Two of the biggest myths about race sag for off-road bikes are
that you only measure sag on a new bike and that it doesn’t matter where you
measure it. You should check sag regularly and even adjust it for different
tracks and conditions and you should always measure it using good reference
points. The key to getting the correct measurement is to take the measurement
across the arc of the axle. Many people measure vertically causing them to run
their spring too tight and the bike becomes busy and unstable at speed. Both
manufacturers and suspension companies measure at an angle to account for the
arc of the axle. If you set your sag at 105mm measuring vertically, you are
actually setting it to around 95mm according to the manufacturer. Honestly, 80%
of the bikes I setup have too much preload on the spring because of this. Once
adjusted correctly the bike will calm down and do everything better. Always use
the method in your owner’s manual or use a purpose built tool like the Slacker
digital sag scale that takes this into account. The only exceptions to this
rule are the 2016 KTMs which provide a mark on the fender which is almost
vertical by design. Enjoy Your Ride!
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| Always measure according to the manufacturers recommendations. |
So on the 16 and 17 KTM with the "sag" marker should the measurements be taken there with the Slacker or across the arc of travel?
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DeleteCorrect, you measure to the "Sag" mark now. The older KTMs use the arc of the axle method. For some reason KTM changed this in 2016. I am pretty sure it was due to so many people measuring vertically so they wanted to "dummy proof" it to make sure it was measured correctly.
DeleteI have a 17 KTM so I am going to use mark that says “ Sag”. My question is, do I put the rubber piece of the clamp holder there at the mark or should the metal (bottom) part closest to where the hook attaches be touching that “sag” mark
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