Adjusting suspension on a GS

[tallchris99]

I have read my Haynes manual on this. It made my head hurt but that could be my Easter hangover.

My GS suspension is fine for me one up but not good for me and the pillion. She is a big woman and weighs in I guess at about 13 stone. So that makes about 27 stone for the pair of us.

How do I adjust the suspension to suit? How do I tell what setting the suspension is currently at before I start?

Make it simple for the sake of my poor head.

 

[Timolgra]

REAR
You'll need to wind the preload down to at least two thirds and adjust the rebound to suit. Count the clicks out (ACW) from fully screwed in clockwise.

I'd go for a slightly stiffer spring than standard with 27 stone on board! ..... something that compromises riding solo and two up, (possibly an extra 10NM over standard) the bike will then handle better for not having so much preload

FRONT
use the BMW spanner and increase the preload by one click and see, they run best with just one click solo on a standard shock imo.

 

[tallchris99]

REAR
You'll need to wind the preload down to at least two thirds and adjust the rebound to suit. Count the clicks out (ACW) from fully screwed in clockwise.

I'd go for a slightly stiffer spring than standard with 27 stone on board! ..... something that compromises riding solo and two up, (possibly an extra 10NM over standard) the bike will then handle better for not having so much preload

FRONT
use the BMW spanner and increase the preload by one click and see, they run best with just one click solo on a standard shock imo.

OPk, a few questions. What does this mean?

I have a C spanner. I can see there is a clicky ring underneath the c spanner ring. Do I adjust the bit using the spanner or just the clikcy ring bit by hand or what?

 

[Timolgra]

Step away from the tool box

 

[snelly]

Step away from the tool box

Was just about to tap the same.

 

[unibar]

Me and Missus = 30 stone I won't divulge the distribution. Bikes been better two up with a hyper pro spring on rear had one on front too but took it off when shock was last serviced as it was too harsh


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[tallchris99]

Step away from the tool box

I am a crap mechanic.

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

I am a crap mechanic.

We can see

 

[ian6760]

I am a crap mechanic.

Firstly ID the shocks you have fitted. If you have the standard shocks the c spanner is only for the front adjustment.

If it's a standard rear shock the preload adjuster is bolted to the left foot peg bracket.

Go and have a look.

 

[tallchris99]

Firstly ID the shocks you have fitted. If you have the standard shocks the c spanner is only for the front adjustment.

If it's a standard rear shock the preload adjuster is bolted to the left foot peg bracket.

Go and have a look.

There is no pre load adjuster on the foot peg bracket. The shock is self contained. it has a ring for a c spanner and below that a hand adjustable knurled ring.

 

[Comfy Old Boots]

As I remember it, the c spanner turns the preload. Standing on rider left of the bike move the ring right to left using the c spanner. It'll add preload.

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[ian6760]

Well that's a new one on me, it sounds like an after market shock, no wonder the Haynes manual made no sence.

Sorry I don't think I'll be much help.

 

[ahebron]

Or remove the pillion seat as I have and tell her to get her own bike and licence.
Now it isnt because I am cruel unfeeling bastard but I weigh 125kg and putting anymore weight on the poor bike is just not right.
And my rear WP shock has a 150kg spring.

Adrian

 

[tallchris99]

I had cause to remove the rear shock today (see crap mechanic thread). I was able to have a good look at it. Essentially, do I want to shorten the spring by tightening the c ring at the bottom or lengthen it to allow for a pillion? Further, what purpose is the knurled ring at the very bottom? I turn it, it clicks, whats this doing?

 

[Comfy Old Boots]

Chris your asking about blacks arts.

Make the spring shorter to compensate for more weight.

The knurled twisty thing is damping. This controles the rate at whick the spring bounces up and down.

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[tallchris99]

Chris your asking about blacks arts.

Make the spring shorter to compensate for more weight.

The knurled twisty thing is damping. This controles the rate at whick the spring bounces up and down.

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I will therefore shorten the spring and leave the damping alone...

 

[Timolgra]

The knurled twisty thing is damping. This controles the rate at whick the spring bounces up and down.

It'll control the rate it 'bounces' up ie. rebound unless his shock also has compression damping.