GAS GAS EC - 2005 Service Manual page 48

2. SUSPENSION TUNE-UP
This adjustment is very critical because if an improperly tuned
suspension will keep even the best rider from attaining the full benefit
of his machine´s ability. Check the suspension in accordance to the
rider and the terrain conditions.
- If the motorcycle is new, break-in the suspension with at least one
hour of riding before making any setting evaluations or changes.
- The three factors which must be considered are rider's weight,
rider's ability, and terrain conditions (additional influences include
the rider´s style and position on the motorcycle).
- If you have a problem, test by changing your riding posture or
position so it can be deduced.
- Adjust the suspension to match the rider´s strong points. If he is
fast through the corners, adjust the suspension to allow fast cornering.
- Make setting changes in small increments; a little bit goes a long
way, and it is very easy to overadjust a setting.
- The front and rear suspension should be balanced; when one is
changed, the other might need to be changed similarly.
- When evaluating suspension performance the rider must make
every effort to ride consistently and recognizing the effects of his
input; such things as changes in rider position and increasing fatigue
may lead to incorrect judgments about necessary setting adjustments.
- When the proper settings have been determined for a particular
terrain, the settings should be written down for later reference when
returning to the same type of terrain.
- Before making any changes and also every 5 fill-ups, lubricate the
swingarm bearings, torque rod, linkages and O-rings, this precaution
will prevent excesive friction that can affect the suspension
performance.
Front fork
The oil level is adjustable. A change in the oil level will not affect the
lower part of travel, but it will have an affect on the upper part of
travel:
- When the oil level is raised:
The spring effects become more progressive, and the front fork
action feels harder at the end of travel.
If the front suspension is making jounce stops, raise the oil level 10
mm. This increase will provoke a change in upper part of travel of
the spring.
- When the oil level is lowered:
The spring effects are less progressive, and the front fork action
does not become hard at the end of travel.
- Change the oil level correctly and the fork will work more at the
end of fork travel.
Oil level adjustment
Adjust the front fork oil level (refer to the maintenance chart).
Fuerza
Force
Suspension travel
Recorrido suspensión
110
EC / MC / SM 2005 - -
High level
Nivel alto
Standard oil
Nivel estándar
level
aceite
Low level
Nivel bajo
End of
Final del
travel
recorrido