Yamaha FZR400 1988-1989, Service Manual

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9
Damping
Perfect damping control is as important as fine tuning your engine. Whether it comes to cutting precious
seconds off of your lap times or just obtaining a comfortable ride on a Sunday afternoon, FOX shocks
were especially designed to help achieve riding harmony.
The range of damping adjustment on a FOX shock is basically divided into two ranges: Internal and
External.
Internal adjustments can only be made by disassembling the shock absorber. This process is called “re-
valving”, because the internal valving of the shock is modified. The range of Internal Adjustment is
virtually unlimited. We at FOX Racing Shox have spent countless hours of Dyno, track and street
testing to give you a shock that just needs to be fine tuned to suit your personal riding style using the
external adjustments.
External adjustments can be made at any time and any place. Go out and ride! Focus on what the rear
of the bike is doing and not on going 110%. Sometimes you can feel it’s not quite right, for example,
but it may be hard to tell if the problem is too little rebound damping or too much compression damping.
Sometimes the different “feel” is subtle and you have to really concentrate to tell the difference. An
experienced friend watching you ride may be able to help. Try to develop a good “feel” for what is
going on. Once you get it right you will be glad you spent the time doing it.
Here is a list of the most common symptoms. It is a good idea to make one adjustment at a time and to
keep notes.