Suspension adjustments prior to loaded touring

[zenwhipper]

What adjustments would you make to your suspension to prepare for a loaded tour? Most of my touring is done with the hard bags full and a duffle bag on top. Sometimes I add camping gear. But the added weight would be 50 to 75lbs I believe. To tell you the truth- I never much worried about this after I figured out the stock rear FJR pre-load adjust seemed to not do a durn thing. I now have the Ohlins YA707 with the remote pre-load adjuster on the rear (also had GP Suspension re-work the front) and I am heading out this week for a short overnight ride. I'd love some advice on what to do with the suspension. Is it as easy easy as cranking up the pre-load?

Grazi mates!

Scott

 

[FJRay]

Just an opinion . If all you're adding is 75lbs or less you may not need to do anything. I would try it as is and if it wallows or feels undersprung then add a little pre load. That will pick it up a little but remember the spring rate is always the same.

 

[BullCBX]

When the wife and I head out for an extended weekend, I'll add several clicks of pre-load to my Wilburs. My issue is I always forget to crank it back down when I solo commuting to work the following week. I finally figure out why I'm feeling every little crack and pot-hole. Point being try to remember where your "baseline" is so you can put it back where you like it.

 

[Fred W]

More spring preload (hold 'er up), more rebound damping (compensate for the more spring preload), leave compression damping alone, or possibly back it off a tad for the added spring preload.

Just my opinion

 

[Brodie]

Preload = Ride Height

If the ride height is perfect for you, then when you add the extra load the idea is to add just enough preload to re establish that ideal ride height.

 

[gazza]

Having the Ohlins setup myself and if i'm going to load it up i normally take a measurement of the headlight on the wall with just myself on it and then load her up ie topbox,panniers and the pillion and then do another reading off the wall and the adjust preload to compensate. I think Ohlins recommend this at about 10-12 feet distance off the wall. Works for me.

Gazza