Suspension tuning

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Bill2001
Posts: 952
Joined: Thu Mar 10, 2016 1:48 am
Location: Backwoods Alabama

Suspension tuning

Post by Bill2001 »

Shelling out for new shocks/rear springs for the Wombat. Progressive-brand units from SH, the 65/100 spring rate. In addition to the spring preload adjustment on the shock, the Wbat has a spring hardness/softness setting in the upper shock mounting point. A forward-leaning shock has a softer spring, a vertical shock has a stiffer rate. How is this evaluated in the field during tuning?

Also, is spring sag factor used in tuning Hodie suspensions? I'm thinking 2-3" in front and a couple of inches in the rear.
Keepin' the Shiny Side up
on a '72 Wombat 94

--Bill
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ossa95d
Posts: 386
Joined: Fri Jul 19, 2013 3:06 pm
Location: Manchester Vermont

Re: Suspension tuning

Post by ossa95d »

Bill,
With only 4 inches of travel in the rear, 2 inches of sag would be too much in my opinion. I use the forward top mount position because it not only allows more travel, but also gives a rising rate to the suspension as the shock becomes more perpendicular to the swing arm as it moves through it's travel. At full compression it is virtually as stiff as the more vertical mounting points.
Ivan AKA "Pop"
Bill2001
Posts: 952
Joined: Thu Mar 10, 2016 1:48 am
Location: Backwoods Alabama

Re: Suspension tuning

Post by Bill2001 »

Right, those sag guesstimates were too much, based on today's long-legged suspensions. Your info is a good starting point.
Keepin' the Shiny Side up
on a '72 Wombat 94

--Bill
Bill2001
Posts: 952
Joined: Thu Mar 10, 2016 1:48 am
Location: Backwoods Alabama

Re: Suspension tuning

Post by Bill2001 »

Installed the new rear shocks today and they make a world of difference.

This Winter I am redoing the forks and plan to replace the 45 year old springs. Stock Hodaka springs are available, but are there aftermarket springs available? I'm a big fan of progressively-wound springs.
Keepin' the Shiny Side up
on a '72 Wombat 94

--Bill
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