Stock rear shock adjustment

[2fear]

My stock rear shocks feel like they need to be stiffer, I adjusted them at the top but I would like them a little stiffer. Can you adjust them from the bottom also? I know about the progressive shocks, just not ready for that mod yet. I rode the 85 Max for 19 years and never seem to have this issue, my 05 seems to squat under hard acceleration:ummm:

 

[4gasem]

Yes... Turn the bottom with the supplied tool to set preload. Read the manual for pics and such.

Chris

 

[2fear]

I don't have a manual, I looked in my old Clymer and it showed nothing?? I gave that up with the 85 also.

 

[2fear]

Any tips... or how to would be great. I would think to make stiffer I would compress the springs? Or am I looking at it backwards, is it easy to turn them? Anything I should look out for? Sorry for all the questions I just don't want to scratch up my stuff.

 

[06VMAXIMUS]

I think the only adjustment (on the newer models) is the top ring. The chrome one with numbers 1 thru 4 on it. I may be wrong, I will look.

 

[06VMAXIMUS]

Yep, no adjustment at bottom on the stockers. Just the top which I don't think does much that I have noticed.

 

[2stangs69-91]

I stiffened my rear springs up also. You can twist the bottom shock ring for more spring pressure. I think there are 5 settings ? You can see the notches were they can go. I think I have my shocks on 3 bottom and 3 top.

 

[06VMAXIMUS]

I stiffened my rear springs up also. You can twist the bottom shock ring for more spring pressure. I think there are 5 settings ? You can see the notches were they can go. I think I have my shocks on 3 bottom and 3 top.

Really? I thought the holes at the bottom were just drain holes for the lower spring cup. Let me know for sure, because I would like to stiffen mine up as well if possible!

 

[gamorg02]

owners manual....

 

[4gasem]

You guys are funny... Don't play like that... Only one setting... lol

Really? You didn't believe that did you? No preload setting?

Chris

 

[06VMAXIMUS]

No, seriously I did not know they adjusted! Every adjustable shock I have seen has the "tab" welded to the outside, and you 'ramp' the lower spring cup up to the next setting.

 

[2fear]

I adjusted my rear stock shocks preload (bottom of the shock) Set it at 3 and set the top at 3 also. Wow, what a big difference it made! Feels like I gained 10 HP lol, much nicer in the corners also. Thanks for all the info and help guy's.

 

[06VMAXIMUS]

Did it make the ride more harsh?

 

[2fear]

Did it make the ride more harsh?

Not at all, I ride alone so the only thing different is it don't squat as much when I get heavy on the gas. If you don't like it you can put it back....

 

[sidwin]

i went 2 and 2. definitely took the cadillac feeling out of the bike but pushes in the turn much better now.

 

[JA Wieken]

owners manual....

Does this really do something towards handling ?
I also heve these schocks and ride alone, what would be the recommended start setting ?
(as i'm new to this bike, rode other shit for years)

 

[Fire-medic]

yes but you need to experiment as different weight people with different needs of their bikes will use different settings. You could try full-soft, then full-hard, w/road work in between to get a sense of where you prefer it. I like a firmer setting but you may enjoy comfort. Also I'm > 200 lbs.