Step-by-Step: Setting Your Sag for the Perfect Ride

If you want your motorcycle to handle at its best, there’s one adjustment that makes the biggest difference: setting your sag. Sag is the amount your suspension compresses under your weight, and it’s the foundation for every other suspension adjustment. Get it wrong, and no amount of tweaking rebound or compression will save your ride. Get it right, and your bike feels planted, balanced, and confidence-inspiring.

This guide walks you step-by-step through the process of setting sag for the perfect ride.

What You’ll Need

• A measuring tape (metric is easiest)

• A stand to lift the bike off the ground

• A friend to help measure (optional but very handy)

• Your full riding gear (yes, it matters)

Step 1: Measure Fully Extended Length

Lift the bike so the wheels are off the ground and the suspension is fully extended.

• Measure from the rear axle straight up to a fixed point on the tail (use tape or a marker to keep it consistent).

• Record this number as L1.

Step 2: Measure With Bike Only (No Rider)

Take the bike off the stand and let it rest under its own weight.

• Measure again from the same two points.

• Record this number as L2.

The difference between L1 and L2 is static sag.

Step 3: Measure With Rider (Full Gear)

Now sit on the bike in your normal riding position, with feet up if possible.

• Have your helper measure once again from axle to reference point.

• Record this number as L3.

The difference between L1 and L3 is rider sag (also called laden sag).

Step 4: Compare Against Target Values

For most sportbikes and road bikes:

• Front rider sag: 30–35mm

• Rear rider sag: 25–30mm

For adventure and off-road bikes, the numbers may vary slightly higher (closer to 35–45mm).

Step 5: Adjust Preload

If your sag is outside the recommended range, adjust preload:

• Too much sag (bike too low): Increase preload.

• Too little sag (bike too tall): Decrease preload.

Re-measure until you’re within target range.

Why This Matters

Correct sag ensures your suspension has enough travel in both directions: to absorb bumps (compression) and to keep the tire in contact with the ground (rebound). Without it, your bike can feel vague, harsh, or unstable.

The MotoTuned Advantage

Setting sag is the first step toward a properly tuned motorcycle—but it’s only the beginning. Once sag is dialed in, we can fine-tune damping to match your riding style, terrain, and goals. At MotoTuned, we help riders transform their bikes from unpredictable to razor sharp.

Key Takeaway:

Sag is the foundation of suspension tuning. Set it correctly, and every ride feels smoother, faster, and more controlled.