Penske 8981 shock

[FJRocket]

For those of you who have the Penske 8981 sweetness installed on your FJR, tell us about your setup. Mostly what I'm interested in today (but let's all share more!) is the number of threads you have showing above your Eibach replacement spring on your 2006+ FJR.

The instructions with the replacement springs say 8 full rotations after you contact the spring with the adjuster ring. I couldn't see any threads showing, so I guessed. I ended up with about 8 threads showing above my 7x800 spring. I rode it, and it was like a 2x4. So I backed mine off to about 6 threads showing. Now the rearend has a little more sag and seems more compliant... although that's just an eyeball "feeling" because I didn't really check it before I backed off the spring loader. Man it seemed WAY stiff.

For those of you who have set yours up "the right way", did you set the sag with the spring preloader? What measurement did you use and from which points on the bike?

I know a lot of this is subjective by rider and style, but I thought it would be nice to perhaps share some "baselines" folks might be using.

 

[Fencer]

For those of you who have set yours up "the right way", did you set the sag with the spring preloader? What measurement did you use and from which points on the bike?

I used the preloader and measured SAG to a 3/4 drop. 850lb sprin on 230LBs. I have 12/13 threads showing. I also cranked up the height adjuster to max 6'2 here. It also makes the bike turn in quicker. I ran the Dragon with it Yest so it was the first workout I have given it since install and spring swap-out. I had maybe 3/16 chicken strip showing before the run now I have 1/16-1/8 any more and I'm on hardparts.

To measure the sag. I took off the Hardbag on the L side (leave the other on for weight) and measured up from the top of the oil filler cap on the drive shaft to a point I picked below the passenger grab handle. Put on center-stand to measure static sag. I had 17 inches at a point I picked and put a peice of tape so I had a stationary point to plot each time I measured. Then I just kept cranking till it was at 15 3/4 with me on it on the ground. I set additionally stiff (3/4) for two up or added gear. SAG should fall 3/4 to 1 inch

A big thumbs up!

 

[FJRocket]

EDIT:

And now that I have ridden with the Penske 8981 and the 7x800 spring for several thousand miles, I think it needs MORE LOADING. I had the sag set WAY wrong... trying to get closer to the ground. Excess sag can cause a harsh ride just like too little sag.

BTW, setting 1 on the 6 detent adjuster is softest and 6 is hardest on the remote compression cylinder. I'm writing this down so I will remember. Click to 6 for play, click to 1 for tour....

So am I missing something or does it sound like I'm heading the right direction? Anyone else want to comment on their experiences with the 8981 so far?

 

[FJRocket]

So am I missing something or does it sound like I'm heading the right direction?

Ok, no one took the bait. And I didn't really divulge all the information.

I'm pretty short. 28 inseam. In trying to get a cushy ride AND get my feet on the ground I was heading for max sag. Well, if the sag is too short the ride is harsh, and if the sag is too long, the ride is ALSO harsh. I was getting a harsh ride probably because I had the shock set up way to soft with excess sag.

I started from scratch using the Penske technical manual that came with the shock. Tape measure in hand I went to work. Checking the sag I had almost 2 inches. Specs from Penske say 7/8 to 1 1/16 with my short fat ass on board and the bike appropriately loaded (both bags, smuggler full and loaded tank bag in my case).

I took the little perch tool and cranked the shock as close to the max length as I an get it (1 1/16"). Yeah, it's only 3/16 difference, but I has to takes what I cans gets. I did this by sitting backwards on the seat and getting the bike off the stand. Don't try this yourself at home, you could easily dump the bike. And the accuracy is so so. But I rocked it a bit and I think I'm pretty darn close.

Low and behold I'm back to about 7 - 8 threads showing on the spring perch adjuster!

Now out for a test ride and see if I can dial the thing in usuing "the clickers". 6 position compression on the reservoir and red ring for rebound. Starting with the red ring at 17 (of 34) clicks and leaving the compression at 1. The idea being to fine tune the spring perch adjuster to work at mid range of rebound and a nice cushy ride. When I get into the play/sport mode, just reach down and click the dial on the fly to tighten up the back end as necessary. Or I guess change it for load, too.

I think my negative assessment of the 800 spring was premature. The problem with the spring was me and the way I incorrectly set up the bike.

Now we're getting (back) somewhere!

 

[I'mAllIn]

Matt,

I have the same set-up (Penske & 800# Eibach). I marked the spanner nut on the spring when I installed and made (8) full turns, as per GP's suggestion. I figured they must have done some preliminary work on this. Test rode the bike and it handled fairly well.

My first big ride was last month, solo (230 lbs with gear) and an additional 70 or so pounds of crap. Bike didn't handle nowhere near as good as the test ride. I stopped on the side of the road and added another turn on the spring and was back on rails.

I've not taken the time to really dial in my sag, but I'm guessing I'm pretty close due to handling. I also did the Dragon, BRP & Cherahola loaded as mentioned above and my chicken strips are no wider than 1/16". BTW, no hard parts ever touched down, including the much maligned Muzzy system!

 

[MotorSWATCop]

BTW, no hard parts ever touched down, including the much maligned Muzzy system!

I have to believe that the aftermarket shock is making a big difference w/ the Muzzy system. Oh well...