What Shock setting do you use??

[rworell]

I recently adjusted my front shocks on my 2011 RT to the 3rd notch. Seems better. What do you set yours at?
Thanks
Rich

[SpyderAnn01]

The front shocks on the 10 & 11 weren't the greatest so lots of us replaced them with 12 shocks. My opinion would be that the stiffer setting would be better especially if you ride two up

[Bob Denman]

When I had my 2010; I went to the fifth notch immediately.
After that: I got serious about improving the front suspension.

[ARtraveler]

On my 2014 I have the adjustment set at one notch below max. Works great for me. No deluxe shocks or sway bar added to mine.

I am 185# and do not ride with passengers.

[sledmaster]

BRP has specifications as to what the shock length is supposed to be when loaded, and preload is supposed to be adjusted so the front end geometry sits right. This is not guess and miss, this is an actual Spyder specification on how much preload should be dialed in to achieve the specified shock length, thus the a-arms and tire sit properly. I think I posted this before, but here we go -

"The importance of properly adjusting the shock preload is to set the vehicle at a ride height at which the vehicle was designed to operate. Alignment values are determined at precise ride height values. Ride height is also the position at which the alignment is the most stable and less influenced by bump steer.

In order to properly adjust the vehicle’s ride height, have the customer sit on the unit and add approximately what the customer loads in the front cargo bin. Measure the distance between the front shock bolt centers. Adjust the preload in order to reach the desired value in the ride height chart. Remember to lift the vehicle to adjust the shock cams or rings in order to avoid damage to these components.

Preload does not influence stiffness nor softness of the ride, it only adjusts the ride height."

Model Year	Model	Distance (± 2 mm, 0.08 in)
2008 - 2012	GS/RS	428 mm (16.850 in)
2010 - 2012	RT	428 mm (16.850 in)
2013 - 2014	RS/ST	420 mm (16.50 in)
2013 - 2014	RT	445 mm (17.50 in)

[Bob Denman]

Thanks for this information!

[robmorg]

The front shocks on the 10 & 11 weren't the greatest so lots of us replaced them with 12 shocks. My opinion would be that the stiffer setting would be better especially if you ride two up

with Ann. Most folks want a stiffer setting than OEM recommendations. My 2013 RT didn't come with adjustors, but I installed BajaRon's shock adjustors and found that 4.5 turns was right for me, which is more than most folks use. (These adjustors don't have "notches".)

But the "correct" setting is different for everyone. It really depends on the weight you put on your Spyder. Providing your shocks are doing their job properly, the spring compression is a compromise between optimum ride height, the degree of stiffness that will prevent porpoising, and your ride comfort. You just have to play around with different settings until you find that "sweet spot" that works for you.

[fulltimer]

Thanks Sledmaster for this post. We also have Elka stage 2s on our '13ST. The OEM shocks were non-adjustable and pieces of crap from the start. I love the Elkas. I will have to have a friend measure our ride height as we are almost always 2 up. Now at least I will have a target to adjust to.

Love this site.