Rear Shock Set Up?

[nickc]

Hi

Currently riding 2 up (plus kit) down to Ushuaia in Argentina on a ´88 R100GS.

Suspension appears to be bottoming out even at low speeds over speed bumps (and over pot holes on unsealed roads).

I have a technoflex shock but am not sure re: the optimum set up for such a load:

1) Do I wind the pre-load right down to its max? or will this effect the bouncyness of the ride over such things as shallow hollows in the road? - I am currently approx 5cm from the bottom of the threaded area.

2)There is a red collar/dial at the bottom of the shock that moves in ´clicks´ - I am currently 2 ´clicks´from the bottom (i.e. towards the bottom of the shock) - does anybody know what this does??

Any help much appreciated.

Cheers

Nick & Jill

[Timo]

Nick,

With 2 up and loaded, I would guess that your shock should have the 'preload' set on maximum. This would require threading the coller to the bottom of the thread, compressing the spring. This somewhat depends on the weight of the spring. Some manufacturers have different spring weights set up for heavy/ light riders, but I don't think that Technoflex offers this unless you ordered it specifically, so it is probably averaged, meaning you should crank up the preload of the spring to compensate for the heavy weight you have.

For the compression dampening adjustment of the shock, I am 99% sure that that turning it clockwise (looking at it from the top, turn as you would to tighten a screw or bolt) will increase the dampening, but restricting the flow of oil in and out of the shock chambers. That would reduce the bounciness your are experiencing now. experimenting with the extremes should reveal the right setting very quickly.
Good luck!

[Frank Warner]

Basically you should have found out about this before leaving but in simple terms without diagrams

The wheel travels vertically from a maximum point to a minium point. You want the wheel to use about 1/3 of the travel (from the 'no load condition eg when on centre stand) when it is 'normally' loaded - in your case that is with the riders and luggage. You set this with the 'preload'.

The little dial is for 'damping' - without damping the bike will act as a pogo stick - bouncing down the road. You adjust it so you don't bounce or wallow - but you don't want so much damping that each pot hole sends shock to your back.


With your load you may not have a strong enough spring - even with maximum preload you may bottom out the suspension. That will cost you time and money to fix - if you can find someone to do it on the road. Best fixed when at home with a job to keep you occupied and earning money.

Good Luck

[nickc]

Thanks for your advice guys!

We did actually test the bike fully loaded in Spain for 2 weeks this summer and did not have these problems. On the basis we have an aftermarket shock I am hoping the solution lies in further adjustment as described.

Cheers