Load Pre-sets

[slowair]

I have obtained the service manual for my bike, but I don't have the owner's manual, so I"m hoping you folks can help me out.

I have a Honda Rebel.

It has a weight limit of 350 pounds. Got that part. Gotta find a skinny g/f.

Anyways, I weigh about 180-185. Probably close to 200 when all geared up.

Can someone explain the pre-sets? And how do you adjust them? Right now they are set at #2.

Thanks for your help.
Mike

[hot_shoe_cv]

At your weight I would try a preload of #3 and try that for handling. If the shocks are bottoming out then go to #4. For two up riding you're possibly going to need after market suspension.

[slowair]

Thanks for the reply.

I still need to know how to do the adjustment. Remember, no manual.

Mike

[sharpmagna]

Mike,

It may depend on the bike, but Hondas are very similar in design. On my shocks there are holes around the bottom of the shock. There is a specific wrench (check the toolkit that comes with your bike, if you have it) that fits into the holes in the shock and allows you to turn the shock bottom to adjust the preload. You've got a pretty common bike that has been made for years so finding the shock wrench should be relatively easy.

Something like this: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/SHOCK-to ... otohosting

[DivideOverflow]

On a rebel, you can turn them by hand.... (or at least I did). Just grab the part with the holes in it with one hand, lift the rear end of the bike a bit with the other, and turn the part the direction you want.

Doesn't work so well on a heavier bike though.