Front Shock Setting

[Mr. White]

My RT-S is on order and the dealer says it is "on the truck"... I plan to have them set the front shocks to number 4. I weigh 220 with riding clothes on and ride a little agressively at times in the twisties. I thought I would start at 4 and go to 5 ss needed. Comments please.

 

[NancysToy]

Probably a good place to start. They are not that hard to change, and should be even easier with the new steel adjusting rings. I weigh about 180, and I'm gonna try mine on 3 at first, just to test the waters and compare to the 2010. My 2010 was set at 5 and it still wasn't quite enough...although riding technique made it pretty decent at that setting.

 

[Ronsam]

Shock

I update my 2010 RT shuck for the 2011 and they adjust at 3 , It feel very good. The 2011 shocks are 100% better , I will never go back . The 2011 shocks worth the $$$$$$$:2thumbs:

 

[Slybird]

When I got my RT-S last August my front end was set at #3. I weigh about 165 and had the dealership bump it up to #4....works like a charm.hyea:hyea: So, George, I think #4 should do you good!

 

[Havasu Rider]

The dealer had set mine on 2 and I bumped it up to 3. It still did now feel right so I set it up to 4. I feels good now but may try 5 in the future.

 

[Marker]

Probably a good place to start. They are not that hard to change, and should be even easier with the new steel adjusting rings. I weigh about 180, and I'm gonna try mine on 3 at first, just to test the waters and compare to the 2010. My 2010 was set at 5 and it still wasn't quite enough...although riding technique made it pretty decent at that setting.

2010 RTs will becoming out of storage soon. Since I am a new rider what shock settings would you recommend. I am 5'8 weigh at 180lbs, tour riding , no wild stuff
Thanks
Marker:dontknow:

 

[NancysToy]

2010 RTs will becoming out of storage soon. Since I am a new rider what shock settings would you recommend. I am 5'8 weigh at 180lbs, tour riding , no wild stuff
Thanks
Marker:dontknow:

I may not be the right one to ask. I do not ride real hard, but I probably do demand more from my RT suspension than a typical "touring" rider. I weigh 180, rode two-up only about 10-15% of the time, but had my 2010 springs set on #5. There were others that set theirs by the book, and were well satisfied. From the information we are getting back from the aftermarket and 2011 shocks/springs, the spring setting (or rating), has less to do with the body roll than the damping of the shocks. You can compensate somewhat with a stiffer spring, but there are limitations.

All those weasel words aside, I would probably start settings on a 2010 one step above the factory recommendations, and go up or down if you feel it is necessary. Remember, high settings (stiffer) give a less comfortable, less cushy ride, but reduce body roll in the corners. A softer setting will save your behind, but causes more leaning. Your cornering technique, and carrying a passenger also has a great influence. It is your choice which you prefer. You can't really have both...although with aftermarket or 2011 parts, you can come close.

 

[pierrelogic]

Like the new Avatar Scotty. :thumbup: Congrats. No problem seeing that bright red thing...

 

[SpydermanCT]

I may not be the right one to ask. I do not ride real hard, but I probably do demand more from my RT suspension than a typical "touring" rider. I weigh 180, rode two-up only about 10-15% of the time, but had my 2010 springs set on #5. There were others that set theirs by the book, and were well satisfied. From the information we are getting back from the aftermarket and 2011 shocks/springs, the spring setting (or rating), has less to do with the body roll than the damping of the shocks. You can compensate somewhat with a stiffer spring, but there are limitations.

All those weasel words aside, I would probably start settings on a 2010 one step above the factory recommendations, and go up or down if you feel it is necessary. Remember, high settings (stiffer) give a less comfortable, less cushy ride, but reduce body roll in the corners. A softer setting will save your behind, but causes more leaning. Your cornering technique, and carrying a passenger also has a great influence. It is your choice which you prefer. You can't really have both...although with aftermarket or 2011 parts, you can come close.

Scotty,
Can you tell me what parts and possibly part numbers would be required to change over the front shocks on a 2010 to a 2011? Would it be just the shocks themselves ?

 

[docdoru]

 

[Bob Denman]

Mine are set on #4. I weigh about 205 and ride double with the Missus probably 30% of the time and she weighs... "Oh, hi honey!" (never mind!) I keep the rear spring up around 60psi. I'm pretty happy with this setup as the bike is heeling over onto the handlebar end caps in the turns anymore...:shocked:

 

[NancysToy]

Scotty,
Can you tell me what parts and possibly part numbers would be required to change over the front shocks on a 2010 to a 2011? Would it be just the shocks themselves ?

You would need the shock P/N 706001659, the adjuster ring P/N 706001061, and the ring protector P/N 706001062. You need two of each. The steel adjuster ring and the ring protector take place of the old alloy adjusters, which were easily broken. You could probably just replace the shocks, but I recommend the tougher new adjusters.

 

[SpydermanCT]

You would need the shock P/N 706001659, the adjuster ring P/N 706001061, and the ring protector P/N 706001062. You need two of each. The steel adjuster ring and the ring protector take place of the old alloy adjusters, which were easily broken. You could probably just replace the shocks, but I recommend the tougher new adjusters.

Thank you Sir !

 

[Marker]

I may not be the right one to ask. I do not ride real hard, but I probably do demand more from my RT suspension than a typical "touring" rider. I weigh 180, rode two-up only about 10-15% of the time, but had my 2010 springs set on #5. There were others that set theirs by the book, and were well satisfied. From the information we are getting back from the aftermarket and 2011 shocks/springs, the spring setting (or rating), has less to do with the body roll than the damping of the shocks. You can compensate somewhat with a stiffer spring, but there are limitations.

All those weasel words aside, I would probably start settings on a 2010 one step above the factory recommendations, and go up or down if you feel it is necessary. Remember, high settings (stiffer) give a less comfortable, less cushy ride, but reduce body roll in the corners. A softer setting will save your behind, but causes more leaning. Your cornering technique, and carrying a passenger also has a great influence. It is your choice which you prefer. You can't really have both...although with aftermarket or 2011 parts, you can come close.

Scotty: Thanks for your help, I appreciate it. I like your new Rouge Rocker:thumbup: Mark