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Message started by Cloudyday on 08/12/11 at 19:09:07

Title: Totally dumb noob question
Post by Cloudyday on 08/12/11 at 19:09:07

OK, I'm new to riding, this is my first bike - had it 4 weeks now and love it. But I am so new to this stuff I'm still trying to figure out some basic stuff. So, I apologize for the lameness of this question, and thank you in advance for your patience.

Here goes: How do I check the pre-load setting on the rear shocks? And, how do I adjust it if I want to try a different setting?

I've tried reading the owner's manual, but I must be overlooking something because it doesn't make any sense to me at all. I don't see anything that looks like the little sloping notched thing shown in the diagram at all. And I can't tell what I'm supposed to do.

Thanks again for your patience.

Title: Re: Totally dumb noob question
Post by drums1 on 08/12/11 at 19:30:01

There is a hole in the side of the chrome at the bottom, (I believe) of the shock. I used as big of a phillips screwdriver that would fit in there--or a punch.That whole chrome section will spin. I actually unbolted and removed the top of the shock. (Do 1 side at a time.) It's easier to get it to spin with the weight off. You will see the notched thing that the peg rests in. The higher the notch, the stiffer the ride. I weigh 250, so mine are on the highest notch, so as not to bottom out on bumps. Good luck.

Title: Re: Totally dumb noob question
Post by verslagen1 on 08/12/11 at 19:34:05

kinda simple, if you go over a bump and it bottoms out, stiffen it up.

there's a hole in the bottom chrome shield, stick a rod in there and turn it.
I could never do it on the bike, so I take it off, turn it upside down (makes it easy to see what setting you're on) put it on the top shock mount and turn the bottom.

both shock must be set the same way.

Title: Re: Totally dumb noob question
Post by TheSnakeLady on 08/13/11 at 04:48:13

drums1 and verslagen1 got it right, and if you're bike is stock I highly reccomend stiffening them up, you'll be amazed at the increase in stability which will inturn increase your confidence! I set mine as stiff as they will go and I can't believe the improved handling (specially in the twisties)!

Title: Re: Totally dumb noob question
Post by Gyrobob on 08/13/11 at 05:09:39

0A25263C2D302D2830490 wrote:

...... So, I apologize for the lameness of this question, and thank you in advance for your patience......

I hope the immediate, helpful, and sincere responses show there is no need to apologize, or in any other way, feel uneasy about asking for help here. This forum is here precisely to offer up that kind of assistance. Besides, it's fun.

What's the worst that could happen with any question you'd ask? Someone would probably refer you to another thread where your issue had already been handled,... then you could just go there and read up on it.

Usually, it is considered good forum etiquette to do a search for your subject before you start a new thread, but, again, what's the worst that could happen, eh?

Glad you are part of our community now. Congrats on getting a Savage,.. we like this bike around here.

Have you done a motorcycle safety course yet?

Title: Re: Totally dumb noob question
Post by Cloudyday on 08/13/11 at 10:00:43

Thanks for the responses. I'll give it a try at my first opportunity. Honestly, it feels like it's bottoming out, but then I'm pretty inexperienced so for all I know it's supposed to feel this way. :) But I'll try adjusting it and see what it does. Thanks for the instructions.

And thanks all for the welcome. I love the spirit of this group - the helpfulness, friendliness, good fun. Unlike some forums I'm on (for other things than motorcycles) there's no flaming or trolling or bashing going on here, and that's refreshing. So, my thanks to the moderators for their work.

Yes, I have taken the motorcycle safety course - actually a couple years ago. And that made up sum total of my riding experience until I bought this S40 a few weeks ago. But, I've been taking it easy, going slow, and it all seems to be coming back to me. I have thought, though, of checking with them about a "refresher" course.

Thanks again for your help. I hope one day I can contribute something worthwhile to the group!

Title: Re: Totally dumb noob question
Post by bill67 on 08/13/11 at 10:04:14

233F322439363C323B36332E570 wrote:

At your weight you don't need it full stiffest,Get a better ride the less stiff.

Title: Re: Totally dumb noob question
Post by Serowbot on 08/13/11 at 10:14:09

67484B51405D40455D240 wrote:

Thanks for the responses.
And thanks all for the welcome. I love the spirit of this group - the helpfulness, friendliness, good fun. Unlike some forums I'm on (for other things than motorcycles) there's no flaming or trolling or bashing going on here, and that's refreshing. So, my thanks to the moderators for their work.

We're not Savages....
Okay,... we are Savages,... but polite Savages... ;)...