striking it VERY HARD. Second, there was no way I could simply adjust my shock by twisting it with my hands. I am not weak lol. The way my suspension looks is slightly different than the video. The adjustment nut is attached to a small coupling bracket in which, I assume, the shock is welded onto. To adjust the suspension I smacked the adjustment nut and loosened it that way. Took about 15 minutes but was fairly simple to do. Also, I tried to relieve the bike's suspension by raising the back-wheel off the ground. Nope, still didn't help loosen the actual shock by hand. Happy riding!

I have been on quads my whole life I'm 37 I just recently bought my first dirtbike and wish I would have done that along time ago. Wasn't sure on how to set it up but your video helped out alot much appreciated and great video thanks yz250f racer.

great video. I have a 09 wr450f and the sag is setup for a rider almost 20kg lighter then me. I thought it was alot harder to adjust. Will be setting it up right before the next ride. I remember my 04 wr450f. suspension was sooooo nice and responsive.

Thankyou for this video! you wouldnt believe the amount of issues ive been having on the track due to poorly setup suspension...

Nice video, informative. I bought a 2001 Wr426 and the guy lowered the rear shock alot because he was short, when i sit on the bike it looks so low in the back. Hopefully i fix that issue after watching this video.

Thank you for the video, new rider here and learning a lot from you guys. From Belgium

Really quick question, when adjusting the suspension sag your bike gets taller? also why do the adjustment washers really tight? I can't loosen the washer on the top.

very helpful kool vid. YES "JESUS FIRST" !!! ....happy trails....

Great video but not sure why there was not a third person to hold the bike so the rider can sit in riding position. That's the way I was taught. Thanks though great job!!

Hey Hunter I have some advice for you regarding your Honda CRF230. Sell it and by a Yamaha. Just jokes. Sounds like a trip to the bike shop or remove the shockie completely. Shouldn't be that hard. Cheers PS. Great video boys, very informative and well put together. Well done!

Tennis guy was annoying

Great help for beginners !!! THANKS SO MUCH!! Please make some video for the transmission oil change.

90-110mm (3.54 - 4.33 inches) is the sweet spot. great video/ clean, precise, and a little funny. thanks.

I am buying a used 2011 CRF450, It is currently set up for a 160lb rider and I weigh 185lbs, I won't have the money to get the suspension setup for my weight for a while. I do tend to like a slightly stiff rear shock and a little bit softer in the front. I think the front will be good as is, but is there anyway I can make the rear a little bit more comfortable but setting sag and messing with the clickers until I can afford a total suspension job.

Did anyone else notice that the bike has forks that are also part of the suspension system? The informaton provided is better than no information but there's much more to properly setting up your suspension than is presented in this video.

How do you set the fork up to your wait.

Great Vid.. Exactly what I was looking for.. Thanks

“Glorious HD video bud” Lmao!

This helped alot, but what you should do is something on the front suspension because im a big guy and i feel like my front shocks were for a little kid.

If you clock the suspension up it will, set it to factory settings then set your sag

Damn that glorious HD video! Lol

Does this help with making a tall bike shorter for a smaller rider?

I'm 180lbs. Should my clickers be stifffer than stock? 2012 WR450F. I set my sag 100mm. 30mm static.

hello my friend! i have an xt660z tenere 2008 and some days before i replace the forks and the wheel with forks and wheel from wr426f now i have to change the springs with stiffer ones because tenere is way more heavy and i'm 100 kilos. but i don't know what springs i buy.. what i have to check ,calculate or consider before i buy???

how does everyone with a ttr keep there back tire from going flat. I have tried everything from new rim tub tire and I have always have a tire lock. it seems like the tub is getting the holes on the side. thanks for all your help

very helpful video

my locking nut wont loosen i have a 01 yz250f and it has an aftermarket racetech shock on it and no matter how hard i hit it wont budge so some help or tips please?

You said to turn spring also does it have threads on the spring?

Ok, so my manual says that for every complete turn of the adjuster, there will be a 1.5 mm change in spring length. Is this number directly related to the change in sag?

This is really helpful but I can't get the adjusting nut to spin with the spring

i have a 2005 Honda CRF 230 and i have been trying to adjust the sag like this but i can not get the lock nut to loosen. i was wondering if you had any advice for getting the lock nut to move I have tried spraying the threads and nut with penetrating oil as well as just beating on it with a hammer and a punch but i cant seem to get it. any advice would be greatly appreciated ~ Hunter

Curious which version of Acerbis handguards those are? Cannot tell if they are composite or have a metal bar? And are they by chance mounted to the triple clamps?

so doing that just made the sag 4 inches lower when sitting on the bike? being the first measurement on the paper was 24 inches?

really good vid i got my sag perfect

i use a big oil filter wrench to get mine done, works great if its stuck

can some one help me with this i just bought a used bike and the low speed clicker and the high speed nut dont spin independently. For example if you try and turn the low speed the high speed turns with it at the same time. The bike a a 07 yz125 i was wondering if there would be anyway to fix this or do i have to buy a whole new rear shock for 900+

more sag hot shower, less sag cold shower :P

ok, my yz 125 is a 99. i set my sag for ice and it really lowered the bike, but there wasnt enough ice to ride, so how can i raise it back up? i tried and it didnt move.

Hey Fellas ....I like your ideas and presentation and what I dont like is the back ground music , which is NOT required at all when you are teaching something , I would appreciate that without any music , Good guys , have fun ...Cheers :)

dont you have to lower the front suspensions too? and can i do the same method to a dr650?

so i weight about 60kg, 132.8 pounds according to a converter on google, and my legas are about 80-90 cm long, and most bikes, 250cc, aree about 95cm tall, can i lower them to my exactly height, without risking suspension problems?

losten the top nut fitst then twist the spring so it is moving downwards. Then adjust the top nut again. :)

great video mate really helped make it easy!!!! cheers....

when your on the bike with your gear on measuring the sag, are you putting all your weight on the bike? or semi standing on your feet? i cant tell much.

So how much sag you should run in front? Why everybody's talking about rear suspension and forget about forks?

how often do you need to adjust your powerband?

do you need your suspension set at stock position

Great video

Thanks ! the best video about suspension

So is that 90mm-110mm for woods riding or mx track????

Shouldn't you check the first measurement again after adjusting the pre-load on the spring?

great video guys! super helpful.

hi my sag is 80mm is this ok i weigh 110kgs

does a 1996 rm80 have this?

90-110mm is that for all bikes or only that specific bike?? i have a 97 dr350 thanks

@nothorwitzer if you can hold it sure.

i need help guys, i have a crf250r 2011 i dont ride much track i ride more enduro and trails, my rear shock feels too stiff for me and im unsure on what to do to soften it up a little. i weigh 175 pound and as far as i know it has the stock spring in. any help would be much apriciated thanks.

Not really clear. We got 2 measurements - ok. After that made some adjustment based on what? Trying to set the the middle value or what? Good idea of video, but not well none.

Helped Alot!!!

yes, thank you so much! Very helpful...

MORE DIRTBIKE STUFF!

Hey I'm trying to loosen the top locking nut with a flathead and a hammer but it isn't working, any suggestions to loosening it? Thanks :)

how would I adjust to make the bike set higher

Very informative. Thanks!

Are you guys located in Orlando, FL?

I don't get it what should I subtrakt it with the 2nd measurement

What about the front suspension????

They didn’t talk about static sag. You can setup a stock shock for a 270 pound rider with race sag but have zero static! Which is also wrong.

does the rebound and compression settings on the shock affect the sag ?

Exactly right. If you don't have the right spring for your weight to start, you can't adjust the sag properly. The bike will never work right

I ride a yz 125 when I sit on the bike it goes down low I weigh 180 to make it so it doesn't go down so low when I sit on it this is how I do it?

thanks alot! some parts made me laugh, but very helpfull!!

i have a 03 crf230 and what ever i do i cant get is lose hammer and a screw drive just wont move it someone please help

i wiegh 112lbs and i have a 07 crf250r (motorsportskid99) and the rear suspenshion is too hard.

Amen. I pray before I start any repair, especially when its somthing I'm new to. I credit prayer to my success. PHILIPPIANS 4:13 . I can do all things through Christ Jesus who strengthens me.

y dont my spring turn m8 ? can u help plez

@AT4xK1utCh And this, ladies and gentlemen, is why you should try to do your best in school.

Thanks

Great video but the music drowns out the talking

4:28 is when I knew they guys know what they are talking about.

If u are a lighter shorter person what should my sag be oh yea and I ride a 250

Is 90mm-110mm the correct setting for all different dirt bikes or supermoto? I bought a used wr250x I want to check sag. Thanks

cool intro!

I have a 2006 wr250f, and i cant move the top nut, someone help!!!

@MrMainoffice you got alot to lean about riding. if you inflate the tire to the max that is way too stiff. i had a maxis tire and the max was 35 psi, i normaly run 12 thats a good number. but that still depends on your riding conditions.

and I use to like tennis, not even close on the definition

@rodrich1414 same

Is that a toupee?

Who else watching this in December 2020

to the right

great job man keep it up btw veary sprised and glad to see your a christin

Lotta dirt riders relate to the tennis reference,yeah

its funny how they emphasized the '' HD '' of the video at that time

You want all your weight, I used a bucket to steady myself but was barely touching it, just so I din't tip the bike

@beerlord93 ur kidding right?

I can’t set my SAG because I don’t play tennis.

Can some1 PLEASE HELP ME!!?? i dono how to adjust (soften my bikes fork (frontsuspensio??) can some1 please reply its urgent>> thank you to all>> (great vid by the way!! (::