Alpha suspension Morley

[Vixer]

Has anyone been to see John (alpha suspension) with the gtr?

I've been having a go at setting the sag etc this afternoon and as far as I can see, with 14 stone of me and my gear, the gtr doesn't have any sag. Joking aside, after watching pretty much every video on youtube, all I can get on the front forks is 12mm of sag, so something isn't right, the rear is better but not right so I've put it back to the factory settings.

I will be contacting John but his website says he's off until the end of September so plenty of time to try again.

Other forums speak highly of him but I can't find anyone who's been with a gtr and he's only 20 minutes from me but with my sense of direction that could be 2 hours lol

Paul

[Nitty Gritty]

Hi Paul,
Haven't been to Alpha but have been to FTR suspensions Braintree with the GTR. We both weigh aprox. same I'm 12 -13 stone dry weight probably 14 with gear on.
6 x Clicks of front preload and 6 x clicks front rebound - Static sag without rider 32mm - with rider 36mm
1 turn of Rear rebound and 12 x clicks of rear preload - Static sag without rider 16mm and with rider 35mm
He didn't count anything on the rear until the slack was taken up. In my case that was a couple of turns before he felt resistance.
He suggested to add 6 x clicks and Quarter turn of rebound to the rear when carrying full luggage.
Regards
Steve

[Tynesidebob]

 I have set up all sorts of bikes over the years taking proper measurements and swapping springs and changing viscosity to suit and it does make a difference to ride quality.
But this thing is a barge. It is more important to get the geometry right.
You cannot bottom out the front suspension what ever you do so go minimum preload on the front with standard damping.

[Tynesidebob]

Then wind rear preload to max and adjust the damping to suit your preference. If the rear tops out at all, reduce the preload a little and possibly increase the damping a click or two.
The damping adjustments control the ride comfort but preload set like this makes it handle like it should in the corners.

[Vixer]

Thanks for both of your replies, I've got next week off work so I'll have a play.

It might be a barge but it's the best looking barge out there

[Vixer]

I never took note of the settings on my last gtr but it seemed to corner a lot better than this one, it had Michelin pilot road 4's This bike has Bridgestone 021's which don't really inspire confidence. I'll be upgrading to pilot road 5's next year.

[Tynesidebob]

190 55 17 rear will give you 10mm more rear ride height and much quicker turn in/lighter steering.
And yes it is gorgeous.

[ray1151]

I had big problems setting up my SV1000 a few years ago and used https://www.mhracing.com
He set the bike up perfectly for solo riding and also recommended changing the tyre pressures.
Money well spent, and not a lot of money either.

[Vixer]

Had a play with the settings on a long ride today. Rear preload is up to 20, so not quite fully up and what a difference with the turn in, very happy with that.

I'd just like to see if some of the harshness through the front on bumpy roads can be dialed out now. It's getting there though.

[Tynesidebob]

Glad to hear that. If you fit the taller rear tyre you can reduce the rear preload and save the extra adjustment for when you take a pillion or load up with luggage.

[GLA55Y]

Tyneside Bob
I might have to meet up with you sometime to compare settings.

[Vixer]

I think the 55 instead of the 50 profile sounds like a plan, I can't see there being much difference in price.

2021 is going to be an expensive year for tyres, the car will be due all four corners as well as the gtr 

[Tynesidebob]

Tyneside Bob
I might have to meet up with you sometime to compare settings.

Anytime.
Just email me on [email protected] and we'll arrange a meet or a ride.

[GLA55Y]

That email doesn't work Bob