Rear Shock Preload

[kvgs]

I've been doing my research the best i can on the the rear shock preloading. I weigh 125lbs so I figure my shock should on about 4. (Does 4 sound resonable for me?) But what I can't figure out is the point at which I'm suppose to line the numbers up with, is the front of the bike or  the back or maybee some other? :dunno:
Thanks for the help

[Turkina]

I'm lazy... read this post
My thoughts on preload
You're on the lighter side, so you would be a 3

there's an oval pin with umm, i think 2 rivets in it showing between the holes in the preload collar.  The notches in the preload collar rest against this pin.  Line up your desired number with this notch It's on the side of the shock.

[conradvr]

This is a section of a very useful guide - basically measure and set to rider and static sag.

http://www.gostar-racing.com/information/motorcycle_suspension_set-up.htm#SET UP BIKE TO YOUR WEIGHT

[Keloran]

I recently aquired a 2002 GS500. I've adjusted my rear preload down to 1 because I'm short and weigh 120lbs. For me, the adjustment was an effort to try and lower the seat height some more to accomodate my umm, lack of height (I'm 5'2") but it doesn't seem to have made any difference from 4 down to 1 because I'm not heavy enough!

Should I adjust it back up to oh ... 3? I'm planning on getting my seat shaved down.

-Kel

[TR]

Stock shock comes on 4 (out of 7), I think 2004's have only 5 notches. When I raised my set up 1 notch noticed a more agile bike, but it was needed to raise it to 7, I am 5'7" and 190 pounds, as shock worn off. Everyone will tell you, upgrade to Katana soch, I did and the bike works much better now with progressive springs and a Katana shock.

[Lukewarm Wilson]

I sympathise with your height and weight restrictions as I'm 5ft 4inch and 55kg what ever that is in pounds.
I've found number three setting is the way to go for us light weights, leave it there you wont get much better because the standard suspension is crap and we barely have enough weight to make suspension work anyway.  
The only way around it seems to be suspension upgrades which most everyone here recommends anyway.
I know I can barley wait for new fork springs and an RGV rear shock but I'm waiting for my warranty to run out so if any thing happens to it Suzuki wont say " sorry mate but as you put those on you voided your warranty"
not much comfort I know but hopre it has helped
Anyone out there got about 10-15kg of weight they can lend me prefer muscle instead of fat. :lol:    

[Lukewarm Wilson]

also about 5inchs in height  :lol:

[kvgs]

Thanks for the help, I get her done right now.

[GaryIF]

After some experimentation at various settings, I've settled in on 5 (out of 7) for my 2001.  I'm 5'9" and weigh 170 lbs with full riding gear (helmet, jacket, etc.).