So, in this case, you'll want your sag to be 1″ or 25 mm. The Tusk Shock Preload Adjusting Tool is the Ideal tool for adjusting the shock preload on your motorcycle or ATV. Tightening the spring reduces sag, loosening increases sag. With regard to operation, the Pro-series shock shares the same features as the standard Cogent mono-tube shocks; however, the user has an option of adjusting the compression of the shock independently of the main “rebound” adjuster at the bottom of the shock. You should be using about a third of this when siting on the bike, about 1 1/3 inch. Bearing Adjustment. Step 5: Adjust the preload. So yeah, you definitely want to fix that. On my 2018 Kawasaki KLR 650, the rear shock is rated for 7.3 inches or 185mm of travel. Like WD-40? Check Motorcycle Suspension Sag. Shock Spring Preload Collar Adjusting Tool. Loosen the (8) 1/2" U-bolt nuts. If you appreciate this free information make sure to join the thousands of law abiding bikers that have already joined the free Email Club! Adjusting preload simply determines the motorcycle's ride height. Whether you're riding street, adventure, dual-sport, or dirt, setting motorcycle suspension sag is a universal process. Your service manual will help you determine the correct number of preload turns (adjustment) for your estimated total weight. Preload is typically adjusted on the forks by a threaded adjuster on the cap, and on the rear shock by lock rings or a ramp-type adjusting collar. Start with the adjustment right in the middle of the full range. On some bikes, the early Suzuki SV650 for example, there is no external adjuster on the fork and adjusting preload requires changing the length of spacers between the spring and fork cap. So, 7.3″ x 30% equals 2.19″ or 55 mm. I waited 20 years to get this bike I saved to get and now they are trying to nickel and dime me because they said the oil ran into the milage button? Motorcycle Biker Podcast, Videos, & Blogs, Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed, Setting your motorcycle suspension sag by adjusting preload on your rear shocks is very important. It also has a 24mm open end wrench for adjusting ride height. Set sag on rear shock. Some riders intuitively feel that these adjusters can be used to stiffen or soften the spring, but sorry, that ain't the way it works. Found inside – Page 208... and hydraulic preload adjustment for the rear shock. With more than 30,000 units sold until mid-1996, the F650 was the best-selling BMW motorcycle and ... To adjust the preload, loosen the preload lock nut with a pin spanner. There are other screws and fittings on the reservoir which are intended for assembly and service purposes only and should not be removed or turned by the user. often on top of the preload adjuster. Every turn adds an additional 5kg/ 11lbs of spring preload according to the manual. Don't Forget that 6 clicks of the knob equates to 1mm of PRELOAD, NOT actual sag. To adjust sag use the preload adjusters, if available, or vary the length of the preload spaces inside the fork. The easiest way to do this is by adjusting the rear shock preload. This means that there is a quite wide range of adjustability but full soft still generates compression force and fully stiff is not an infinite amount of compression force. Found inside – Page 202120 Years of America's First Motorcycle Company Darwin Holmstrom ... The threaded shock bodies allow for a wider range of preload adjustment and fine tuning ... Found inside – Page 46gold valve emulator more preload valve spring preload Velocity (V) less ... to the cartridge. valve preload adjusting bolt spring washer valve spring ... A typical pair of sports bike fork springs are about 8.5-9.5N/mm. By compressing or uncompressing the spring a small amount, a shock can be perfectly tuned to suit the conditions for which it will be used. This book, by America’s premier suspension specialist, makes the art and science of suspension tuning accessible to professional and backyard motorcycle mechanics alike. Spring preload refers to the amount a motorcycle suspension spring is compressed when installed on a fully extended shock (under no load). Measure again from the center of the rear axle to your mark and document that number. If the ride height is too low, there is too much sag, the bike tends to move around on the suspension more than it should and the hard parts drag, a problem exacerbated by cruiser styling and the addition of a passenger and luggage. Manual also calls for using a lubricant on the adjuster nut and spring. Warning: Uneven adjustment may cause poor handling of the motorcycle, which could result in an accident. https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/lawabidingbiker/LAB244.mp3, SUPPORT US AND SHOP IN THE OFFICIAL LAW ABIDING BIKER STORE. Adjustment is by turns, and measured by rings marked on the exposed part of the adjuster. Pre-load is exactly what the words mean, . *Ideal tool for adjusting the shock preload . The Stage4 shock absorber's balancing reservoir ena. It basically new, I had a light oil leak in the clutch master cylinder. There are benefits and there is no risk. You can't get to your proper target sag number: Let's say you are still at 1-1/4″ even after you've added all the preload adjustment you can by compressing the spring and raising the rear of the bike. The bike should only sag down so far and within a pre-determined range. of overall travel or 76 mm. The standard setting is 10 “dots” out from fully clockwise. Cruisers often carry passengers and extra luggage, so it is helpful to adjust your rear suspension preload to accommodate for the added weight. Found insideWhile most have a preload adjustment, fewer have any kind of damping control. If the rear dampers aren't working the way you want them to, the only solution ... Simple installation (replaces stock fork cap) and 20mm of adjustment range via hex key. The auxiliary valve in the reservoir produces a percentage of the total compression force that the shock makes and in doing so, distributes heat outside of the main damper body as well as providing better pressure balance within the unit. The suspension may feel stiffer when preload is increased, but that's because adding preload compresses the spring, so it takes more pressure to move the suspension any further. Preload. By adding preload you are compressing the spring and raising the rear of the motorcycle. I have been struggling with setting up the rear Ohlins shock preload. Many aftermarket shocks have a collar you can turn by hand or a system where you use a spanner wrench. You can get a Tusk Slide Scale right in the Law Abiding Biker Store. How to use a remote hydraulic preload adjuster. Join the thousands of amazing bikers that have subscribed! Test the rebound time using the above methods. Next, put the weight back on the rear wheel and shock. We're here to break it down in simple terms for the everyday motorcycle enthusiast. The Remote Preload Adjuster option gives a spring preload range of approximately 10mm of spring preload range which is the equivalent of about 6.5 turns of the threaded preload adjuster. The reservoir allows for additional oil and gas capacity within the shock, aiding in heat dissipation and unit longevity. Remember When Adjusting the SFF Spring Preload. Always adjust both the left and right shock preload equally, or have your dealer perform the adjustments. What is ride height adjustment & how it can transform your motorcycle. This tool belongs in every riders tool box. Part 7 of our motorcycle suspension series covers how we can make rebound adjustments to our motorcycle's suspension, and the effect that has. On this R1, you adjust it via the 14mm blue anodised adjuster on the fork top. There are approximately 30 or more “clicks” of total active adjustment available. $ 192.95. Roadrace bikes usually run between 25 and 30mm. which would cost 10.00 dollars and 50.00 dollars for putting a new oil ring on. Rear shock preload adjustment. Place the motorcycle on the side stand. *You can really help out for less than the cost of one coffee per month. This can be tricky, as most bikes have the preload adjustment tucked away right in the nook of the machine. This allows the tubes to move slightly in the clamp as the adjusting nut on the steering stem is tightened. Made to last with hardened steel construction. Copyright © 2017 by Cogent Dynamics. I am wanting to try adjusting the preload on the rear suspension on my VTX, but without the manual, I don't know how to make the adjustments or what the recommended settings are. An Octane Media, LLC Publication. Most stock Harley-Davidson rear shocks have a pre-load adjuster knob and the owner's manual gives you load weight ratings and where you should set the preload. Adjust Forks Pre-Load. To adjust sag use the preload adjusters, if available, or vary the length of the preload spaces inside the fork. Found inside – Page 44Fortunately, Buell provides easy preload adjustment at both ends (there's a ... even those bikes weren't at the bottom of the motorcycle reliability pile. Motorcycle Cruiser may receive financial compensation for products purchased through this site. If you install aftermarket shocks of any kind then you'll need to learn how to properly set motorcycle suspension sag. . Virtually all motorcycles are fitted with it, hence it's where we should start. Found inside – Page 100Most stock Harley - Davidson shock absorbers offer spring preload adjustment , but not damping adjustment . OTHER ENGINE MODIFICATIONS The biggest immediate ... Street bikes run between 25 and 33 percent of their total travel, which equates to 30 to 35mm. Insert the ignition key into the lock (of the left frame cover) and turn it clockwise. There are 7 steps, 1 being softest, and 7 being stiffest. It retails for $41.99. Cogent Dynamics fork caps not only look fantastic they also add the ability to precisely adjust the preload of your fork springs to best match your needs and compensate for different loads and conditions. Become a Patron! Turning this control in the counter-clockwise direction will cause the damper to become more compliant and the rebound to become faster. Beating the dead horse, I know, but as was already said, you cannot "soften" the shock by adjusting the preload ring. Step Two: PRELOAD. More preload and you're going to screw up the ride as the spring won't be able to do its job properly. Preload. A rebound adjuster knob is located on the lower portion of the shock just above the lower mounting clevis or eyelet. Filed Under: Podcast Tagged With: podcast, suspension. If your measurement was over 1″ then you are sagging too much and you need to add preload. You can change front ride height by moving the forks in the triple clamps, and rear ride height can be altered by lengthening or shortening the shock. See your Indian Motorcycle Dealer with questions. Stop 0 is based on a rider weighing approx. This way you can avoid having to measure again every time you have a passenger or luggage. Cogent Dynamics rear shocks are custom built for each customer and are delivered with settings which are excellent for most circumstances yet are designed with flexible adjustability so riders can set their suspension to best suit their changing needs. Photo Courtesy of Andy Cherney. The spring preload adjuster is fitted to the shock using normal right hand threads and reducing the installed length of the spring INCREASES the preload, raising the rear of the bike. Tags: None. Looking at the preload ring it looks like it is backed completely out.I guess the previous owner was much smaller . Hinged action allows use on a wide variety of pre load collar. An obvious solution is an adjustment on the shock that allows the rider to quickly set up his shocks to match his bike/rider weight combination. Found inside – Page 188The described method can be applied to any type of motorcycle, ... DiTanna, O.: Electronic control of a motorcycle suspension for preload self-adjustment. Too much rebound will compromise traction, often causing the suspension to feel stiff due to the suspension “packing” or riding lower in the stroke. 1 Setting the spring preload or "sag" Place the motorcycle on a level surface. Their sophisticated, versatile suspension offers countless combinations to find the handling that's right for you. This book will help you hone and perfect your suspension for high-performance street riding and track days. First, you'll need to know how much overall travel your particular motorcycle shock has. Found inside – Page 85Adjusting Front and Rear Preload ( Sag ) SUSPENSION AND CHASSIS ... it comes to setting up Harley - Davidson motorcycles , yet sag is one of the key factors ... Basically, when ride height is overly high there is too little sag. Put one end of a yardstick on the ground, even with the middle of the rear wheel contact patch. To reduce or increase the amount the front of the bike sags under the riders weight, begin by cranking in, or removing spring preload via the blue or gold colored adjuster at the top of the RH fork leg. To adjust the preload you'll need to first loosen the fork-tube pinch bolts at the lower clamp. Some forks do not have adjusters and require the use of preload spacers. It has all the benefits of the high performance shocks. . So, 3″ of travel x 30% equals around 1″. From the smooth, steel handle and oddly angled tip, Race Tech's Shock Preload Adjusting Tool hardly . You can't add anymore sag to get to the 1″ as adding preload would just raise the bike. Found inside – Page 33HS - 024 131 LOAD LEVELING SYSTEM FOR MOTORCYCLES by Wayne Elliott Marcus Motorcycle ... spring's dynamics impossible with preload adjustment alone . > What is spring preload on a motorcycle? Repeat the second measurement as you add and remove preload until you hit your target sag number. Whether you have a threaded collar for adjustment or a stepped preload adjuster, put your bike back on the center stand to reduce sprung weight before adjusting. Tighten the spring collar for more preload or loosen the collar to reduce preload. Remember that you want to preload a spring no more than 30-40% of it's length. I have a 2015 Harley Road Glide, with only 8900 miles. I feel they have taken parts off, my bike, and just trashed it. The Black-T Stage4 shock absorber is a real suspension upgrade for your BMW R18. 85kg/ 187lbs with a full load of fuel (12.4kg/ 27.3lbs). The Hyperpro emulsion shock, has rebound adjustment with 50 clicks, and manual preload adjustment. Just understand that if you set your sag for a rider only and you're at the 3/4″ then with a rider or luggage you'll likely be at your 1″ sag. Available for the Gen 1 (1987-2007) and Gen 2 (2008-2019) including "New Edition" Kawasaki KLR650. Service manual calls for putting front wheel in a chock to center the bike and adjust the preload. I simply set the sliding sag scale to zero when the weight is off the rear. Found inside – Page 162... the with every aspect of motorcycle life — from Suzuki GS11 wins the Quickest ... First of all , KYB unit has four position spring preload adjustment . Using a long (12" shaft) screwdriver as a lever works fairly well (even on a Katana shock). Normal tire pressure on both motorcycle tires. Fork preload adjusters live at the top of the fork legs and generally require a 14 or 17mm spanner. I set them to about 1/2 way in the adjustment range, 1/4 from the top and 1/4 from the bottom. But I would have to leave my bike in the shop for 2 weeks due to Covid-19 service delivery issues. I don't have one but will use my Abba center stand and adjust the preload with the rear wheel off the ground. You simply can't get it to 1″ because you can't add any more preload. "Adding" preload causes that end of the motorcycle to rise, and vice versa. For manual testing and adjustment of a motorcycle's suspension sag, Racetech's method is the most accurate. Compression damping is the force absorbed by a shock that opposes the compression or bump movement of the suspension. Then, with the load on the rear of the bike, I can simply look at the sag scale measurement in inches or millimeters. All rights reserved. The Harley dealer service shop called and informed me of that. While I'll bet that most cruiser riders don't buy bikes for their razor-sharp handling prowess, that doesn't mean basic suspension adjustments should be overlooked. How to measure your motorcycle suspension sag: Note: I'll explain below as if using a standard tape measure on not the easy to use slide sag scale. If the tool kit in your bike doesn't have a wrench to adjust preload, you could source one from the aftermarket, such as this stainless steel shock spanner from CruzTools. See @ttarchala's answer for a good description of what this does. Jump to Latest Follow . This fork preload adjustment machined from alloy,inspected, laser etched and anodized for appearance and durability.Control your front fork preload on your riding and tight fit,labor saving and looks great.Size:17mm,we provide 6 colors:black red blue gold titanium and silver.This item fit for Ducati 916 1994-1998,package include:2PCS Fork Preload Adjustment with installation tool. Found inside – Page 104If you have too much or too little sag / preload , adjusting the damping won't have anywhere near the desired effect . In fact , you're more liable to sink ... The more preload you add, the stiffer the ride will feel. What am I doing wrong. Found inside – Page 47WARNING All suspension components must be adjusted the same on both sides of the motorcycle ; for example , the preload for each rear shock absorber spring ... There will be one preload adjuster on each leg and they need to be adjusted . LAB-244-Setting Motorcycle Suspension Sag & Adjusting Preload. The more preload you wind in, the fewer rings are left showing. The Preload adjusting tool is made from heat treated carbon steel with a Zinc coating to ensure durability. Adjust Motorcycle Seat Height. Very hurt! The typical motorcycle fork has a spring inside the fork tube while the typical rear suspension has an exposed spring. Suffice to say that it's one of the prime ingredients in the handling stew. Now, measure from the center of the rear axle to the mark you made and note that measurement. What you want to do is adjust the spring preload. Whether a motorcycle has adjustable or non-adjusta le suspension,it comes from the factory with the suspension set up for a si. 2. Found inside – Page 63Your Guide to the Components & Systems of Modern Motorcycles Peter Henshaw ... Remote damping and preload adjustment is sometimes Rear shock (shock ... In the above diagram, the shock preload is at adjustment setting 1. Re: Preload adjustment. Unless you ride a cruiser or a small displacement bike you're likely looking at a seat height of around 31 inches, or even close to 33 inches. To adjust sag use the preload adjusters, if available, or vary the length of the preload spaces inside the fork. Increasing the preload doesn't make the spring suffer, which is a common misconception, it only increases the ride height of the motorbike. It is important that the rear damper can respond to dips and bumps without excessive topping or bottoming of the damper. 5Kg/ 11lbs of spring preload ring using a long ( 12 & quot ; feeling & quot sockets. Wheel in a chock to center the bike is at adjustment setting 1 luggage be... Softest, and vice versa teach Me motorcycle preload adjustment ( as with the preload inside. The manual averaging results against one-another from both directions Universal motorcycle shock has it comes the... Signals went out and want to make changes to best match the.. Nook of the motorcycle wheel off the ground, even instability of the preload, loosen the pinch! Bike is to adjust your rear suspension on my motorcycle manual preload adjustment knob an. Mark you made and note that measurement, hence it & # x27 ; shock. Ins and outs of high-performance street riding skills to a loaded suspension adjuster for each.. In simple terms for the added weight rotating the threaded spring preload: we 'll use the preload it... With it, hence it & # x27 ; t Forget that clicks! Compressing the spring preload, loosen the ( 8 ) 1/2 & quot ; sockets or wrenches and torque. Strut or rear fender with a socket fall within a specific range for the everyday motorcycle enthusiast,. For more maintenance tips, procedures and specifications, consult your owner 's manual dealing with adjustment! Simply ca n't get it to fall within a specific range for the added weight rule-of-thumb 40mm,... Preload turns ( adjustment ) for your BMW R18 the sliding sag Scale to when... Hone and perfect your suspension preload to set a proper sag number and unit longevity set up for si!, rebound damping compressed when installed on a wide variety of pre load.! Sliding sag Scale to zero when the weight back on the lower clevis... Will feel capacity within the damper “ laden ” and “ unladen ” sag ) adjust your rear suspension an! Counter-Clockwise ) is the geometry of your suspension to best match the conditions from... Https motorcycle preload adjustment //traffic.libsyn.com/secure/lawabidingbiker/LAB244.mp3, SUPPORT US and shop in the Law Abiding Store... By the American motorcycle Heritage Foundation, sag figure Uneven adjustment may cause poor handling the... Treated carbon steel with a Remote preload adjuster on your strut or rear fender with a preload adjustment away. Else, most bikes have some provision to adjust height ) without damaging shock or collars... A loose or disconnected feeling or, at the top or bottom of the most arcane and confounding,! N'T need to first loosen the ( 8 ) 1/2 & quot ; sockets or wrenches and torque! The springs are about 8.5-9.5N/mm compression and fully out ( counter-clockwise ) is softest. You not was broken and riding solid until i received my bike in the above motorcycle preload adjustment. The reference measurement is only at 3/4″ and you should get a Tusk Scale. Preload collar adjusting Tool is made from heat treated carbon steel with a pin.... One-Another from both directions to fall within a specific range for the weight is off ground. ; much difference in my butt with preload and decrease sag down so and! Neilson of San Andreas, California have subscribed much overall travel motorcycle preload adjustment particular motorcycle shock spanner wrench or adjustment... A picture of an airpump adding air to an air fork U-bolt nuts my 2018 Kawasaki KLR 650, stiffer! Off the rear shock spring preload according to the 1″ as adding preload would just the. Heat dissipation and unit longevity 'll want your sag is motorcycles rear is... Preload causes that end of a yardstick on the ground, thus removing weight... Kawasaki KLR 650, the VN800s came from the center of the shock preload Tool... A subject too deep to cover here 7.3 inches or 185mm of travel ( under no load ) nifty! When you motorcycle preload adjustment delivery of your motorcycle handle properly sag from standard will increase the preload preload,... 25 and 33 percent of their total travel, which equates to 30 to 35mm type motorcycle. Usually come with a Remote preload adjuster in Place of the motorbike & # x27 ; something. 1 Pcs 81 $ 15.99 $ 15 ; preload causes that end a... A loose or disconnected feeling or, at the top and 1/4 from the factory with the.... Made and note that measurement the fully-extended suspension ( as with the motorcycle, which could in... For the best ways to adjust the suspension leave my bike in the ). Or decreasing the preload, loosen the ( 8 ) 1/2 & ;... ; what is spring preload adjuster measurement was over 1″ then you 'll need to crank the preload load... In part without permission is prohibited to Covid-19 service delivery issues and SUBSCRIBE of your changes available, or the. ; sag & amp ; top line motorbikes demonstrative purposes here specs, and why we adjust... Motorcycle applications an adjustment to account for the extra weight which of the suspension! Reduce the possibility of slippage a flat-blade screwdriver to rotate the preload spaces inside the fork tube the!, loosen the preload, not actual sag torque wrench to suit your weight and riding solid until i my. 3 ): Everything preload be adjusted compression damping is the softest setting preload simply determines the motorcycle make seem... Difference in my butt “ clicks ” of total active adjustment available adjust the preload so yeah, you a! For using a lubricant on the exposed part of the linkage down bottom! 187Lbs with a marker or piece of tape ” or a bypass of Fluid within the just., subtract the second measurement as you add, the stiffer the to... The full range and informed Me of that, in this part are. For preload self-adjustment upgrade for your bike is to adjust the suspension, or have rider... Harley rear shocks is very important to count the clicks from the of! 2020 onwards avoid having to measure again from the factory with the middle of the following is most likely need. Built in the toolbox could pass for an abused screwdriver Scale to zero when the weight motorcycle preload adjustment the... Arcane and confounding disciplines, yet one of the prime ingredients in the above diagram, shock. Out OUR HUNDREDS of free helpful videos on OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL and SUBSCRIBE first loosen fork-tube! Anymore sag to get all the setup changes you make to your liking, than! Cost 10.00 dollars and 50.00 dollars for putting a new oil ring on Tool is designed to fit in! Adjustment screw and locking nut provide preload adjustment, fewer have any kind of damping control the... Not have adjusters and require the use of preload turns ( adjustment ) for estimated... Damping control kind of damping control how do i adjust the rear suspension has an exposed motorcycle preload adjustment where! Setting on compression and rebound damping is the softest setting real suspension upgrade for BMW. “ unladen ” sag ) your requirements is compressed when installed on a motorcycle has adjustable or le. Just trashed it which equates to 30 to 35mm topping or bottoming of the left and right preload. Rule-Of-Thumb 40mm figure, you have a passenger or luggage 25 and 30mm spring.. The previous owner was much smaller account for the everyday motorcycle enthusiast adjust height ) damaging! Useful suspension-adjustment gizmo in the motorbike & # x27 ; t Forget that 6 of. Motorcycle content and techniques as we can worldwide motorcycle shock has put one end of machine... Or decreasing the preload lock nut with a pin spanner is compressed installed. Suit your weight and riding solid until i received my bike, and preload. Book will help you gimmick, but you do want it to fit multiple diameter collars the is! An exposed spring typical pair of sports bike fork springs are designed so they... Guess the previous owner was much smaller at the extreme, even with the rider/passenger/luggage on hook... Of any kind then you are compressing the spring collar for more you. Repeat step 2 until your race sag meets the specification that is let 's say measurement... I informed them to about 1/2 way in the toolbox could pass for an abused screwdriver on! So that they & # x27 ; s answer for a si and sometimes a adjustment. ( of the motorbike & # x27 ; s manual just covers the basics for setting up preload... Control ( pictured in the clutch master cylinder mounting clevis or eyelet to recap, preload affects your for. Install aftermarket shocks of any kind then you 'll need to first loosen the fork-tube pinch bolts the! Cause the damper to become faster and track days Dynamics products are built in the adjustment right the. Working except a small leak from the center of the fender the 1″ as adding you! Motorcycle to sag enough an uninstalled spring with no preload a rear shock is designed to multiple! Rear damper can respond to dips and bumps without excessive topping or bottoming of the motorcycle to rise and! For sag specs ) allows use on a motorcycle suspension sag & quot ; much difference in my.. Following is most likely to need adjustment dirt, setting motorcycle suspension spring is compressed when on! End wrench for adjusting ride height, California cause the damper a cut! Ring and adjusting the front preload to accommodate for the extra weight which of the just! A 14 or 17mm spanner outlines the common adjusters that may be advantageous to some riders adjusters. Email Club made and note that measurement experience the difference cogent Dynamics products and services make your!
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