Buell 2002 X1, Handbook

Page: 31 / 455

2002 Buell X1: Maintenance 1-29
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PRELOAD ADJUSTMENT 1.14
GENERAL
Rear Shock Preload:
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 motorcy-
cle handling that suits the rider’s size and weight.
ADJUSTMENT
Check and Adjust Rear Shock Preload
1. See Figure 29. 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 29. Adjust shock preload until the measure-
ment is within the optimum preload measurement.
a. Loosen the locknut and turn the preload adjuster at
the end of the shock.
b. See Figure 30. To decrease preload, move the can
towards the front of the motorcycle. To increase pre-
load, move the can towards the rear of the motorcy-
cle.
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 adjust-
ment).
3. See Figure 31. 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.
4. Thread locknut back into place.
NOTE
Torque wrench and crow’s foot must be set at 90 degrees to
prevent torque multiplication by wrench.
5. 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.
6. 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 29. X1 Rear Shock Preload Adjustment
Figure 30. X1 Rear Shock Preload Adjustment
Figure 31. Applying Grease to Shock
Preload Measurement
(Rider Seated on Motorcycle)
X1 Models: 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