rear shock adjustment

[id-man]

Originally Posted by Peg

If a seal in the top is blown the shock won't hold air, if it's in the bottom it won't hold oil either.

There's oil in the bottom? That's not a user servicable item is it? The things I have to learn.....

[Peg]

Originally Posted by id-man

There's oil in the bottom? That's not a user servicable item is it? The things I have to learn.....

Yes there's oil... 105mls per shock.

I'd say most everything on the bike is user-serviceable... In the case of my shocks it was because the dealer messed up when I asked them to take them apart for me. They couldn't figure out how to put it all back together either, so I ended up dismantling the other one right down to its component parts to see how it all worked and fit together properly. As a result I'd say I know more about the workings of the OEM shocks than most everyone else on the forum.

Gadget provides an excellent "how to" for recharging your OEM shocks. Now that mine are all fixed up with equal amounts of quality (Bel Ray) 15W oil and working perfectly - I now see no need at all for expensive after market replacements.

Just to balance things up nicely... today I'm most of the way through refurbishing the forks with new (Progressive) springs and 15W oil as well. Gadget was a big help there too... although I found a different way to compress the springs, without a helper and with a little more control.

[OmahaShadow]

So, what's the best rebound setting # for a 200 lb rider + 60lb of luggage and load in the bags? What's a good air pressure for a firm ride?

[redjay]

I used to put 30 psi in my bike if I was carrying a passenger.

Best thing you can do is experiment with the settings.

[mbarr10]

Originally Posted by OmahaShadow

So, what's the best rebound setting # for a 200 lb rider + 60lb of luggage and load in the bags? What's a good air pressure for a firm ride?

I am also around 200, I use #3 with 20 lbs and with 110 beer in the bags ( 80lbs) it shakes up the beer.

But seriously I would start on #2 and zero air. Pump up to then then if you need more go 20 lbs. If to much let some out. Reason being is the best ride is so subjective, and air is easier to adjust than pulling the bags to adjust the shocks.
Using a zero loss pump. You want to / MUST maintain consistency in each side of the bike for Safety and rideability.

Some one once told me the air was to put the bike back on level. So the shocks compress and when under load so you put enough air in to put the bike back on plane. I only know this is very true with the tong weight on towing a trailer. May work at other times too. Most is subjective and the rest I am not that skilled at to comment on.

Now when you find it, please check back in for us to learn. Gives everyone a place to start anyway.

Safe rides, always