adjusting preload

[pinballjon]

Being a big guy I'm looking to up the preload on my '05 ST. It looks like I just take a big screw driver and screw in the screws under the pop off caps on the front forks. Is this correct? Are there any gotcha's to look out for?

Has anyone figured out an easy method to take some of the dive out of the front end?


Thanks

[DaveM]

pinballjon,
the manual will comprehensively explain how to make the adjsutments. I ride with mine set on the recommended settings front and rear for carrying a pillion.
For me this is about right, I weigh 97 kilograms. and I usually ride in a sporty manner.

If you do not use settings from the manual be sure you note in a book exactly what you have done and record the response after riding
Keep adjusting till you get it right.

Soft forks, search previous threads very well covered here in earlier posts.

cheers,
davem

[RedMick]

On 2005-09-11 20:02, pinballjon wrote:..................... the screws under the pop off caps on the front forks..........

Now you've lost me, have you got a Sprint ST? My Sprint ST just has preload adjustment on the top of each fork leg.

[ST-ern]

Yep, wot DaveM said ... but would add 'make big adjustments' so you get to learn what they do; then tweak.

But really, do a google on setting static sag ... best place to start.

As for the dive, in short, no. Soft springs. Only way out is firmer springs and revalving to suit your weight and riding style.

[ST]

The preload adjuster scews on the forks are made of soft british cheese so be gentle and apply a couple of bits of masking tape or similar in to the slots to prevent marking..
I would use a vernier depth guage to get each leg exactly the same too.

rear preload adjustment is best done with a socket rather than a screwdriver.....