How do I adjust rear spring for Pillions - SV650.org

31-07-06, 08:27 AM

I have recently passed my test and bought my first bike, an SV650 which is now my pride and joy.
Unfortunately the bike came without a manual, I have looked at the one in the FAQ pages of this site but don't seem to be able to find what I'm after.
How do I adjust the rear suspension prior to carrying a pillion?
I've read some of the comments on this site saying not to bother but I weigh 14.5 stone and the pillion I took last night weighed about the same. Cornering and roundabouts felt decidely shakey, although they did improve as I became more confident and attacked them with more speed.
I'm aware slow riding and balance is more difficult with a pillion but would raising the suspension improve on my experience last night.
If so, as above, how exactly do I do it (please bear in mind when replying that I'm technically totally incompetent).
Cheers.....

rictus01 · 31-07-06, 08:35 AM

get "C" spanner from bike tool kit,

look at top of rear shock, turn clockwise with spanner to add pre-load,

when riding with a pillion, braking will require a greater distance, more effort is needed from the engine and the weight distribution is changed, although the SV will manage a pillion, it's not the best, make sure your pillion knows how they should react on the bike before setting off.

Cheers Mark.

31-07-06, 10:10 AM

and remember to add the extension bar to the "c" spanner otherwise you'll have to be superstrong to get it to turn

mattSV · 31-07-06, 11:24 AM

I used to set my curvy suspension to one click off maximum compression when carrying a pillion - suggest trying that as a starting point.

31-07-06, 11:34 AM

Quote:

and remember to add the extension bar to the "c" spanner otherwise you'll have to be superstrong to get it to turn

Nice tip! Maybe i won't loose a knuckle ever time i adjust it

31-07-06, 08:27 AM	#1
francd1 Guest Posts: n/a	How do I adjust rear spring for Pillions I have recently passed my test and bought my first bike, an SV650 which is now my pride and joy. Unfortunately the bike came without a manual, I have looked at the one in the FAQ pages of this site but don't seem to be able to find what I'm after. How do I adjust the rear suspension prior to carrying a pillion? I've read some of the comments on this site saying not to bother but I weigh 14.5 stone and the pillion I took last night weighed about the same. Cornering and roundabouts felt decidely shakey, although they did improve as I became more confident and attacked them with more speed. I'm aware slow riding and balance is more difficult with a pillion but would raising the suspension improve on my experience last night. If so, as above, how exactly do I do it (please bear in mind when replying that I'm technically totally incompetent). Cheers.....

31-07-06, 08:35 AM	#2
rictus01 Member Mega Poster Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: South London Posts: 9,799	get "C" spanner from bike tool kit, look at top of rear shock, turn clockwise with spanner to add pre-load, when riding with a pillion, braking will require a greater distance, more effort is needed from the engine and the weight distribution is changed, although the SV will manage a pillion, it's not the best, make sure your pillion knows how they should react on the bike before setting off. Cheers Mark. __________________ Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming, 'Wow! What a Ride!

31-07-06, 11:24 AM	#4
mattSV Member Mega Poster Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Darn sarf, innit Posts: 2,025	I used to set my curvy suspension to one click off maximum compression when carrying a pillion - suggest trying that as a starting point. __________________ 2000 - 2004 SV650S 2004 - 2009 SV1000S 2009 - 2013 Triumph Sprint ST1050 2013 - 2016 Triumph Explorer 1200 2016 - Ducati Multistrada DVT S

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31-07-06, 10:10 AM	#3
Couerdelion Guest Posts: n/a	and remember to add the extension bar to the "c" spanner otherwise you'll have to be superstrong to get it to turn