Author Topic: Pre-Load Setting (Read 2690 times)

ricklee4570 · « **on:** June 22, 2007, 07:19:22 AM »

On my 97 1200 I have come to the conclusion that in order to be comfortable I need to run my Pre-Load on Setting #1 (softest)

Dampner is on #2.

Just curious as to what others have theirs set on?

By the way, I weigh about 185. Any other setting perches the bike up in the rear and I feel like I am sliding into the tank!

ZenMan · « **Reply #1 on:** June 22, 2007, 09:56:11 AM »

Seems soft for your weight. How is it around corners? Sluggish?

How do you describe uncomfortable? Hard bumps? Softening your dampening is what cures hard ride, not preload.

Here's some interesting reading on suspension:

http://www.sportrider.com/tech/suspension/

Sven · « **Reply #2 on:** June 22, 2007, 10:52:33 AM »

Quote from: "ZenMan"

Here's some interesting reading on suspension: http://www.sportrider.com/tech/suspension/

I've read that before, but like a lot of things, it's more meaningful over time. Thanks for posting that.

PhilS · « **Reply #3 on:** July 11, 2007, 12:01:19 AM »

Hi Guys:

I have a new 2007 1250S. I am trying to move the rear shock setting from factory 4 to 5 to start seeing what difference things make. I CANT GET IT TO MOVE!!!!

I am using that stupid spanner tool with the extension but I can not get the dial ring up top to move. Any ideas what I amy be doing wrong?? Sorry to be a doof here, but this is a bit frustrating.

Thoughts?

Phil

ZenMan · « **Reply #4 on:** July 11, 2007, 12:19:16 AM »

Quote from: "PhilS"

Hi Guys:

I have a new 2007 1250S. I am trying to move the rear shock setting from factory 4 to 5 to start seeing what difference things make. I CANT GET IT TO MOVE!!!! I am using that stupid spanner tool with the extension but I can not get the dial ring up top to move. Any ideas what I amy be doing wrong?? Sorry to be a doof here, but this is a bit frustrating.

Thoughts?

Phil

If you haven't already done so, put your bike up on the centerstand, this takes the weight off the spring.

Take some WD-40 and using the little red straw, squirt it liberally all around the ring and top of the spring.

Find or make a longer extension for the adjuster. Gives you more leverage. You can take a pipe and flatten one end with a hammer so the tool fits in the slot better. Or, find a rod or smaller pipe that fits in the round end of the extension.

Start out by trying to turn it down to the #3 position. Once you have it broke loose, it should be a lot easier to turn it back up another 2 clicks. It may help to have a buddy pull down on the rear wheel as you crank on it.

A lot of them are tough to move the first time... I think it's because of putting the shock together before the paint is totally dry at the factory.

If none of this works, you may have to remove the shock entirely and put it in a vice. This isn't as big a deal as you think, it's only a couple bolts and nuts.

Good luck and keep us posted.

PhilS · « **Reply #5 on:** July 11, 2007, 11:09:43 AM »

All is well now. I put it up, WD-40'd it, and took an 18" lever to the tool. It all works.....I must have been a wimp or something. I also removed the passenger footpeg to give me clearance - that made a big difference.

Phil

ZenMan · « **Reply #6 on:** July 11, 2007, 11:19:52 AM »

Excellent!

You're no wimp, it's common for brand new bikes to have parts that stick at first, especially things that are painted.

Good idea on removing the footpeg... there's not much room to work with back there!