Rider Sag and Static Sag: How to Set Up Your Bike
Whether you are just looking to fine tune your suspension or you have just purchased a DeVol Transformer Pull Rod or DeVol Lowering Link, setting your rider sag and static sag will give you the proper minor adjustment that you will need for your suspension without taking the plunge into full suspension overhaul with a professional suspension company.
While we will always recommend working with a trusted, professional suspension technician to achieve the very best suspension performance results, almost anyone who enjoys details can set their own rider sag and static sag.
What is the difference between Rider Sag and Static Sag?
RIDER SAG is measuring the front or the rear end of the chassis with the rider in the neutral sitting position.
STATIC SAG is measuring the front or the rear end of the chassis without the rider sitting on the motorcycle while it sits on a stand fully extended with no weight on the suspension.
How do they work together?
When you adjust the rider sag the static sag numbers change
How to Set Rider Sag
1. Get your owners manual out or contact your suspension tech for the recommended sag setting before you begin.
2.Measure the seat height by measuring from the axle to a mark on your rear fender while the bike is fully extended on a stand.
3. Have the rider sit on the bike with all their weight, feet off the ground while the bike is on the ground.
Measure the seat height using the same points in step 2 while the rider is on the bike.
4. Loosen the top lock nut on the shock preload nuts.
5.Adjust the spring stiffer (left or right?) or softer (left or right?) depending on the sag numbers you have from the Rider Sag's first measurement to move closer to your target number.
6.Once you achieved getting to your target number then make sure to tighten down the top lock nut on the shock so your sag doesn't change.
7. Go ride and feel the changes and make adjustments to suit your needs. The recommended sag number given it a starting point, don't stop adjusting until you find your target number from feeling the shock's action.
How to Set Static Sag
1. Measure from the axle to a spot on the rear fender while bike is fully extended on a stand
2. Measure from the axle to a spot on the rear fender while bike is on the ground off the stand with no mounted rider.
3. If you take step ones measurement and then you minus step twos measurement you will end up with your static sag numbers
*The static sag numbers vary per dirt bike application so we recommend you talk with a suspension tech or read your owners manual to get the correct measurements.
DeVol Lowering Pull Rod
*If you have the correct springs that is for your weight, you will set the static sag at the recommended setting. this will give you the correct amount of pre-load on the spring to start at, but still adjust to feel don't stop there.
*If your under or over the weight of the springs and your not going to get springs we would recommend still setting the static sag to a good starting point then work off that for feel.