Rear Shock Question

[Riderjohn]

I hate to show my ignorance here but I have a question about the rear shock. The manual says just to push the lever to firmer or softer or whatever it says on the bike. Okay, but looking at the mono shock from underneath, I have to ask what the wheel at the base of the shock with the cogs is for? I turned it by hand and it clicks but what else does it do? And, am I the only FJR owner who wondered this?

 

[YooperDick]

It is the rebound damper adjustment. The owners manual should help you adjust it according to you ride preferences. Additional information can be found by searching google for motorcycle suspension and tuning topics.

 

[RsvlFeej]

When I got my '05, that sucker was adjusted ALL the way out. After scraping hard parts for a month or so, I tightened it (CW) until I ran out of clicks, then backed it off (CCW) a dozen clicks - Fine-tuned from there. Maybe they don't come from the factory that way (loose) anymore, but it's worth checking. Right now I'm on my third shock cranked down to one click out from fully tightened and an aftermarket shock ordered.

 

[Riderjohn]

Thanks. And yes, it's in my manual too. I don't know how I missed it. I knew I was going to feel dumb about this. Thanks again.

 

[Bearly Flying]

Careful when you tighten the wheel up to bottom it out, The damper rod can stick in the closed position. When you count the clicks until it bottoms, don't get forceful, then back off the number of clicks to your desired setting. If the damper rod jams, as you loosen the adjuster it will quit clicking.

 

[Riderjohn]

Thanks for the heads up Bearly Flying. I hadn't heard of that. ]

 

[spinblue]

Hey Guys,

Instead of creating a new thread I thought it better to keep on the same topic and keep the information in one place.

I read the suspension thread earlier today and went out this evening to futz with my bike. The forks were a breeze.

However the rear shock has me in question. I read the owners manual and it states 20 clicks is the maximum. I have the 07 with a stock shock.

When I clicked my shock I got 44 clicks by my count. I currently have it set for 22 clicks putting it half way.

Am I doing something wrong?

TIA

Spinblue

 

[r1byker]

Hey Guys,Instead of creating a new thread I thought it better to keep on the same topic and keep the information in one place.

I read the suspension thread earlier today and went out this evening to futz with my bike. The forks were a breeze.

However the rear shock has me in question. I read the owners manual and it states 20 clicks is the maximum. I have the 07 with a stock shock.

When I clicked my shock I got 44 clicks by my count. I currently have it set for 22 clicks putting it half way.

Am I doing something wrong?

TIA

Spinblue

I dunno, I had 20 clicks. I tightened mine up a few clicks from halfway and it made a huge difference in how the bike tracked. I was very happy with how much difference there was with so few clicks. The tradeoff was a bit more harshness over rough expansion joints.

 

[CCook82]

I did the same thing. Jeff Ashe of the Forum cleared it up for me. Anything out past 22 clicks or thereabouts is just turning the wheel out further , but is not making any damping adjustments. In other words the wheel turns and clicks well past the adjustment range.

Turn it in to bottom (CLOCKWISE GENTLY) or until it stops , Then turn it out about 10-12 clicks . This is a good starting point. I am running about three clicks out from bottomed when two up on the bike, and 6 0r 7 clicks out when one up. Two up in gear is about 350 pounds, and one up, about 200 pounds.

Hope you aren't as embarrassed as I when Jeff answered my inquiry. CCook

 

[Hotboot]

Remember that EASY clockwise adjustment on the stock unit. I froze mine (rod is a POS) way back when. An aftermarket shock is the best $$ investment you can make right after good safety apparel.

Also surprised the SEARCH police have not busted your nuts for asking a question yet.