buell s1 lightning '97 Manual

 

Evaluating and changing the rebound and compression
damping is a very subjective process. A good performing sus-
pension finds a proper balance between spring, spring pre-
load, damping, track conditions and riding speed. However,
all settings are at best a compromise. If a rider fails to find a
good set-up, go back to the factory recommended settings
and start over again.

Make all suspension adjustments in one or two click incre-
ments. Adjusting more than one or two clicks at a time may
cause you to skip the best adjustment. Test ride after each
adjustment. When an adjustment makes no difference, return
to the previous adjustment and try a different approach.

To find the optimum settings you will need the preload prop-
erly adjusted, the tires properly inflated and a familiar bumpy
road. It is useful if the road contains a variety of different
bumps from small sharp bumps such as potholes or frost
heaves to large undulations. Begin the process by putting all
the damping adjustments at the factory recommended set-
tings. Ride the bike over a variety of different surfaces and
bumps at different speeds. When the suspension is set prop-
erly the motorcycle will be stable and comfortable.

 

Beyond the rear preload adjustment, the rear shock can also
be adjusted for rebound and compression damping. However,
it is important to note the rear preload must be set correctly
before performing any other adjustments.

See 

 The compression damping adjuster has 11

possible settings. Adjust compression damping by using the
black dial at the rear of the shock. Position #1 sets the mini-
mum amount of compression damping. This is the softest set-
ting. Position #11 maximizes compression damping. The
factory recommended setting is Position #5.

The rebound damping adjuster has 7 possible settings.
Changes are made using the dial on the remote nitrogen res-
ervoir. When set to Position #1, the rear shock exhibits mini-
mum rebound damping. At this setting, the shock will have a
very fast rebound. Position #7 sets the rear shock to maxi-
mum rebound damping. The factory recommended setting is
Position #3.

 

See 

 The fork compression damping adjuster on

right fork leg has 28 positions. Position #20 is the factory rec-
ommended setting.

The fork rebound adjuster on the left fork leg has 28 positions.
Position #12 is the factory recommended setting.

See 

 To set the forks to their factory recom-

mended setting, turn the adjusters clockwise until they lock.
Then turn the knobs counterclockwise the recommended 12
or 20 positions. A higher number of clicks increases damping.

 

The following tables list possible suspension and operating
troubles and their probable causes. Use the tables to keep
your motorcycle in good operating condition.

When making adjustments, remember there are two medi-
ums in setting up a bike, geometry and suspension. Both
components work together because suspension is a part of
geometry. In order to solve handling problems, it is important
to diagnose the problem’s true nature. Chattering, sliding or
an uncomfortable feeling are suspension problems. Handling
and a swinging fork are geometric problems, but often these
problems can be solved by suspension adjustments.

1

 

Rear shock 
rebound

7

3

Rear shock 
compression

11

5

Front fork 
rebound

28

12

Front fork
compression

28

20

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