Shock preload

[jest2dogs]

How does one determine the proper preload?

I have pretty much left my stock shocks alone on my 2007 750 Breva.

Even during a 1280 mile ride last fall with gear and my petite wife as pillion, I never changed the stock setting.

But, just two weeks ago during a 1,000 mile ride I noticed the bike hobby- horses in some hard corners when riding solo but loaded with gear.

It was a real thrill when I was checking out top end abilities on the highway. I rolled her up to 96 mph (which she did ever so nicely) on the I-5 between Chehalis and Portland. When I came up on a cluster of cars in the fast lane it also coincided with a left hand sweeper and a tar snake transverse to the lane. I rolled off the throttle, leaned into the curve and hit the tar snake all at once. Woo Hoo! What a bouncy experience that was!

I think I need to increase the rear preload. But how do you judge the proper setting? I am used to Beemers and Jap bikes that have nice little cam settings on can turn to.

Any proven methods or do I need a class in track set ups?

 

[Holt]

The "sack" shall be about 30% of the total suspension travel, when the bike is loaded.
I don't remember the total shock suspension travel, but I think it's about 100 mm, meaning the shocks shall settle about 30 mm when the desired load are on the bike. Both wheels on the ground, of course. You need to be at least 2 persons doing this. Or three, counting in your wife.

Bare in mind that the stock shocks are cheapos. What's needed are better dampening, in particular rebound.