Oil thickens when it is cold. Had this issue on my previous bike "Triumph sprint ST" Changed oil to "Ohlins"oil which they use in snow mobiles, is designed for extreme cold conditions and does not thicken as other oils. You might think the bike is breaking in but it is probably getting warmer so the settings will feel softer. ( tell me what you think in the height of summer)
Very interesting.... all the advise that has been given about setups (on this site). I have found it caused me issues because they did not work for me. The only way I set up my bike is to forget all the settings and setup up from scratch.
Here are my discoveries on my newly acquired 2009 (7,500 miles,12,000klm).
Bought (4 weeks ago second hand).... went 2up touring with luggage and liked the bike. Went for a ride (solo) with my brother with and his bike (Honda blackbird CBX1100) and hatted the C14, thought I had made a BIG mistake, wished I had not sold the Triumph.
So... this is what I did..setup the bike for solo (I am 85Kg/187Lbs). Setup Rider sag to manuals recommendations 12x clicks(same as 6x full turns) and the bike had 22mm RIDER Sag!!!!!.... This is Way.... too much. Turned the Preload all the way off and got to 30mm which shocked me.. this is on the upper end of touring bike rear sag (more like racing bike setups). So I have settled on NO preload and have 30mm Rider Sag. I then held the bike at the rear and bounced it with 1 /1/4 turns rebound and the rear was way too hard(too slow return). turned the rebound ALL.. the way off (3x turns) and this felt like my Triumph with "Ohlins" rear shock.
FRONT preload setup for 30mm bike sag ( ended up 10mm preload) and 37mm (33% of Total front travel (113mm ) me on the bike. I am happy with this. (Frt) REBOUND:- bounced the front and found too hard. Settled on 6x clicks.
The Test ride today:- WOW!!!!.... what a difference, the bike is handling beautifully ,it is compliant, turns WAY... quicker, soak up the bumps, now as good, if not better than my Triumph Sport Tourer. What a surprise! (pleasant one)
Summary is:- SETUP THE BIKE based on the fundamentals of Suspension;- FIRST:- setup Preload front and rear. Then bring up the rebound to keep the springs in check. (Use as little rebound as possible, this is where the compliance comes from).
I will do this same exercise 2up if any one is interested, which will be my next task.
I hope this helps someone puzzled about setting up the Connie
PS Tyre pressure Frt 42psi/ Rear 42psi Test Temp 20℃ / 68℉