Holy crap, this is confusing. Firstly, let me start by saying that I still don't know how a bike should behave as these are usually such finetuned experiences that I usually blame on my rider skill. All I know if when the thing bottoms out or when it dives when hitting the brakes. (Any tips would be much appreciated.)

I understand that pre-load affects the stiffness of the ride because of the simple fact that a spring requires more and more pressure the further it compresses. But when a stock suspension is designed for a average weight of a single rider (90-100 kg), I effectively add half of that to the suspension. So I thought spring rate would come into play a bit.

I would have to agree that I should not start ordering a shock for the 150kg's I'll chuck on it. The thing is, when you order one they ask you for your weight, your luggage weight, how often you ride with that weight and your riding style.

So what do they really want from us? Should I tell 'em that I use the weight hardly at all, or should I simply give them a lesser luggage weight.

The main reason I want another shock it because I simply don't trust the stock to survive the trip. But I also hear very good stories on them over at F650.com.
I ride one up.

Also, do you guys measure the sag all the time to find the pre-load? Or just once with luggage and once without and remember the settings?

ps: Race Tech gave me .8 springs while some other guys got given .9. How much gear would those guys ride with?

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