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CB650R I weigh 210 pounds...what's the best "preload" setting for back shocks ?

MasterSlimes

2021
CB650R
Jun 4, 2021
New Brunswick, Canada
Riding Since
1990
I find the back shocks are pretty bouncy at the factory settings. Any suggestions on what's the best setting for a heavier guy like me ?

Also is is easy to set yourself ? Do you need a special tool ?
thanks !
 

MotoDonner

2021
CB650R ABS
Feb 10, 2021
Riding Since
2016
I have mine set to the highest value (10).
If you have the toolkit for the bike there is a special wrench for it with an extension.
It's easy to do yourself, the higher you go the harder it is to turn the wrench but still easy enough.

Something like 7-8 is probably enough. I set mine to 10 because im scared my tire might make contact with my licence plate again.
 

MasterSlimes

2021
CB650R
Jun 4, 2021
New Brunswick, Canada
Riding Since
1990
Thanks...the bike tool kit did not come with the tool that can adjust the back shock. I'll have to buy one online. Does changing the shock tension affect handling ? Of so..in what way ?
Thanks again 😊
 

Cc

2018
CB650F
Jul 22, 2021
Riding Since
1984
I watched some Dave Moss stuff and realised my 2018 650F had no static sag and not enough rider sag. It was set to the standard 3! So I backed it off 1 to 2 and the bike was a different bike and the tyres went from awful to predictable and pretty good. I'd recommend start low(ish) 5? as your a big guy and ride your favourite road then gradually increase. I had too much preload and it overwhelmed my front suspension which is pretty soft on the CB650F. Atleast we can only screw up one setting my Ducati was fully adjustable front and back and I could never get a happy set-up for all conditions!
 

BC_Rob

2021
CBR650R ABS
May 6, 2021
Riding Since
1981
I’m 215 lbs in my birthday suit and I have my preload set on 9. Best setting for me.
 

Dontpush

2020
CB650R ABS
Mar 8, 2020
Riding Since
2017
Im 180lbs and tested it all out for a few days each (without measuring sag) to feel the difference. To be honest 1 felt different (bouncy), 2-6 range all felt the same (neutral) and 8-10 range felt the same (stiff). Wasn't anything noticable with the in-between clicks. Ended up settling on 4.
 

Dontpush

2020
CB650R ABS
Mar 8, 2020
Riding Since
2017
Btw, they sell these at home depot, $10. Doesn't seem like it would work because how small it is, but it does!
 

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baloo2650

2018
CB650F ABS
May 14, 2019
Ontario, Canada
Riding Since
1984
It's always been a thing on race bikes to jack the rear end and drop the front. -Is easier on bikes with clip-ons. Doing that might make you faster in the short term, but it's just a band-aid. Having a quicker turn in seems nice, but you'll be riding a twitchier bike. Setting up a condition you have to ride around is never a good idea.
 
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