69
Maintenance
Rear Suspension
Rear Shock Preload (Ride Height) Inspection
Periodically measure rear shock preload. Have an assistant help with this procedure.
For the most comfortable ride and proper ground clearance, adjust preload if ride height is
out of specification.
1. Verify that tire pressure is at
specification. See page 73.
2. Load the motorcycle with all intended
cargo. Wearing your riding gear, bring
the motorcycle to the upright position
and sit on the operator's seat. If you plan
to carry a passenger, have the passenger
(with riding gear) sit on the passenger
seat.
3. Balance the motorcycle, allowing all
rider and cargo weight to be supported
by the motorcycle, not by the riders’
feet. Bounce on the seat so the
suspension cycles and comes to rest at
its ride-in position.
WARNING!
Do not carry a passenger unless the motorcycle is equipped with passenger seat and
passenger footrests.
4. Measure shock preload from upper mount bolt center to lower mount bolt center (eye-to-
eye). Perform this measurement on both shocks.
5. Ride height should be 282 mm on both shocks. If the measurement differs, adjust the
preload. See page 70.
Ride Height Measurement
282 mm
