Front Shock setting

[Havasu Rider]

I have seen this discussed on this site before but thought I would ask again. I told the service manager at my dealership that my front shocks on my 2010 RT SE5 were set on 2 and I was going to set them up to 4 or 5. He stated not to do that because when my wife is with me it makes the front end lighter and I would not have as much control. Does this sound right to anyone else? :dontknow:

 

[IWN2RYD]

I have seen this discussed on this site before but thought I would ask again. I told the service manager at my dealership that my front shocks on my 2010 RT SE5 were set on 2 and I was going to set them up to 4 or 5. He stated not to do that because when my wife is with me it makes the front end lighter and I would not have as much control. Does this sound right to anyone else? :dontknow:

I think your dealer may be thinking one way and you another :lecturef_smilie::dontknow:

What I mean is this... From what end is setting #2? From the highest or lowest setting?

I know what the manual assumes and it agrees with your thoughts, not the dealer. That is why I am asking, you both could be talking about the same setting just from opposite ends... We found Setting #4 (The second stiffest setting) to be best for two up unless the bike is fully loaded.. Then #5 (The highest and stiffest).

 

[Havasu Rider]

Mine are set on the second setting from the bottom of the adjustment ring.

 

[IWN2RYD]

Taken from the Owners manual...

RECOMMENDED REAR SHOCK ADJUSTMENT


FRONT SHOCK SETTINGS:
LOAD_______________________CAMPOSITION
68 kg (150 lb) rider___________1, 2
91 kg (200 lb) rider ___________3
68 kg (150 lb) rider with cargo __3
91 kg (200 lb) rider with cargo __4
Rider with passenger and cargo __5



REAR SHOCK SETTINGS:
LOAD _________________CAM POSITION
68 kg (150 lb) rider ______1, 2
91 kg (200 lb) rider ______3-5
Rider with passenger _____6, 7

 

[NancysToy]

Your dealer needs some education. I'd set them up higher (toward the spring makes them stiffer). They should be 4-5 with a passenger, and definitely higher than #2 for more spirited riding, or a heavier rider. Too stiff a setting will mainly affect the ride quality, and perhaps cause the front wheels to bounce a bit on rough surfaces. It will not "make the suspension light." You may also want to consider running 17-20 psi in the front tires instead of the factory recommended settings, for more stable cornering.

 

[Havasu Rider]

Thanks for the info guys. I am going to set them up tomorrow and see how it handles. I have always carried 20 in the front and 28 in the rear.

 

[harddrive]

I have mine set on the stiffest setting in the front and have 80 psi in the rear air bag, and with me and my wife, it still feels "too soft" in the corners. I have been thinking about putting the 2011 RT shocks on it to see the difference.

 

[NancysToy]

Thanks for the info guys. I am going to set them up tomorrow and see how it handles. I have always carried 20 in the front and 28 in the rear.

The RT may feel a little "skittish" at 20 psi in front, especially with higher spring settings. You may find that 17-18 works better for you after you jack up the spring setting.

 

[IWN2RYD]

The RT may feel a little "skittish" at 20 psi in front, especially with higher spring settings. You may find that 17-18 works better for you after you jack up the spring setting.

:agree:

I know it may sound weird... But 1-2 pounds on these Spyders really does make a noticeable difference if you are paying attention.

Additionally... You might consider going against the grain on when to test the Air pressure. I find cold tires to be better than hot :thumbup: when fine tuning.

 

[Bob Denman]

I'm using preload position #4, and 18psi in the tires up front. When the Missus is out back; things are just fine...