Quote from: ABSOLUTNATI on September 24, 2007, 09:23:14 AM
So the higher the number, the softer the ride?

No, but the less preload you have, the more it will bounce.  More preload means it BEGINS to act more like a stacked spring.  It will smooth the ride for a heavier person - try it. 

Think about the size of a stereotypical Japanese dude (that's who the bike was designed for).  The front forks are likewise too soft -- stiffer springs will make the ride better (to a point).

So I'll adjust it up to 7. Then I'll be able to tell the difference in which direction I want to go with it. When I hit expansion joints on the road, it sometimes lifts me off the seat. It doesn't feel like it springs me off, it feels like there is no cushion in the shocks. The front seems to be fine. A little on the softer side.

I scraped my left fairing on the ground going over a dip in mid turn  I set it to 7 but haven't ridden it yet, that tool works like a charm if u remove that lower mudflap 

how heavy are you?? I'm only 155 so I need to compare to somebody who uses 7 so I can do math and get my preload 
KaMeL

im about the same weight as you, i havent rode it yet but shouldn't be that bad.

I wouldn't go all the way to 7 straight away.  I just adjusted from 4 to 5 and I can tell the difference (and I weigh around 200 lbs).  I don't think I need it any stiffer than that, unless I'm riding with a passenger.  Go up in increments unless you can't feel a difference between the small step up.

OK then. I think I'll go 2 numbers up and see what happens. If it's still soft I'll go up more and so forth.
thanks for advice
KaMeL

I took a short ride with it set at 7 and there wasnt much difference but it was definitely better then having it at 4, imo you wont have a problem with it set at 7.

i bought my bike used but it did not come with any tool kit.
how can i adjust the shock now without that tool? or do i need to just buy the tool from a dealership!??

my friend and I just changed ours the other day. I am about 205 and set mine to 6. Feels great to me. He is slightly heavier and we set his on 7 and he says his is just fine.

Quote from: b_long_1 on July 21, 2008, 12:33:23 PM
my friend and I just changed ours the other day. I am about 205 and set mine to 6. Feels great to me. He is slightly heavier and we set his on 7 and he says his is just fine.

I am the aforementioned friend. I don't know that the stock suspension will ever be perfect for me, but it definitely feels more planted in the turns when on 7.  I'm guessing 4 might be a standard setting when the bikes are rolled out onto the showroom floor?