Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Yamaha Tech
adjusting rear suspension adjusting rear suspension
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Yamaha Tech Originally the Yamaha XT600 Tech Forum, due to demand it now includes all Yamaha's technical / mechanical / repair / preparation questions.
Photo by Ellen Delis, Lagunas Ojos del Campo, Antofalla, Catamarca

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Ellen Delis,
Lagunas Ojos del Campo,
Antofalla, Catamarca



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 27 Dec 2005
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: London,England
Posts: 358
adjusting rear suspension
I have my XT600 3AJ loaded with luggage and the front does feel very light it handles ok on the flat but any bumps can be a bit hairy.I think there is a plastic knob on bottom of shock.Is it just a case of turning this to stiffen or soften suspension or is it not that simple
I know I should have looked into this before leaving England but guess now is a good as time as any;
Thanks
John
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 27 Dec 2005
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Flagstaff, AZ
Posts: 45
Bolla,
If your 3aj is similar to my 1989 U.S. model xt 600 then the plastic knob controls only the rebound damping. To increase or decrease the spring preload you need to move the two large toothed nuts (they look a bit like sprockets) that thread onto the bottom of the shock absober below the spring. You need the two suspension adjusting tools in your bike's tool kit to do this, but in a pinch you can use a flat bladed screw driver and a rock as a crude sort of hammer and chisel. First loosen the bottom nut (this is the lock nut) then turn the top nut in the opposite direction, so that the length of the spring is shortened. When the suspension has been suitably stiffened, tighten the lock nut back up against the top nut. Be careful not to go too far with the top nut. If you take it off the threads I'm guessing it isn't easy to get it back on (if it's even possible with out disassembling the shock). A few turns of the top nut should make a noticible difference.
Good luck,
Nate
__________________
BLAME PATAGONIA
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 28 Dec 2005
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: London,England
Posts: 358
Thanks for advice Nate
Had a look at the adjusting nuts,I have about 1cm of thread showing from bottom of shock up to the adjusting nut do you know how much threads there are
I would think there is more then 1 cm so I should be able to stiffen spring
Is it easy enough to do with the bike on side stand or should I try and get rear wheel off ground or put bike on its side
Thanks
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 28 Dec 2005
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Flagstaff, AZ
Posts: 45
Yeah,
There should be more than 1 cm. It sounds like your rear suspension is in the factory preset position, so you are right about in the middle and going up 8mm or so should be fine. On mine you can see how many threads are left if you look at it from just the right angle (try sticking your head in between the rear wheel and the shock). Doing the adjustment on the side stand is no problem, just make sure you don't go too far!
Enjoy your ride,
Nate
__________________
BLAME PATAGONIA
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 28 Dec 2005
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Flagstaff, AZ
Posts: 45
Hmmm...
On looking at my shock again, I have about 15mm showing and it is very nearly at the maximum upper level. I think you should try going up a half centimeter (instead of 8mm) and see if that improves things. (Again this is all assuming that we have the same shock).
I hope this helps,
Nate
__________________
BLAME PATAGONIA
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 23:17.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top