Changing the Rear Suspension (adjusting standard shock)

Hi, firstly I'm new on this forum, just joined after watching it for a while and hope I can learn more about my bike from it. I have a curvey model SV650S.

I've recently started taking a heavy pillion more regularly, my girlfriend weighs only 7 stone so it's not a problem with her, but my friend I give a lift to uni is closer to 12. So my question is, can the rear suspension be adjusted so the bike handles with all the extra weight, and if so, how would I go about it?

Thanks.

Add more preload, you need a C spanner for the rear shock.
You many turns has it got on at the mo?

As Razor said just adjust it a couple of notches and see how it handles!

And welcome to the mad house

[Luckypants]

Originally Posted by Larry

Hi, firstly I'm new on this forum, just joined after watching it for a while and hope I can learn more about my bike from it. I have a curvey model SV650S.

I've recently started taking a heavy pillion more regularly, my girlfriend weighs only 7 stone so it's not a problem with her, but my friend I give a lift to uni is closer to 12. So my question is, can the rear suspension be adjusted so the bike handles with all the extra weight, and if so, how would I go about it?

Thanks.

It can be adjusted, look in the owners manual if you have one. Look at the top of the shock, there is a silver ring with steps in it (referred to as notches by most) As folks have said, use the C-spanner from the tool kit and move the notched ring clockwise to the tallest notch. This is the maximum preload which you will need witha 12 stone passenger.

With a 12 stone passenger and 12 stone rider, even with max pre-load the shock is struggling. Just adjust riding to suit.

Thanks for all the replies, I managed to adjust it this morning and it made a bit of a difference to ease of riding, but still it's not nice to ride at any pace with a heavy pillion!

What mileage has your bike covered? It sounds like your shock is getting a bit tired and could do with changing!

[Stu]

Any recommendations for settings for a Pointy with 9 stone pillion?

[21QUEST]

For bikes like the SV with not a lot of adjustment ie only preload this is what I do.

I set the bike sag so it about 10mm or there abouts. Seeing as the spring on the SV relatively speaking is soft, any thing between 5mm-10mm would suffice. Edge towards 10mm for solo and 5mm for pillion/large boned.

Then just ride the t*ts of the bike


Ben

i haven't figured out exactly how to adjust the preload to the optimal setting i weight 150lbs for you English people that is 10.7 stone and my girl friend weights 105 lbs 7.5 stone does anybody know a ball park figure on which settings the preload should be with just me and with both of us on a pointy

[Stu]

Originally Posted by kcowgergmm

i haven't figured out exactly how to adjust the preload to the optimal setting i weight 150lbs for you English people that is 10.7 stone and my girl friend weights 105 lbs 7.5 stone does anybody know a ball park figure on which settings the preload should be with just me and with both of us on a pointy

I don't think you'll go wrong if you follow the advice above you. Ask again if you don't understand it though.