Remote Suspension Tuning a GSXR in the Phillipines in 2 days

-----Original message-----
From: mike tan
Date: Mon, 29 Dec 2008 11:55:00 -0800
To: dave@crstuning.com
Subject: need help on gsxr1000 k8 suspension settings

hi there!
i was able to download some clips you made regarding suspension set up classes and felt that you are the right person for the job। as i searched your company over the internet and came across your site, I was very impressed with the feedbacks given by your satisfied customers। im interested in having my bike's suspension tuned। i was hoping you could assist me somehow। problem is im based here in the philippines. i was at first interested in getting a set of ohlins suspension which they say would come in preadjusted to my riding style and weight। much as i want it, my wife would kill me if I break the bank account by spending $3500 on them! =)

so i thought to first give you guys a shot and perhaps my stock suspension would work out just fine given some twiddling by suspension experts। since it would be next to impossible to ship my bike there for you to set it up personally, perhaps it would be possible for you to send me the correct /perfect suspension set up for my riding style and weight?
i understand i would be taking some of your time and expertise, by doing so perhaps we could enter into a special arrangement regarding payment? anyways, im sending you now the specs that you might need if ever you decide to render your services to some bloke who's wanting an expertly tuned suspension in a country where no one's available to sort it out। =)
'08 Suzuki GSXR1000 BST carbon wheels
Michellin Pilot Power 2CT front 120/70R17 Michellin Pilot Power rear 190/50R17 Stock suspension 520 rk gold chain afam front sprocket 17 teeth afam rear sprocket 43+2
Rider weight including full leather gear: 150lbs /
Riding style: mostly bumpy street use with the occasional weekend twisties ride / 5x a year track डे
Happy Holidays to you and your family! thank you very much and best regards, mike


On Sun, Jan 4, 2009 at 7:52 AM, dave <dave@crstuning.com> wrote:
Hi Mike,
Thank you for your comprehensive email, due diligence and the kind words about CRST। I am sure that we can be a significant help to you and improve the way your bike works without having to go through a near death experience with your wife! Perhaps I should take a vacation trip there and combine work and pleasure!

Let's get into the details:
Forks: The fork position in the triple clamps can be changed but I do not know since you changed the gearing, the position of your rear axle in the swing arm slot?
The stock spring rate is for a 200lb rider at ।97kg. You would be better suited to a .85kg pair of springs. You will need special tools to change the springs or a trusted mechainc who has the right tools.
FOR NOW:
Remove all the preload in the fork, turning counter clockwise Remove all the rebound damping counter clockwise and go back in 4 clicks
You need to remove all the high speed compression (blue 14mm nut at the bottom of the fork) turning counter clockwise
You need to remove all the low speed compression (flat head screw inside the blue 14mm nut) and then go back in 6 clicks clockwise.
Shock: The spring you have on the rear shock is okay for your weight, but you need to see the sag at 32mm total sag.
Take out all the high speed compression counterclockwise (14mm nut) and go back in one turn clockwise
Turn the low speed compression flat head screw all the way clockwise and come back 14 clicks clockwise
Leave the rebound in the stock position.
If you can provide me with geometry information in regards to fork position and rear axle position (photo's will be okay), I can make geometry recommendations to you.

Please also note that the Michelins require different to the norm tire pressures when at the track:- 36 front and 34 rear psi when the tires are cold, done first thing in the morning before the sun heats up the rubber (or late at night in the garage) at ambient temps between 65-80 degrees।

Look forward to your reply!

Many thanks, Dave

-----Original message-----
From: mike tan
Date: Sun, 04 Jan 2009 10:34:31 -0800
To: dave dave@crstuning.com
Subject: Re: need help on gsxr1000 k8 suspension settings

Hello mr dave! i am truly glad & honored to have received your email! thank you for takingthe time to reply inspite of your hectic & busy schedule.i have carefully followed your instructions and have finished tuning the suspension of my gixxer the CRST way. =) i was wondering if you sell these .85kg pair of fork springs that you have mentioned earlier? also if its possible for you to ship them over here in the philippines? i have heared of some motorcyle shops here who are capable of installing them for us. perhaps i could just purchase these from you then have them installed here.

with regards with the suggested adjustment to the bike's geometry, kindly clarify the particular/specific position where i need to take a photo of so i could send them over to you immediately. would the adjustment be simple enough to be done by myself alone? also, how much do i owe you for the great knowledge you have just humbly parted me? again, huge thanks and best regards to you guys over at CRST!

mike tan


hello mr dave!

i just got back after taking my bike for a spin.

since this is the first time i rode it after dialing in the suspension settings / tire pressures that you so graciously provided.

well, id like you to know that despite you being stuck in bed, you have just made someone across the pacific ocean a very, very happy man!

the difference is light & day! the handling is superb! the bike now flicks like a 600! it feels so light! it sends great feedback and confidence to the rider! you have brought life into my bike mr moss!

again, many many thanks to you!

i wish you all the best and hope that you get well soon!

god bless and best regards,

mike tan

PS i will gladly wait for nickie's email regarding the springs.
i will send you the pics needed for the bike's geometry soon.