In keeping with my mantra that motorcycling is more sport than transportation, suspension is another one of those areas that often gets neglected. Who worries about tuning the suspension on their car unless they are a performance enthusiast. So goes it - too many riders also don't bother optimizing their motorcycle suspension.
Electronic suspension has gone a long way toward mitigating the problems, especially on bikes with a Dynamic setting. However, even there it is not a panacea - take Ducati's Streetfighter for example. It has Electronic Suspension but with a feature that allows you to provide a manual setting on top of it for more accurate adjustment to your weight and riding style.
Consider how important your traction is - what keeps the tire in contact with the road when the motorcycles breaks free of gravity's grip? You guessed it. From personal experience, I purchased an Ohlins equipped track bike from a rider who weighed about 50 lbs more than me and the bike was outfitted with the springs for his weight. There was only so much the suspension tuner could do. But once I replaced the springs front and rear it was night and day. The bike always felt sorted, so much more confidence on precision passes and trail braking situations.
If you haven't had your suspension checked, I recommend getting it done. Now with Dave's world wide service through his virtual process, it is more accessible than ever.
By the way, when you are picking up a rental bike - remember - the suspension settings and the tire pressures are at best set for an average size and weight rider - whatever that is. If you know what you are doing, you may be wise to adjust the suspension to your liking. That does not mean putting the tire to track pressures - street and track tire pressures are what they are for a reason.
The video above will no doubt open your eyes to a few things that alone, if applied, may enhance your enjoyment. Checkout Dave Moss Tuning at:
You can take a look at his schedule - he might be on his way to a track near you.
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