Kay my bike's rear has been hopping over bumps a lot. I know it could be too much damping on the rear. But I need to set sag first. And my only help regularly available is my girlfriend.

So I figure I'd use my rear and front fork stands to measure bike + rider. Yet I've never come across any mention of using a stand to help measure. Wondering if there's a reason for it. To me, the amount the forks / shock compresses shouldn't be affected by whether it is on the tires or not. Fork lift and swingarm stands will cause the components to compress. Right?

 

Are you using the triple tree or the base of the forks to lift the bike? I'm sure its fine but the bikes suspension wont be in the same position if its up on stands compared to when you're riding. The idea is to be as close to real world conditions as possible hence having a friend balance the bike. Now if you're someone who races or someone who is OCD and wants to be a precise as possible then no you want a couple of friends to come over and help, for the rest of us a wheel chock is perfect. So I guess what I'm trying to say is if your lifting from the base of the forks and you don't care too much about accuracy then yes the stands will be fine.

 

Another thing to keep in mind is to wear everything you normally would wear while riding. Don't do the setup dressed like a squid, then go riding in full leathers, boots, gloves and helmet.

 

Ah yes, I was assuming... and a full tank of gas.