Buell 2002 S3T, Service Manual

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2002 Buell S3T: Maintenance 1-29
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PRELOAD ADJUSTMENT 1.13
GENERAL
Adjust rear preload when:
●
There is a change in load (adding luggage, etc.)
●
Changing front fork or rear shock suspension settings
Optimal rear suspension spring preload assures that the rear
shock has enough travel to absorb bumps without bottoming.
Spring preload is the most important suspension adjustment.
Improper preload will adversely affect both the handling and
motorcycle ride. Correct preload setting will result in
motorcycle handling that suits the rider’s size and weight.
ADJUSTMENT
Rear Shock Preload
Check and Adjust Rear Shock Preload
1. See Figure 1-31. With a rider seated on the motorcycle,
measure the distance between the centers of the front
and rear shock eye. The optimum preload measurement
is 15.2-15.5 in. (386-394 mm).
2. See Figure 1-31. Adjust shock preload until the
measurement is within the optimum preload
measurement.
a. Loosen the locknut and turn the preload adjuster at
the end of the shock.
b. See Figure 1-32. To decrease preload, move the
can towards the front of the motorcycle. To increase
preload, move the can towards the rear of the
motorcycle.
NOTE
●
All measurements must be taken with rider seated on
motorcycle.
●
Riders with passenger at or near GVWR may exceed
optimum shock length measurement (preload adjustment).
4. See Figure 1-33. When preload adjustments have been
made, apply wheel bearing grease halfway around the
shock (180 degrees) to the mating faces of the locknut
and adjuster nut and the first few threads on the alumi-
num body leading to the adjuster nut.
3. Thread locknut back into place.
NOTE
Torque wrench and crow’s foot must be set at 90 degrees to
prevent torque multiplication by wrench.
4. Hold adjusting nut in place and tighten locknut to
65-72 ft-lbs (88-98 Nm) with crow’s foot set at 90 degrees
to the torque wrench.
5. Wipe excess grease off of shock absorber.
NOTE
When preload is increased, both compression and rebound
damping should be increased. If preload is decreased, both
compression and rebound damping should be decreased.
Figure 1-31. Rear Shock Preload Adjustment
Figure 1-32. Rear Shock Preload Adjustment
Figure 1-33. Applying Grease to Shock
Preload Measurement
(Rider Seated on Motorcycle)
15.2-15.5 in. (386-394 mm)
0855x2x
Can
b00851x2x
Compression
Adjuster Slotted
Dial
Locknut
Preload Adjuster
Rear of Motorcycle
TOP VIEW
b0921x2x
Locknut
Grease
Adjusting Nut