[kook]

New to quads - come from street bikes.

The first thing we do with bikes, as far as suspension setup, is to set the preload, then worry about the damping. Is there some rule of thumb for setting the preload? With bikes, we'd look for around 1-1.25" of preload - this is how much the bike "sags" when the rider is on it, compared to when there is no rider on the bike.

Next is the damping, compression and rebound. With *some* bikes, it was known that, out of the box, the compression and/or rebound settings were either way too soft or stiff, no matter what weight/skill rider was on it. Is this the case with the Z?

I'm 185 lbs in street clothes, if that helps at all. Running on MX tracks - beginner, but learning fast.

 

[quadzzuki]

About all you can do with the stock fronts are stiffen them up. You will definetly need to if you are jumping and getting more than a foot or two of air. Ive been relatively happy with the rear stock settings so far. Im sure someone else in this forum can give us more insight.

 

[ZRider400]

I need help with adjusting the rear shock also. I already put the front shocks on the stiffest setting, and STILL bottom them. so if anyone knows anything about adjusting the rear shock....please help!

 

[kentuckycat]

Check out pages 21-22 of your owner's manual.

The front suspension only has pre-load adjustment. You want it in the position closest to the a-arms (lowest) for the HIGHEST PRE-LOAD setting.

The rear suspension has pre-load, rebound, AND Damping adjustment. The manual says you need a special tool to change the rear pre-load. The adjustment is at the TOP of the shock. There's a small screw on the BOTTOM right hand side of the shock (look underneath the swingarm). That's for rebound. Clockwise for more rebound. Damping force is the screw on the reservoir at the TOP of the shock. Same thing, clockwise for stiffer.

Hope this helps!

 

[kentuckycat]

Here's the page out of the owner's manual for the rear suspension:

The Service Manual says exactly the same thing.

 

[WP]

Here is the right way to adjust your suspension - TCS. Give them a call and order some new ones. The ride will be unmatched. At the races this weekend, my fastest section was the back whoop section because they bike was so steady and never bucked or swapped.

 

[Zero Z400]

QUOTE

I'm 185 lbs in street clothes, if that helps at all.  Running on MX tracks - beginner, but learning fast.[/b]

Tell that to Axis, Elka, Ohlins, PEP, TCS or Works and u'll be set. If u really like Mx then new suspension is the way to go, th valve it to ur specs.


Later

 

[kook]

I just wanna stay stock for now.