Rear Preload

[Scudrunr_imp]

Let's consider this thread an informal survey of rear preload. I'm 210 lbs, and I have my rear set at 2.

How much do you weight, where is your rear preload set?

[fiscy_imp]

175lbs..rear set at 0... front set at 4th groove

[the Ferret]

180 lbs ... right now I have 3 bars showing on front and and on second to deepest notch on rear

[flynrider]

175 lbs. and same settings as the Ferret. Three lines up front and 2nd deepest in back.

When I first picked the bike up at the dealer, they had the rear set to the stiffest setting. I nearly bit my tongue off after hitting a few bumps on the freeway on the way home.

[Motogeezer1949_imp]

175 lbs. 0 setting on the Ikons, going to try 1 notch and see how it feels.
Front forks = screws all the way in.

[Lord Popgun]

145 lbs. Stock on the front, 1 click up on the back.

[CIP57_imp]

170 lbs Rear set on 2 and the front set with 1 line showing

[Siggy Javotnik_imp]

200 lbs, 2 lines showing on the fork preload, rear on 2nd click on the stock shock. I found the stock shock oversprung and underdamped, so switched to an aftermarket shock with nicer damping. One way to live with a stock shock is what Ferret and Flynrider have done: crank the preload even more to achieve the equivalent of more damping. People do it with the stock Bonneville shocks too. It's not a terrible solution, and has the added benefit of increasing ride height (because there's now less sag when loaded). On the fork, tightening the preload one notch from the stock, 3-lines showing, to 2-lines showing, made me feel like I no longer needed to buy a fork brace. I really like the front suspension now.

[Scudrunr_imp]

After everyone's feedback I took out all of the rear preload and added a line to the forks. The rear is way better, but I now agree that the stock rear shocks are over sprung. Much more compliant and confidence inspiring in the corners, but not quite there yet.

[Papa Weeley_imp]

175 lbs., right at 3 lines showing up front, #2 position in rear.
This seems like a very plush ride to me.