Take a look and make a quick inventory of your entire suspension system. Got it. OK, you missed 4 things: Tires, Elbows, Knees, and Groin.
Tires are actually THE most important component in the suspension system, let alone on the entire bike. They are what everything on the entire bike works to serve. They flex and roll with the road surface providing grip in turns. They transmit acceleration and braking forces to make you go and stop. Tire pressure, rubber compound, casing design and size all contribute greatly to how well your bike works. Take the time to learn more about tires and spend the money to get quality rubber under your bike. Trevor White has published an extensive page on tires here.
When choosing a tire, remember that a tire that works well for one bike may not work well for another. The weight of a 600 is very different from that of a 1300. It is important to listen to as many riders that ride the same or very similar bike as you with regard to tires. Filter out the bullshit and factor in that racing needs are very different from street. Then get some tires. When they are spent, reevaluate whether they did everything you wanted in terms of performance / life / conditions. If they did not live up to your needs, try a different tire. Always listen up when riders talk about tires. Again, they are what everything on the entire bike works to serve.
Dead weight is a bitch to carry. Have you ever tried to carry a drunk or better yet a corpse? It is not easy. Why? The weight is doing nothing to help you carry it. This is what your bike is going through when you are not using your elbows, knees, and groin to their full potential. Watch a horse jockey, descending bicyclist, or motocross rider move about their ride. They float over their ride to make the whole system move much faster and in greater control. This motion is done on a sport bike as well although not as pronounced if at all visible. Get your weight off the seat, not so much out of contact, but your weight. Get your weight onto your pegs. Get off the seat over big bumps and very rough surfaces. Rock forward or rear back as needed. Motorcycling is called a sport because you have to use your body, so use it. Probably the best way to keep this in mind is to remember that a motorcycle doesn't have seat, it has a saddle.
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