Chadashleymatthew
New member
I own a 2016 F3S. Most riding is solo. I weigh 200 lbs. The A arms are below level where they attach to the bike. Maybe by 1 - 1.5 in. Should they be level?
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What is correct front suspension A arm attitude?
- Thread starter Chadashleymatthew
- Start date
Jetfixer
Well-known member
Don't worry about what it looks like. What is important is that you have the correct preload set on the shocks. On your bike, with the weight of rider, passenger, and cargo, (if always solo, then just your weight & cargo), measure between the upper and lower shock absorber mounting bolts. The correct length is 420mm, which is 16-17/32 inches. If not correct, adjust the shocks evenly.
Jetfixer
Well-known member
You're correct in that the RT series does not have adjustable front shocks like the F3. With the RT, the only suspension "adjustment" is through the rear air bag system. The base models are manually set based on rider weight; the Limited models prior to 2020 models have a "hard/soft" switch to operate the compressor or vent the system; and 2020 and newer RT's have an automatic system with an onboard air compressor to maintain proper ride height. The only way to calibrate the automatic system is with BUDS/BUDS2. If you want easily adjustable front shocks, visit our site sponsor BajaRon for his adjusters. Since there is no adjustment specification, all you can do is measure your ground clearance under the front of the bike and see what the difference is between loaded and unloaded. The ground clearance specification is 4.5" under the front and engine. Either way, none of that will affect alignment, since the only thing adjustable there is toe-in.
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PMK
Active member
Adjustments to front ride height will alter the toe in setting / wheel alignment.
For a reference amount, when I upgraded our 2014 RTS to high performance front shocks, the new shocks raised the front by 10mm (3/8”). Alignment was checked before and after swapping shocks. The increased height, altered the alignment noticeably out of specs. Yes, I have a ROLO laser alignment setup with BUDS and BUDS2, plus other alignment equipment, so checks before and after were accurate.
I do plan to optimize the suspension arm angles a bit more, but has not been a priority since we have a touring machine, not a performance racer. My goal, if I ever get around to it, will be to optimize the cornering even further using ride height induced camber change and A arm angles to get even more cornering ability.
Make small changes. Use caution also since between improper ride height and poor alignment can make for a sketchy cornering experience.
For a reference amount, when I upgraded our 2014 RTS to high performance front shocks, the new shocks raised the front by 10mm (3/8”). Alignment was checked before and after swapping shocks. The increased height, altered the alignment noticeably out of specs. Yes, I have a ROLO laser alignment setup with BUDS and BUDS2, plus other alignment equipment, so checks before and after were accurate.
I do plan to optimize the suspension arm angles a bit more, but has not been a priority since we have a touring machine, not a performance racer. My goal, if I ever get around to it, will be to optimize the cornering even further using ride height induced camber change and A arm angles to get even more cornering ability.
Make small changes. Use caution also since between improper ride height and poor alignment can make for a sketchy cornering experience.
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