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Shock adjustments on an RS/GS

ABQ_Spyderman

ABQ_Spyderman

New member
Anybody out there keep their shocks set at the #4 or #5 position all the time? I'd like mine to be a little more stiff. I weigh a little over 200, and when my wife rides that puts us a little over 300lbs combined. I'd like to keep them at the same position all the time and I was thinking about just moving them all to the #5 position. Any advice?
 
ABQ_Spyderman said:
Anybody out there keep their shocks set at the #4 or #5 position all the time? I'd like mine to be a little more stiff. I weigh a little over 200, and when my wife rides that puts us a little over 300lbs combined. I'd like to keep them at the same position all the time and I was thinking about just moving them all to the #5 position. Any advice?
Click to expand...

I set mine at 5 front 4 rear 08GS, I only rode solo. Word of advice take the weight off the shocks [jacked up]
and spray them with Wd40 before you start cranking them up , The cams brake easy.
 
according to the shop manual, the rear shock should be set to the specs below.

Untitled.jpg

screen shot of the shop manual (for an 08-10 RS)

I personally have mine set to 5 in the front and 4 in the back as well since I weigh 240 lbs. I haven't noticed a major issue in the drivability with a light rider on the back. Elka's or Fox Shocks might be better if you ride 2up more than I do (7 times) in 2 years.
 
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Set them where you like them. It won't hurt anything. At 200#, they should be at least at #4 anyway.
 
NancysToy said:
Set them where you like them. It won't hurt anything. At 200#, they should be at least at #4 anyway.
Click to expand...

That's where it gets tricky. I don't have the equipment to relieve the tension and adjust them myself, so I have to pay the dealer a 1/2 hour of labor to do it. I'm hoping to get it right the first time!
 
ABQ_Spyderman said:
That's where it gets tricky. I don't have the equipment to relieve the tension and adjust them myself, so I have to pay the dealer a 1/2 hour of labor to do it. I'm hoping to get it right the first time!
Click to expand...

Next time a guy, preferably a younger ones ask you a question about your spyder, ask him to give you a hand. :)
Spyder doesn't need to be jacked up, just take some pressure off the side you are working on.
Park in front of walmart with wd40 sprayed^^ should have plenty of volunteers. :)
Or ask a friend.
 
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SPYDER JACKING

DON'T laugh, if you have a foreign car or maybe most any car now comes with a scissors jack.....I have successfully used one to elevate my spyder.....it's very doable...but block the wheels when you do this......Mike.....:thumbup:........and on another note the G/S R/S seems to have inside tire wear problems (chamber problems) if yours does also ....setting the front shocks at 5 will help.....I put in shims but that is whole different story.....good luck......:thumbup:
 
I have RT shocks on the front of my GS, and all 3 shocks set on the stiffest setting. Also use an Evo sway bar. I weigh 195. Corners real nice. Comfort? Who cares?
 
ABQ_Spyderman said:
That's where it gets tricky. I don't have the equipment to relieve the tension and adjust them myself, so I have to pay the dealer a 1/2 hour of labor to do it. I'm hoping to get it right the first time!
Click to expand...

My reccomendation - make a 1 time purchase of an ATV Jack and you will never need to pay the shop for anything small. I.e.-oil changes, shock adjustments, tire changes, etc.
 
i weigh about 300lbs and i just recently had mine put at the max setting (i was 1 below max previously) and have not noticed a difference.
course with the load i put on it before i decide to do hard cornering may just make them cry anyway :opps:

the ryde will be a little stiffer but i don't think you will notice after about 1/2 hour.
 
Mine are at 5 with a Evo sway bar and I weigh what you do. No issues, nice ryde, corners great. Go for it. I don't like changing the shock settings every time I take a passenger.
 
RS maxed out from the day I got it, put the Evo bar on three weeks after I brought the bike home, never looked back. :doorag:
 
ABQ_Spyderman said:
Is it hard to install the sway bar? I'm not exactly the best mechanic...
Click to expand...

*IF* you can find one to buy, it's not hard (I'm most definitely NOT a mechanic). You'll need a jack/jackstands, and on the RS I was able to install the bar without removing the frunk but some folks can't seem to install it without removing it. You do need some good metric combo wrenches and probably some WD40 to get the bolts off, and I needed my GF's extra set of hands for about five minutes to help tilt the frunk while I bolted on the bar.

All told, I took my sweet, sweet time and I had it done in about 90 minutes laying in my driveway. I'd say it's pretty easy.
 
daveinva said:
*IF* you can find one to buy, it's not hard (I'm most definitely NOT a mechanic). You'll need a jack/jackstands, and on the RS I was able to install the bar without removing the frunk but some folks can't seem to install it without removing it. You do need some good metric combo wrenches and probably some WD40 to get the bolts off, and I needed my GF's extra set of hands for about five minutes to help tilt the frunk while I bolted on the bar.

All told, I took my sweet, sweet time and I had it done in about 90 minutes laying in my driveway. I'd say it's pretty easy.
Click to expand...

Awesome. I'll have to check Ebay. Thanks!!
 
Neez said:
I have RT shocks on the front of my GS, and all 3 shocks set on the stiffest setting. Also use an Evo sway bar. I weigh 195. Corners real nice. Comfort? Who cares?
Click to expand...

This is my set up too. I ryde two up a lot. But, I don't change anything when it's just me. Handling is the best!!!
 
My gf wasn't around when I installed the sway bar as daveina's was. So, as others have suggested, I used a tennis ball behind the trunk. You can also use one of those wooden shims that you see to hold a door open. Also, I didn't have to jack up my GS/RS.

Good luck tryin go find an EVO sway bar.
 
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wyliec said:
My gf wasn't around when I installed the sway bar as daveina's was. So, as others have suggested, I used a tennis ball behind the trunk. You can also use one of those wooden shims that you see to hold a door open. Also, I didn't have to jack up my GS/RS.

Good luck tryin go find an EVO sway bar.
Click to expand...

A tennis ball, why didn't I think of that? Cheaper than my girlfriend, too. :joke:

RE: jack, I guess you could get it on there without jacking up the Spyder, but having the extra room sure didn't hurt.
 
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