F3NIX
New member
Are you saying lose weight or buy a bigger bike?? lol
What preload setting do you use on your stock shock?
- Thread starter []V[]addog
- Start date
Are you saying lose weight or buy a bigger bike?? lol
FZ8canuk
New member
I just ordered a Nitron shock to replace the stock, awesome shock for about $550.00 custom built to your weight. I know its a bit expensive but still cheaper than an Ohlins and very, very well built. its a company in the UK but they now have a USA distributer that ships free in the us they have been a nitrion supplier for only a few months we were order #10.
They are also building a factory in the us so you will see a lot more of them I'm sure.
They are worth a look.
RoadKill
New member
i am using a Penske 8975. it was $817.00 so it's not cheap.
F3NIX
New member
I have never played with the suspension. What does it require to adjust the suspension?
Sent from my phone
ultimate_walrus
New member
I've never messed with the front suspension, but the rear is pretty simple. Check your owner's manual. There is a wierd shaped hook looking tool in your kit that you use to adjust the preload. As for the rebound damping, there's a screw accessed under the bike on the left side. I believe it's just forward of the pegs, but I don't have my bike nearby to check. Standard size screwdriver will do it, though the angle is weird as the adjustment screw is just about level with your chain. You can easily make out the audible clicks as you turn the screw one way or the other. Left to reduce damping, right to increase. Same for the preload, clockwise to increase, counter to decrease (make the shocks... Fluffier)
ultimate_walrus
New member
I'm 220 and have always gone with the stock preload while riding alone. It's always felt fine, but maybe I'll do a bit of experimenting when I start riding again in the spring (stuck out of the country till December... Not a great month to be riding in the midwest :-()
pigdog
New member
look folks,,,..,its like a new cell phone. no matter how many mistakes you make, you're not gonna break it. if your starting with stock settings (owners manual) go for a ride with a screwdriver & that little hooky thing in your tool kit (spanner wrench) & play. oh ya,a 17mm open end box wrench for fork preload
correction,front preload wrench is 14mm
correction,front preload wrench is 14mm
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blues hurler
New member
Just to clarify, preload acts on the spring, not the shock. I weigh 175 and have rear preload at 7, but that may still be too soft. I also added 2 clicks of rebound to the front suspension to balance out the rebound better. I'm still working on refining the setup when weather permits.
mckshred
New member
I have the 11 model that got ripped off when it came to suspension adjustment 
.
- have since replaced the stock rear spring with a Race Tech (170 lbs). Front forks have Race Tech Springs and Gold Fork Damping Valves. I run rear shock pre-load at 8 clicks (one click from firmest). Back end will lift a little under pretty strong braking, but I haven't had any issues on street or track. I may drop a click and see if it makes a difference. I wish I had the Nitron shock, but too much other sh*t getting in the way of bike spendage!
. - have since replaced the stock rear spring with a Race Tech (170 lbs). Front forks have Race Tech Springs and Gold Fork Damping Valves. I run rear shock pre-load at 8 clicks (one click from firmest). Back end will lift a little under pretty strong braking, but I haven't had any issues on street or track. I may drop a click and see if it makes a difference. I wish I had the Nitron shock, but too much other sh*t getting in the way of bike spendage!
Banky2112
Just plain crazy...
I have the 11 model that got ripped off when it came to suspension adjustment
- have since replaced the stock rear spring with a Race Tech (170 lbs). Front forks have Race Tech Springs and Gold Fork Damping Valves. I run rear shock pre-load at 8 clicks (one click from firmest). Back end will lift a little under pretty strong braking, but I haven't had any issues on street or track. I may drop a click and see if it makes a difference. I wish I had the Nitron shock, but too much other sh*t getting in the way of bike spendage!
I have 2013 forks you can buy
Woody146
Banned
I have the 11 model that got ripped off when it came to suspension adjustment
- have since replaced the stock rear spring with a Race Tech (170 lbs). Front forks have Race Tech Springs and Gold Fork Damping Valves. I run rear shock pre-load at 8 clicks (one click from firmest). Back end will lift a little under pretty strong braking, but I haven't had any issues on street or track. I may drop a click and see if it makes a difference. I wish I had the Nitron shock, but too much other sh*t getting in the way of bike spendage!
12's too..how much did all the race tech run you? Gonna be one of my next mods.
rug_burn
Member
About the general stock suspension on my 2011 FZ*: I gotta say I feel it's pretty good for the street or road. T he roads I ride on have dips, occasional potholes, manhole covers, etc. They're pretty far from flat sometimes. I don't think I'd want the suspension any stiffer. After years of off-road riding as well as road, I appreciate the benefits of having some useful suspension travel.
FZ8canuk
New member
I have the 11 model that got ripped off when it came to suspension adjustment
- have since replaced the stock rear spring with a Race Tech (170 lbs). Front forks have Race Tech Springs and Gold Fork Damping Valves. I run rear shock pre-load at 8 clicks (one click from firmest). Back end will lift a little under pretty strong braking, but I haven't had any issues on street or track. I may drop a click and see if it makes a difference. I wish I had the Nitron shock, but too much other sh*t getting in the way of bike spendage!
I got my Nitron just before the end of the riding season only had it out twice before putting it to bed for the winter but holy crap what a difference in the handling can't wait for summer so I can really put it to the test.
I am also talking with the guys from Traxsion for the front end, they don't have a set up for the FZ8 but they are sure the FZ1 set up will work if the shock tube are the same which I think they are. they can build the adjustment caps in their shop will check into it more in the summer.