Rear Shockie setting for two-up

[Chop1961]

Hi all, have a quick question. I am about to hit the road today for a 5000klm trip. I did a quick trial run yesterday two-up and loaded and noticed the extra weight from the way the rear shockies behaved. Im 120kg and pillion 60kg. (Plus panniers and top-box loaded) Im wondering if anybody has a rough idea where my rear shock setting should be dialed in at so i can play from there with them, thanks

[KiwiCol]

I'd have the top & bottom both set on 3 or 4, you're fully loaded up.

[Chop1961]

Thanks for that mate. I went out hour ago and set smaller dial at 4 and the larger dial i took all the way out and took it in 5 clicks if i recall. Ive been on road for about an hour and have just stopped for juice. Can't believe the difference it has made, its smooth as, mind you both shockies were on different numbers to each other so they where probably fighting each other. I inherited the bike like that but i should have looked months ago. Its a real joy to ride that bike, thanks.

[GSXKING]

You may like to check your front suspension settings whilst you're at it bud just to be sure/safe 

GSX is a great all rounder enjoy the trip 

[Kiwifruit]

Nice luggage set up.
Enjoy your trip......safe travels 

[Andre]

Should also set up the rear preload. One ring more for each 20 kg added as a rule of thumb.

[Speedy1959]

Jeeez I will run out of Rings !!
(As it were) 

[Andre]

As long as your lifebelt stays you'll be alright

[grog]

Ill run out also, ring number 7 loaded.

[Chop1961]

Thanks for replys, have been on road a couple of days now and have come to relize that i dont think the back springs are up to the weight, im carrying a lot of weight mainly because i finished a job and have me scaff-belt etc tucked away in there. I have been fighting a head wind all the way a well which has dropped my fuel consumption to about 10lt every 100klms 🙄 but thats sitting on 140kph. Today i will be traveling through one section where there is no fuel for around 300 plus klms so will sit on 120kph plus i will be carrying 5lts of fuel. On reflection i think for me next trip a new set of rear shocks or maybe a shop that can fit heavier springs, ship me tools via the postbox and back off the throttle a tad, thanks again 😎

[Chop1961]

For the record, no, im not going this way but ill tell everyone i did 😎

[Chop1961]

Andre, i just read your message, i will do that at Mt Isa, should be there today, cheers

[KiwiCol]

10L / 100 is high, even for those speeds.  How clean is your air filter?  Just thinking . . .

[Andre]

Andre, i just read your message, i will do that at Mt Isa, should be there today, cheers

Thanks for replys, have been on road a couple of days now and have come to relize that i dont think the back springs are up to the weight, im carrying a lot of weight mainly because i finished a job and have me scaff-belt etc tucked away in there. ... On reflection i think for me next trip a new set of rear shocks or maybe a shop that can fit heavier springs, ship me tools via the postbox and back off the throttle a tad, thanks again 😎

Increasing the preload does not stiffen the springs, only adjusts the geometry (i.e. bike don't sag in the rear and come up front). Sounds like you are on the right track with fitting heavier springs and/or lightening the load. New shocks would also have to have springs appropriate to your needs. Talking this over with a suspension specialist would be the thing to do imo.

Oh, you and pillion are 180 kg. That gives you only 20 kg to reach official max load for the bike.

[Sweaty]

Good stuff Chop, looks like you are doing some pretty remote riding out there  enjoy.