Tutorial: Adjusting the Shock Spring Preload for the RX3

[Weldangrind]

I presume that six full turns from zero preload is about right for a 200+lbs rider; is that correct?

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by Weldangrind

I presume that six full turns from zero preload is about right for a 200+lbs rider; is that correct?

I would guess six full turns from the stock position, which is minimal preload, would be about right for a rider who weighs 200 pounds. Unfortunately, I weigh more than I should, so I am going outside shortly to add another 3 turns to the spring preload on my RX3. This setting will bring me nine full turns from the minimal preload position.

I haven't added all the luggage, and the crash bars, to my RX3. Therefore, I might need to adjust the spring preload some more, after I finish adding all the equipment. However, it is much easier working on the bike in its current 'naked' configuration. I suggest riders sort out the suspension on this bike before they add all the luggage, et cetera.

[katflap]

Great tutorial Spud, Thanks,

Now for a dumb question

Being a beginner at suspension adjustment

What is the " ride feel " I'm after for when it's set right.

or is it one of those things that can't be explained

Spotted another difference CSC / Honley, no evaporation canister for us (UK)

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by katflap

Great tutorial Spud, Thanks,

Now for a dumb question

Being a beginner at suspension adjustment

What is the " ride feel " I'm after for when it's set right.

or is it one of those things that can't be explained

Spotted another difference CSC / Honley, no evaporation canister for us (UK)

Thank you, Kat.

You want the suspension to feel smooth. You don't want to feel any harshness or jarring when you encounter potholes, or bumps in the road or trail.

I will take more photos of the connections to the evaporation canister when I check the valve lash. It doesn't weigh much, and it doesn't block access to anything, but I am still considering removing it.

[pete]

did you measure the sags before adjusting the shock
to give you a idea where you need to be heading
or if you can get the correct setting with the standard spring
for your weight..

what you should be after is
35mm Static Sag. "bike under it's own weight"
33% - 1/3 of suspension travel , Rider Sag.. "Rider on bike"




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[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by pete

did you measure the sags before adjusting the shock
to give you a idea where you need to be heading
or if you can get the correct setting with the standard spring
for your weight..

what you should be after is
35mm Static Sag. "bike under it's own weight"
33% - 1/3 of suspension travel , Rider Sag.. "Rider on bike"

.

That's the way I set up the shock preload on my other bikes, Pete. I used that method when I installed a stronger spring on the XT225 shock absorber of my Zongshen ZS200GY-2. I also used that method after I installed lowering links on both my Honda XR650L, and my Honda CRF250X.

I wanted to use that method on my Zongshen RX3, but my good friend who has helped me in the past was unavailable for about a week. The RX3 shock absorber is soft enough in stock configuration to be punishing at times. Also, it was set for the minimal spring preload, so I decided to experiment with the spring preload while I waited for my friend to find time to help me.

Because of the limited suspension travel, and the adventure/street bike characteristics of the suspension, I decided to adjust the spring preload for the best riding response on pavement and dirt while I waited for my friend to help me perform the traditional method.

I believe I have optimized the shock preload as best I can for the stock equipment, but the shock performance is still not satisfactory. I suspect either the limited suspension travel (5.6 inches) is not adequate for dual purpose riding, or, most probably, the stock shock spring is not strong enough for my weight.

Therefore, I am going to keep the current settings until my friend finds time to help me employ the traditional, proven method.

[pete]

Originally Posted by SpudRider

I suspect either the limited suspension travel (5.6 inches) is not adequate for dual purpose riding,

if thats all it's got you will need to use harder settings or you will
bottoming out on ruts/pot holes etc
8" - 200mm would be far better for a ADV bike..





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