Rear Shock Adjustment

[fjdave]

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

[andyb]

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.

[MyFirstNameIsPaul]

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.

[TRoy]

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.   

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")

[fjdave]

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

[ogmudbone]

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

[WIFJ1287]

That Progressive 420 is plenty substantial..++