Preload adjustment (riding with a passenger)

[grey.hound]

Anybody adjusted it? I know it is set up for a 187lb rider from the factory. Might have a passenger tomorrow on my ride and wondering if anybody has made the adjustment in the preload. Thanks.

 

[JaimeC]

My wife weighs more than me (and if you tell her I said this I'll deny it to my dying breath) but I never touched the preload when I took her for a ride. Just pumped up the pressure in the back tire to the recommended amount. Of course, we weren't going on a long trip; just out to dinner and the movies. You probably don't have to stress too much about it.

 

[Snowdog]

If it is bottoming out, stop and adjust them. Otherwise I agree with Jamie.

 

[grey.hound]

Well, i decided to adjust it 2 levels higher. We will be doing some open roads and moderate speeds. Report tomorrow evening.

 

[TwoPort]

Initially 2 up seemed to ride "poorly". A couple bottom out's but it did not feel right and my wife said it was not as nice as she expected. After the second 2-up ride I adjusted pre-load (duh) to max to see what would happen. The difference was amazing unrelated to the bottom out stuff. We both loved it. I actually like how it rides 1 up with max pre-load. Yes I know its stiffer than I needs and taller, but for my taste it's good.

 

[grey.hound]

Ok. The ride was great overall. My wife had never been. The preload was one from the stiffest but next time I will put it full. No issues, just felt a little bouncy at times.

Oh and the ride was 100 miles.

 

[justscootin]

Jamie this is now on the Internet and your wife will see this. There is no denying that you said this

My wife weighs more than me (and if you tell her I said this I'll deny it to my dying breath).

 

[Scorpion56]

I set the pre-load one notch higher for two-up riding (total passenger load around 320) and find that the steering feels less mushy. Don't forget the rear tire pump-up. 42 PSI if I remember.

 

[hickeybond]

my gf rode with me for the first time yesterday..after her getting over being mad at me for buying another two wheeler(i alwasys tell her that i already had a mother)! she thought the ride was pleasant but of course not as nice as my 2012 goldwing..i told her of course, there is a $20,000 difference..i told her that means a bigger ring if we ever get engaged! i guess i better kick up the preload a bit as my heavy ass weights in at a cute 260lbs!

 

[TwoPort]

. The preload was one from the stiffest but next time I will put it full. No issues, just felt a little bouncy at times.

Maybe that was the issue. When I set preload at max the bouncy feel went away. It was similar to the feel one up.

 

[Vago]

I'm 225 and the wife is 165 . . . . my preload is set on the 3rd position. Most of our roads are twisties . . . handles great. It is a little stiff riding solo . . . .

 

[exavid]

I run with the preload all the way up. I like the way it handles in the curves and keeps the ground clearance up. I don't find the ride overly harsh running max tire pressure and preload and it obviates the need to change anything when the wife gets on the back seat.

 

[Sparkrn]

Does anyone know what the recommended weight is at each notch above the factory setting? I moved mine up to the second from last setting with my weight of 240lbs. Any advice?

 

[grey.hound]

I once considered trying to figure it out. Here is what the book says for someone who may want to take a shot.

Basic setting of preload is: Increase from lowest preload by 4 notches (full tank of gas 187 lb rider (85kg)).

The C600 has a road ready weight of 547lbs
Max load is 981lbs. (payload = 434lbs)

Just checked and there are a total of 7 notches on the spring. I would guess that it's not a linear increase so it's not as though you take 434lbs/7 and get 62 lbs per notch.

But, if you take payload of 434lb minus the stock setting of 187lb rider: 434-187= 247lbs. With 3 notches left. Take 247 divide by 3: 247/3 = 82lbs per notch. Again, that is if it's a linear increase in payload.