I'm a little lighter than you (175lbs) but I just adjusted my suspension yesterday and felt like sharing. up front I've got 2 rings showing, and I backed off the damping a bit. that way it floats over little street stuff, but doesn't dive so much when I get on the front brake. then when it gets really compressed, its still got enough damping to keep from getting bouncy. there really isn't much you can do about the rear with the stock shock. I've softened up everything and its still pretty rough. its set on the 2nd notch with very little damping. I have never owned a bike with really decent suspension so I might not know what I'm missing but I don't think its all that bad. yeah, its stiff in the rear, but not unbearable. however, someday I do intentd to get a fork brace just to see what it'll do.

 

for a bseline to start with

http://sportrider.com/bikes/146_susp_settings/#honda

another useful site

http://www.ablett.jp/bikes/vtr/vtr_sus.htm

 

If the bike is running wide in turns, then your stock rear suspension is not up to the task. I cranked up the preload on my SuperHawk's rear shock to about the 6th click (one or two from max). Did wonders for my turn-in.

On my GSXR, I changed the rear spring to one more suitable for my weight (240 stark naked) and the difference is simply amazing. I also changed the front forks, too, but I'm now considering upgrading the rear shock on my SHawk.

 

Hello,

having recently had my VTR,s suspension worked on (replaced/upgraded fork springs and replaced rear shock) I have it from a good source (REvolution Racing in the UK) that the ideal sag settings are as follows:

8mm in the rear and 28-30mm in the front.

Hope this helps

cheers