Adjusted my preload today

[HondaJon_imp]

I just adjusted my preload today and what a difference! The bike now handles like a much lighter machine. I went down one line on the front and one notch up on the rear shocks. I had never adjusted this on any of my other machines, but with the CB, it really makes her handle like a dream. Here is link that really simplifies how preload works:

Motorcycle Preload Adjustment Made Easy

Now if Honda would only include the preload adjuster wrench in the toolkit instead of a tool everyone already owns like the Phillips screwdriver.......

 

[HikerToo_imp]

So what did you end up setting it at?
How much do you weigh?
Do you carry luggage or passenger?

 

[HondaJon_imp]

I'm 225lbs - just screwed on line down if front (from stock) and went one right click (from stock) one the rear. No luggage or passengers. I also put a sharpie dot on the stock rear notch since the shocks have no identifiers on the notches. Easy to do if you have the tool that should have come with the bike.

89230-MB1-000

$16 at Motosport.com

 

[Kyhiker1100_imp]

I just adjusted my preload today and what a difference! The bike now handles like a much lighter machine. I went down one line on the front and one notch up on the rear shocks. I had never adjusted this on any of my other machines, but with the CB, it really makes her handle like a dream. Here is link that really simplifies how preload works:

Motorcycle Preload Adjustment Made Easy

Now if Honda would only include the preload adjuster wrench in the toolkit instead of a tool everyone already owns like the Phillips screwdriver.......

After reading your post I got out the book and adjusted my rear springs and front forks and it did make a big difference. Went from 1 to 2 in the back and adjusted the forks from 5 to 3. The rear springs are tricky.

 

[SUPERCRUZ_imp]

I did some tune up items on my CB today. After reading this thread I agree the stock settings are a bit too soft for my liking. I weight ~160 - 165lbs. Stock rebound settings according to the book are 2nd position from bottom on the rear shocks and third ring showing on the forks. In my opinion, the forks tend to dive a bit too much under hard braking. I adjusted my rear shocks to the 3rd position and I dialed in 1/2 turn clockwise on the front forks or ~ 2.5 rings showing. I figure make small adjustments rather than big ones. On my test ride today the bike definitely feels a bit tighter both front and rear. Going to try this for a while and see how I like it. So far so good.

 

[xpacpal1x_imp]

My bike is at stock settings (three rings at front (I think) and 2nd notch at rear).

I am a 190lb rider without a lot of experience diagnosing motorcycle shock absorber settings. Please help me understand what's going on here.

Based on what 160lb guys are experiencing, what should I try? I'm somewhat confused by the preceding posts. Is there a general consensus building that (at least for 160lb guys) handling and response improves by increasing the factory/stock preload (i.e., tightening the springs) of both front and back shocks? Also, I assume increasing preload on the front means increasing the number of visible threads and in the back it means tigthening the mechanism so that the rear spring is more compressed...please advise if that assumption is correct.

What should I try first based on your experience, given that I'm 190lbs?

 

[Deanohh_imp]

If by threads you mean the rings on the screw on top of each fork, your assumption is backwards..... the farther you screw it in the more preload, which compresses the spring inside. You can set it anywhere. You don't have to go in steps like the rears. I'm 240 and my fronts are at no rings showing. Handling would probably improve if you increased rear and front preload... Lets say one step and see if you like it.

 

[SUPERCRUZ_imp]

It is all personal preference when it comes to pre-load. At your weight, I would wager a guess that the bike is soft an comfortable for you and may even bottom out the shocks on some rough pavement. Make a small adjustment to tighten the pre-load and see if you like it. In the end, ride at a setting you are most comfortable with. To tighten the front forks, turn the screws clockwise.

 

[D_Man_imp]

Thanks for the tip, made the adjustments as indicated. 1 mark in on the tree. And one click in on the rears. Seemed to make a difference.

D

 

[ingobohn_imp]

I just adjusted my preload today and what a difference! The bike now handles like a much lighter machine. I went down one line on the front and one notch up on the rear shocks. I had never adjusted this on any of my other machines, but with the CB, it really makes her handle like a dream. Here is link that really simplifies how preload works:

Motorcycle Preload Adjustment Made Easy

Now if Honda would only include the preload adjuster wrench in the toolkit instead of a tool everyone already owns like the Phillips screwdriver.......

In Germany, default setup is front 3 rings, rear 2nd soft position. Is it the same in the U.S.?

 

[the Ferret]

I just adjusted my preload today and what a difference! The bike now handles like a much lighter machine. I went down one line on the front and one notch up on the rear shocks. I had never adjusted this on any of my other machines, but with the CB, it really makes her handle like a dream. Here is link that really simplifies how preload works:

Motorcycle Preload Adjustment Made Easy

Now if Honda would only include the preload adjuster wrench in the toolkit instead of a tool everyone already owns like the Phillips screwdriver.......

In Germany, default setup is front 3 rings, rear 2nd soft position. Is it the same in the U.S.?

Yes

 

[gtmn_imp]

I will chime in on this if I can
preload is to set sag
sag is the amount of the suspension you use when you sit on the bike
sag should be about 25% so about an inch
there are a lot of vids on you tube on how to set sag
keep in mind the spring is only there to hold the bike up, changing this does nothing for your valving inside the fork
it only holds the bike up
setting sag is the most important thing you can do to your bike
if you cannot achieve 25% of your bike you need heavier springs
I am 250 and will be swapping out the entire suspension
I will add to that later
for many try to keep it very simple and just try to set your sag. you wont need to play around with what ifs on settings. once set you are done
like many new bikes it is probably set up for a 175lb rider, so very soft if you are over 200lbs

 

[tomas_imp]

I also have my rear shocks setting at the 3rd notch (I weight 190lbs) and the front forks have 2 lines showing. Since I came from more of a sport bike riding back ground, I also tend to like a tighter turning radius on my bikes. So I raised the forks in the triple tree clamps 3/16 of inch (which lowers the front end). This setup really makes the bike handling more aggressive. Maybe not for everybody, but it works for me.