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General Category => Maintenance => Topic started by: fjdave on February 20, 2009, 11:43:44 PM

Title: Rear Shock Adjustment
Post by: fjdave on February 20, 2009, 11:43:44 PM
Hi All
Just wondering about the way to tighten up the rear shock on my FJ1100. I have read the manual about adjustment via the top adjuster and chain mechanism behind the right hand side side cover. But I also remember reading somewhere about needing to adjust the spring from the bottom. Could somebody please shed a little light for me.
TIA
Dave
Title: Re: Rear Shock Adjustment
Post by: andyb on February 21, 2009, 08:03:22 AM
I believe you'd adjust the preload on it with a wrench on the adjuster that is chain driven and separate from the shock; the damping is adjusted by the plastic knob beneath that.  The later FJ1200s (91-93) had a different setup, and used a collar on the shock body for preload, and a little wheel (also on the shock body) for damping.

Title: Re: Rear Shock Adjustment
Post by: MyFirstNameIsPaul on March 01, 2009, 12:31:39 PM
Reality is that the FJ shock is inadequate for the task.  Like most OE shocks, it really should be replaced.  The use the absolute cheapest components.  When I had the stock shock on my bike, full preload couldn't even get decent sag with no one on the bike.
Title: Re: Rear Shock Adjustment
Post by: TRoy on March 01, 2009, 04:38:06 PM
You can't get max adjustment with the adjuster installed. Take the adjuster assy off,  then bash the preload ring around with a hammer & long screwdriver.  If the bike doesn't sag when you sit on it, back it off 'till it does.   :P

Turn the damping adjuster cable fully counterclockwise 'till it stops.

You can also improve the stock fork springs by cutting the tops off & installing a spacer of equal length (about 5")

:-*



Title: Re: Rear Shock Adjustment
Post by: fjdave on March 02, 2009, 03:28:20 AM
Thanks guys for the input. I have done the adjustment as detailed above and there seems to be a small improvement. I may have to save up some johny cash for a hagon or similar in the longer term.
Dave
Title: Re: Rear Shock Adjustment
Post by: ogmudbone on March 05, 2009, 05:55:56 PM
traxxion dynamics will make you a pretty nice shock set up for your bike + your weight. $600 (around $600 anyway) for the sport shock(penske) and about $800 for the double adjustable. all the info and input i have had says save for the double clicker so you can adjust for touring and 2 up riding.



OGmudbone
aka
John
Title: Re: Rear Shock Adjustment
Post by: WIFJ1287 on April 10, 2009, 12:07:44 PM
That Progressive 420 is plenty substantial..++