2 Up Riders: A Question for You

[Mad German]

Hi guys. I have a line on a shock for my Gen II. It's set up for a rider & passenger that are nearly identical to me and my wife, within 5 lbs. for both of us. However...it doesn't have a hydraulic preload adjuster (HPA). When I've corresponded with the seller, he said that when he rides solo he really doesn't notice the extra stiffness and it's a non-issue. His riding style seems to mimic mine; a little bit of highway, but mostly country roads at a leisurely pace.
My question for the 2 up riders: Does this sound about right, that the extra stiffness won't really be that big of a deal for a leisurely solo ride? I know I can always have a HPA later if I feel I need it I suppose. I hate to miss out on this shock for "fear" that it'll be too stiff for solo riding.
My track days are behind me, I accept that. I ride my FJR at a slower pace than a lot of you guys, probably. I just cruise and take in the scenery and unwind.
Thanks in advance for your input.
MG

 

[RossKean]

Which shock is it? I assume it can be adjusted - just not instantly.
In any case, as long as it is a decent shock, I doubt that the extra stiffness will be a problem...
Full disclosure, I am not a 2-up rider, but I rarely change my settings when heavily loaded for an extended camping trip.

 

[roger dodger]

MG, Do yourself a favor and buy a Gen 3 /4 A shock. They are stiffer and last longer than the Gen 1/2 shocks. Also, it will fit, be adjustable and have the lever to 'quick adjust' the rear preload.

 

[Mad German]

MG, Do yourself a favor and buy a Gen 3 /4 A shock. They are stiffer and last longer than the Gen 1/2 shocks. Also, it will fit, be adjustable and have the lever to 'quick adjust' the rear preload.

I have a Gen 3 shock on it now, but when I ride 2 up, it feel undersprung.

 

[Mad German]

Which shock is it? I assume it can be adjusted - just not instantly.
In any case, as long as it is a decent shock, I doubt that the extra stiffness will be a problem...
Full disclosure, I am not a 2-up rider, but I rarely change my settings when heavily loaded for an extended camping trip.

It's a TFX 140. He bought it from Ted's Beemer Shop and only had it installed for a few months before he sold his bikes and quit riding.

 

[SkooterG]

Interesting. I've never heard of that brand of shock.

 

[escapefjrtist]

If the shock is properly sprung for two-up riding, it'll be way too stiff.

When I'm two-up traveling with luggage, I swap my Penske spring from a 6"- 850# to 6" - 950# to support the load and maintain chassis geometry. Riding solo I tired the 950# spring, but unless you're riding billiard-table smooth roads it's too much.

~G

 

[Mad German]

Interesting. I've never heard of that brand of shock.

They’re not as popular in the States as other brands but are well known in Europe. They’re out of the Netherlands.

 

[BkerChuck]

If the shock is properly sprung for two-up riding, it'll be way too stiff.

When I'm two-up traveling with luggage, I swap my Penske spring from a 6"- 850# to 6" - 950# to support the load and maintain chassis geometry. Riding solo I tired the 950# spring, but unless you're riding billiard-table smooth roads it's too much.

~G

How difficult is swapping the spring? Can it be done with the shock still on the bike?

 

[escapefjrtist]

How difficult is swapping the spring? Can it be done with the shock still on the bike?

Simple swap with shock in place. Completely back off preload and remove lower mount bolt and clevis so lower spring perch can be raised and keeper removed. Spring slides off. Biggest challenge, if you call it that, is cleaning dirt and debris from inside spring perch to enable removal.

~G