1/3rd is the number that you get if you assume maximum suspension travel, linear damping, and want fastest settling of the suspension. It's the 'correct' number for optimal grip.

The catch is that in reality you aren't going to hit many 100mm bumps even on a DL and the suspension would also need to be uncomfortably soft for most people to use that much travel - so 'something less' works better in practice for most riders. Generally you'll still find a sag value that's close to 1/3 of the suspension travel actually *used* that feels good. (Putting a cable tie around the forks and hammering the bike around the local roads is a good way to find out how much travel you normally use.)

Pete

Great info that makes sense! I'm coming from Dual Sport bikes that were only road-legal in order to get to the off-road areas; set up much more like dirt bikes. I'm planning on staying more on the road with the GStrom (I decided I just don't like the Glee-terminology!), so, I'll keep this "about 30% of actually used suspension travel" value in mind as I experiment.

Rode the Wee for nine hours Monday and took her down a road I know well with great turns and a lot of patchy pavement and pot holes.

Ran 33/36 psi in the Pilot Road 3 Trail tires.

Solo, with no luggage.

Ricor valves, .90 Sonic springs, 5 wt amsoil fork oil. No drilling or welding of holes in damper rods or valve body.

Elka shock with triple adjustments and remote reservoir.

Wow! Wow! Wow!

Freaking amazing handling bike.

After riding my Ducati Monster on Saturday, my Honda RC51 on Sunday, and then this 2004 DL650 V-Strom on Monday, if I could only have one bike, it would be the V-Strom.

These tires and suspension have made this bike a spectacularly great handling machine. I'd put her up against anything on a twisty road. I am shocked at how good this machine is.

Just do it.

Cheers.

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It's more fun riding a slow bike fast, than a fast bike slow.

Wee owners that haven't worked on their suspension don't know what they are missing.
At this time I have Intiminators with Sonic 90 springs, Rick's fork brace and Progressive shock. Handles great. I need to replace a fork seal and think I'll try the stock springs. I only weigh 140.

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2004 DL650 "Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind." ~Dr. Seuss

..at 140 lbs., you should try the stock springs. I weigh 190 before another 20 pounds of Aerostich and other gear.

The .90 springs are maybe just a hair too stiff, but I really like the handling. At 140, I think the stock spring rate may be a better fit for you.

Let us know.

And, yes, this V-Strom handles better than anyone might believe, the bike just rails. I would be just as happy on the V-Strom as my Monster or RC51 on a twisty road.

Cheers.

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It's more fun riding a slow bike fast, than a fast bike slow.

Ok guys you've talked me into the Ricor intimidators. I weigh 200 and ride two up quite abit,do you consider that when looking at springs?
I have a 08 wee.
Has anybody had Racetech revalve the stock shock ?
My biggest complaint is on gravel roads the front seems to wander bad,coming into a corner. I have a forkbrace on it now.
Thanks

0.90kg spring works fine at that weight level - 0.85kg is okay if you really prefers very soft and 0.95kg is good for riding it like a sports bike on relative smooth road. I have/had all 3. stock is about 7.3kg for K8 Wee

Rear shock on Wee is only an emulsion type - dont know how much it cost u to revalve, but i would look at aftermarket or at least a re-valved Vee version. dont forget to factor in a rear spring of either 600 or 650lbs/inch, depends how often u carry a lot lugguage or pillion on the back. 575lb might be a little too light, but depends on your preference and balance with the front

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Finally a bike like Strom i could have as a concubine and my wife doesnt object!

How are the Michelins holding out and what kind of mileage are you seeing/expecting? I am tossing around going with Anakee 3 or the Pilot trails, as I ride 100% on road. Suggestions?

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Some can't...some won't.... I might!

I cannot speak to longevity as I just have 400 miles on my PR3s. My thinking though is if you ride 100% on road, there isn't much reason to go with the Anakees, unless you want that "just in case" option for some gravel. The Anakees might be just as good, but the PR3s are a pretty proven street tire. I kind of opted for which ever I could get cheaper at my dealer, and it was the PR3 Trails. I wouldn't have an aversion to the Anakee 3 though.

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06 V-Strom DL650

Tried setting up my 40mm sag the other day. Had a friend help. I am 215 lbs and could not 40 mm of sag on the front shocks even with the screw backed off all the way.??? Why>
I also have an issue with a sort of double or triple bounce over short rough patches in the road. I have tried to play with rebound setting for the rear but couldn't get rid of it, the bouncy feel that is. When riding two up and fully geared it rides great with rear cranked to the max as well as the front.? Ideas?

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Some can't...some won't.... I might!