Featherbed frame level

Previously grant_tiller wrote:

Hi Ladies and Gents - I have a quick question about featherbed frames and suspension.

If a Slimline Featherbed ES2 is sat on stock wheels with a stock front shock setup, should the top frame tube be level (horizontal) provided of course the bike is on level ground?

Just looking for a rough way to gestimate that things are setup roughly right on my bike given I am working on the front end.

Thanks in advance!

Hi Grant,

the answer is yes, it should be level, provided that you place ballast on the seat, roughly equivalent to about 14 stone (or whatever you weigh), to compress the suspension, the weight of the bike is not always enough, particularly when there is some 'newness' in the bushes etc.

Unless you ride by remote control, your suspension should be set up to be right with the rider in place, or rider and passenger. The original spring poundages were a compromise based on predominantly solo use, same as for all bikes. If you don't believe me try riding a bike with sidecar rated springs as a solo.

This is the same as why you can't set the final drive chain up with the bike unloaded.

Take the tank off, put the seat back, sit on it off the stand, on level ground.

Bounce the suspension front and rear a few times, and then put your level along the top frame rail, IMHO yes it should be level +/- 5? or so.

Good Luck,

Cheers,

Niall