[Stator Killer]

Does any body know if the Honda Grom or MSX125 rear shock is adjustable?

The reason I ask is that usually on motorcycles you can adjust and tune the rear shock to your weight or rebound to your liking. It would be good for those although not common for such a small bike but to carry an extra passenger. You would set it a bit stiffer so the weight of the passenger(s) would cause the damper to sag.

 

[Bama Dave]

On most bikes not sure for all you can usually adjust the preload to accommodate the rider's specific weight. Tuning the damper is key for performance orient riding. I would look in to it but The Grom is not available here yet. this would be a good question for the MSX 125 enthusiast / owners.

 

[Lozonic]

Funny you brought this up, my brother in law had bought a second hand Suzuki GSX600 and when he took it for a ride he found the ride to be super stiff almost dangerous when he went over a bump. Turns out the bike belong to some one who was 200+ lbs. The previous owner had tweeked it and stiffened it for his weight but my brother in law was only 155 lbs. We had to adjust the preload accordingly.

Adjusting the oem suspension is good but for more adjustability aftermarket is key.

 

[Bama Dave]

Having your suspension too soft or too hard could be dangerous for the rider. Playing with this changes the overall effect of the bike, road conditions and all. I would play it safe at first and then maybe bring it to someone who has experience with suspension adjustments.

 

[Lozonic]

I agree. Even for the Grom you would think since it's consider to be a monkey bike there is no monkey business about it. I would treat it just like any other bike. Even for its size.

Some of these motorcycle gurus have some serious skills and talent. My friend rode up to the dragon and met a guy that was suppose to be "The guy" to go to for adjustments. He tuned the suspension simply by looking at the tire wear. My had him adjust it went out for a test came back and he made minor adjustments and the bike performed better and it was seamless.

 

[Stator Killer]

Thanks guys!

Thats crazy! From just tire wear!? Damn I need to meet this guy.

What do you guys think about the Rear Ohlins shocks that are available for the MSX 125?

 

[Bama Dave]

The Ohlins damper for the MSX 125 / Grom looks like a quality piece. They are well known for what they do. The best part of going with aftermarket ones is being able to adjust both the preload and compression. It also has an external oil resovoir which helps cooling inside the damper cooler when riding hard or going through numerous transitions through turns.

I would pull the trigger but then I don't do enough competition and lap days to justify the cost. And plus the new stock damper would go to waste

 

[Lozonic]

I would love to have these but for $700 I don't know if I would make good use of them. I mean if the stock damper was about to go I would consider these but not when the bike is brand new.

 

[AristoK.]

On most bikes not sure for all you can usually adjust the preload to accommodate the rider's specific weight. Tuning the damper is key for performance orient riding. I would look in to it but The Grom is not available here yet. this would be a good question for the MSX 125 enthusiast / owners.

Is it a common thing for people to adjust oem dampers? Guess I am missing out. I will have to look in to this for the summer. Wonder how much of a difference it would make.

Do you guys think it would be overkill to do this on the Honda Grom?

 

[Stator Killer]

I wouldn't say it is common to do. coming from factory the specs support most average riders to begin with. It is only when the rider advances to a different stage that makes it matter.

It wouldn't be over kill but be better suited for that owner and rider specifically.

 

[chye]

I'm not entirely sure what you can adjust on the stock suspension. It is usually preload and damper settings.

 

[Snakeibf]

Rear shock

The stock rear shock is very basic and there are no adjustments.

 

[Snakeibf]

Thanks guys!

Thats crazy! From just tire wear!? Damn I need to meet this guy.

What do you guys think about the Rear Ohlins shocks that are available for the MSX 125?

Very nice, but $600 is pretty steep. Even an elka isnt that much. Öhlins is well known for quality suspension, It would most likely vastly improve handling and this is the rolls royce of shocks for the msx. Heres a pic of the stock shock. It has no preload, rebound or compression adjustments. For stock its not too bad for me at 180 lbs, but ill be waiting for more options before upgrading.

 

[chye]

Seems like upgrading the rear shock would be a good option since not everyone weighs the same

 

[Bama Dave]

Very nice, but $600 is pretty steep. Even an elka isnt that much. Öhlins is well known for quality suspension, It would most likely vastly improve handling and this is the rolls royce of shocks for the msx. Heres a pic of the stock shock. It has no preload, rebound or compression adjustments. For stock its not too bad for me at 180 lbs, but ill be waiting for more options before upgrading.

I think there was a warning gone out for fake ohlins for the MSX 125 being sold on the market. Better keep an eye out for those. Don't want to be out $600.

Thanks for taking the time to show us an actual picture of the damper. Guess one of the first big things to consider changing is the damper.

 

[DirtyRider]

Hey Snakeibf how does it feel for you at your weight of 180lbs? I am 245lbs so this might be a big concern for me.

 

[CrispyTaco]

I knew it! for around that price for the Honda Grom I expected that we don't get any preload adjustment and that is considered minimal. Oh well Elka or Ohlins here I come...

 

[twowh33lin]

Seems like upgrading the rear shock would be a good option since not everyone weighs the same

Would be a good idea especially if you plan on not just having yourself on the bike.

 

[chye]

Wonder if anyone has thought about selling helper springs are spacers to adjust the preload on the stock suspension.

 

[Snakeibf]

Hey Snakeibf how does it feel for you at your weight of 180lbs? I am 245lbs so this might be a big concern for me.

I would recommend getting a shock that you can adjust the spring pre load on at least. There is a YSS shock for around $100 that should be decent. For the front forks you could either make some spacers to give you a stiffer front end or find some stiffer springs. Give it a ride first and if you have problems with it bottoming out go from there. Thicker weight oils also an option. I haven't disassembled the forks, but they have no adjustments for compression and rebound. They are really basic. I imagine marzocchi will make some you can buy for $1500 or so in the future.

For me the stock suspension works fine for now.
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