Featherweight Suspension Setup - Feature Review - Dirt Rider Magazine

Dear Dirt Rider,My name is Jesse Fleetwood and I'm 15 years old. I just got a new RM125 and rode it for my first time yesterday. I have riden a 125 before; I got head shake and crashed and broke my collar bone. People told me it was because I was too light (I'm 115 lbs).Before going out this time I made sure my sag was set on suspension, and I tightend the neck bolt so my bars weren't loose. After doing this I still got some head shake on bumps, on straights and in braking bumps. People told me that if I squeeze my tank and stay in the attack position then it wont happen. Well, I do that and it helps but I was wondering if you know any other way to get rid of it. I know that a steering stabilizer will work but that's a little more then I want to spend.Thank you,JesseJesse,At 115 pounds you are still very light for a 125. Most 125s cannot be set-up for a rider under 135 pounds with the stock springs. You should go at least one step softer on spring rate front and rear. That will help the headshake problem. One very light and short racer I know never could eliminate headshake, and had to get a Scotts damper for motocross, but most riders can make adjustments.If you are getting headshake under braking, then the stiff springs are probably the cause. If the bike is shaking under acceleration, then it is possible the rear shock rebound is too slow.Be careful out there.Karel Kramer
Senior Editor