shock settings

[wiredgeorge]

Mostly will be riding the new to me RT (strippo model) two-up. Currently the front shocks are set on 3rd preload position and I didn't bother measure air pressure at the schader valve for the rear shock. My two-up load is about 400 lbs (I am most of it btw). What preload for front (lightest = 1 and stiffest = 5) and rear air pressure would be a good starting point? Probably, once set I will adjust from there based on handling and passenger feedback. I know, I know... I need an anti-sway bar which is in the plans when money becomes available.

 

[Chupaca]

Suggestion...

double up with you combined weight I would go to the max setting for best handling. Rear mid to high. Like you said you will have to see how that works and adjust as needed..:thumbup:

 

[finless]

Day I got my 2011 RTS I set the fronts to 5 preload.
Then I added the Baja Ron sawy bar.

Bob

 

[Bob Denman]

Start at 65 psi... :thumbup:

 

[wiredgeorge]

Start at 65 psi... :thumbup:

Thanks guys... with experienced rubbing shoulders with the newb, no sense learning the same lessons again. When I got my GL1500 Roadsmith Trike, the front shocks were not adjustable other than fork oil or a spring change. The rear shocks on one of the Roadsmith conversions are Progressive 637s and were set to the #1 (least preload) position. The trike wallowed like a pig. I eventually ended up on 5. I was also going to change the shock springs to a heavier rate (they are dual rate progressive) and I couldn't read what was on the spring up under the bike... would have to remove a shock first.

 

[wiredgeorge]

Some of the stuff in the Can-Am owner's manual is almost funny. They tell you not to exceed rear shock air pressure maximum and don't tell you what that max is. They have a chart that I find pretty incomprehensible and the largest value I perceived was 90 PSI. That sounds a bit high for a bike shock of any sort. In the past, air shocks I have owned were generally less than 15 PSI. Maybe I don't understand how the air system works? Is there something outside the shock that is the place where the air is going? I gotta get a shop manual soon...

 

[Highwayman2013]

If it doesn't have the Bajaron sway bar it is highly recommended.

 

[Bob Denman]

90 psi is the max...

:lecturef_smilie: And NEVER run it empty! :shocked: