buell s1 lightning '97 Manual
1-23
REAR PRELOAD ADJUSTMENT
GENERAL
Adjust rear preload:
●
When a new rider buys the motorcycle.
●
When there is a change in load (luggage, etc.)
●
Before changing front fork or rear shock suspension
settings.
settings.
Rear suspension spring preload assures that the rear sus-
pension has the proper amount of travel.
pension has the proper amount of travel.
Spring preload is the most important suspension adjustment
on the S1 Lightning. Improper preload will adversely affect
both the handling and motorcycle ride. Correct preload set-
ting will result in motorcycle handling that suits the rider’s size
and weight.
on the S1 Lightning. Improper preload will adversely affect
both the handling and motorcycle ride. Correct preload set-
ting will result in motorcycle handling that suits the rider’s size
and weight.
ADJUSTMENT
You will need three people to carry out this adjustment.
1.
Verify correct front and rear tire pressure. See
.
2.
Remove all accessories from motorcycle including tank
bag and/or saddlebags.
bag and/or saddlebags.
3.
Take the motorcycle off the side stand and bounce the
rear up and down a few times to be sure the suspension
is free and not binding.
rear up and down a few times to be sure the suspension
is free and not binding.
4.
See
of the rear axle nut to the rear turn signal mounting bolt
without rider/passenger/cargo/accessories on the motor-
cycle.
without rider/passenger/cargo/accessories on the motor-
cycle.
5.
Install items removed in Step 2. Load all cargo.
6.
Bounce a few times on the seat to be sure the suspen-
sion is free and not binding.
sion is free and not binding.
7.
With the help of an assistant, take the same measure-
ment with the vehicle fully loaded (rider/passenger/lug-
gage/cargo). The assistant should help balance the
motorcycle so the rider can keep both feet on the foot-
rests.
ment with the vehicle fully loaded (rider/passenger/lug-
gage/cargo). The assistant should help balance the
motorcycle so the rider can keep both feet on the foot-
rests.
8.
Subtract the second measurement from the first. The dif-
ference, which is the squat, should be 0.25-0.75 in. (6.4-
19.1 mm). If it is not, you will have to adjust the spring
preload.
ference, which is the squat, should be 0.25-0.75 in. (6.4-
19.1 mm). If it is not, you will have to adjust the spring
preload.
1
CAUTION
●
Be sure to apply the same number of turns to each
mechanical preload adjusting nut to ensure that the
end plates do not become misaligned. Misaligned
end plates will cause the shock absorber spring to
bind against the adjustment rods.
mechanical preload adjusting nut to ensure that the
end plates do not become misaligned. Misaligned
end plates will cause the shock absorber spring to
bind against the adjustment rods.
●
Be sure the plates are parallel within 1/64 in. (0.4 mm).
Misaligned end plates will cause the shock absorber
spring to bind against the adjustment rods.
Misaligned end plates will cause the shock absorber
spring to bind against the adjustment rods.
9.
Change the spring preload by adjusting
the mechanical preload adjusting nuts (metric) on the
rods that connect the end plates.
rods that connect the end plates.
a.
Increase the preload by tightening the nuts.
b.
Decrease the preload by loosening the nuts.
Figure 1-27. Checking Rear Preload
Figure 1-28. Adjusting Rear Preload
Rear turn signal
mounting bolt
mounting bolt
Rear axle nut
5540
Preload adjusting
nuts (metric)
nuts (metric)