[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by rjmorel

Spud, I've been wondering about my suspension and how to make it ride less harsh on the street. I weigh around 180 w riding gear and the pot holes on Walla Walla streets are bad. When I hit them sitting down it really rattles the old back bones...

Yes, the spring preload setting on the shock absorber produces a very harsh ride. Fortunately, adjusting the spring preload allows the shock to perform much better.

Originally Posted by rjmorel

On the rear shock is the preload changed by just turning the ring under the spring? Is there any set screw locking said ring? Any special tool used to turn ring?...

The locking ring for the shock spring has a single Allen bolt which tightens it. You adjust the spring preload either by turning the spring, or turning the locking ring, which sits above the spring at the top of the shock. You don't need a special tool to tighten the spring preload.

Originally Posted by rjmorel

...I don't know squat about adjusting suspension like racers do but I'm assuming I want the least amount of preload so it's not as harsh and squats down more. Then adjust dampening on shock to control the shock boing boing part of the ride?...

The spring preload on my shock was set to the mimimum amount. Therfore, I suspect your shock is the same, and you will want to increase the amount of spring preload to stiffen the shock response. The adjustable rebound damping of the shock works well, and is easy to adjust.

Originally Posted by rjmorel

Forks seem stiff to me also. Would your ATF oil be a better choice? thanks rj

The rebound damping of the forks is too soft, due to the low viscosity of the fork oil. I drained the stock fork oil, and installed Mobil1 Synthetic ATF, which has a viscosity of 10W. The thicker ATF allowed the forks to function significantly better.