What is the best setting for motorcycle rear shock absorber?
3 Answers
The principle of motorcycle rear shock absorber adjustment is to set it to the 4th gear. During the break-in period of a scooter, the speed should be controlled at 60km/h. Below are some daily maintenance precautions for motorcycles: Idle speed control: During the break-in period, the motorcycle's idle speed should be maintained at 100 rpm. Gear matching: The motorcycle's gear should correspond to the speed. Braking method: When braking is required due to an obstacle ahead, release the throttle, apply the rear brake with your right foot, and gently apply the front brake with your right hand. Spark plug installation: When installing a new spark plug, hand-tighten it until it can't be turned anymore, then use a spark plug socket to tighten it approximately a quarter to half a turn.
I've been riding motorcycles for over ten years and often encounter shock absorber adjustment issues. I've found that rear shock settings vary from person to person. Generally, the gear setting depends on weight, riding habits, and load conditions. For someone like me weighing around 70kg, I set the preload to medium, approximately the third or fourth position, which provides good stability for both city riding and mountain roads. Remember a simple method: when seated, the shock should have some sag, about 2-3cm—too soft or too hard affects handling. If carrying a passenger, increasing by one or two gears can prevent wobbling. Road conditions also matter—set it softer for bumpy roads to improve comfort, and stiffer for high-speed riding to ensure safety. Don't just follow the manual; hands-on testing works best. Also, remember to regularly maintain and check the shock oil to prevent premature wear and issues.
The worst thing about commuting by bike is having unsuitable suspension—it's not only uncomfortable but also dangerous. When adjusting the rear suspension settings, I usually start from the middle setting and then fine-tune it based on my body weight. As a medium-sized rider, I set the suspension slightly stiffer than the middle for daily commutes, which makes going over speed bumps much smoother and prevents brake dive. On rainy days or rough roads, I lower the setting by one or two notches to soften the suspension. When carrying cargo, I increase the setting to avoid loss of control due to excessive sag. Always remember to clean the suspension area before adjustments to prevent dust buildup. A simple test method: have a friend measure the sag while riding—around 3 cm is ideal. After adjusting, take a few rides to test the feel until it’s comfortable and stable. Avoid unnecessary tinkering to prevent damaging the components.
