For the first few thousand miles I was slamming over potholes and bumps unavoidably with my rear tire on my 600 Ryker and figured the rough slam could only be helped by upgrading the rear shock. The manual says the rear shock setting is at #1 for single riders weighing less than 200 lbs. I think. Anyways, I am at 200, gear and all and grew tired of what felt like bottoming out and the jarring slam. Well, even though it seemed that I would make matters worse, I set the sucker at #3 and got happy. A few miles later I set it at #5 and am so pleased with the ride that I wish there was a #6.