Google static sag and or Race sag. It takes three people to set it up correctly. One person to help hold the bike upright. You to sit on the seat with feet on the pegs, and the 3rd to make the measurements.

I recommend getting a copy of "total control" by Lee Parks so you can learn about your bike and setting it up propery. He also goes over riding techniques that will make you a better rider.

If you are lazy, you can wait until someone throws out a setting and go with that, or you can do it right. Your choice.

 

It's easy to change...you could just try some different settings and see what you like.

 

^Bingo! I'm about 145 and on the lowest setting, the rear is to light.

 

The owners manual is um...weak sauce.

 

I am 250 and I ride on six. Either 5 or 6 will be good for you. I like the suspension a little stiff. It handles better in the corners. Go for a 15-20 minute ride and pick what works best for you.

 

What he said. At 230 lbs, just to get into the "ballpark" -- you need to crank it to at least 4 or 5.

 

I'm bout same as u crank it to 5 6 or 7

 

About same and I have it at 6

 

Get a couple of friends to help you out. You'll only need one friend if you've got a good bump chock, like a Baxley. Set it to the setting, that comes closest to giving you 30-35mm of static sag (call it about 1 and 1/5 inches to 1 and 2/5 inches).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mK3flKxf41U

 

(call it about 1 and 1/5 inches to 1 and 2/5 inches).

No one uses fifths of an inch. halfs, quarters, eighths, sixteenths.

 

http://www.gostar-racing.com/information/motorcycle_suspension_set-up.htm
http://www.throttlehand.com/video-library/suspension-tuning-with-race-tech/

It really is pretty easy if you have a buddy over. Very worth it. Once you set the sag, the rest is just a matter of a quick turn before going on a ride and then tweaking little by little. The rear shock preload can be adjusted with a hammer and blunt metal instrument. You don't need the actual wrench if that is an obstacle for you.

 

to say the least. The owner's manual doesn't even *mention* appropriate travel distance for the rear on this bike. It does somewhere for the front forks, I can't find it right now. In any case, I'm a 130 pound rider, probably an extra.. 10lbs for my normal commuting gear? The rear suspension setting of "4" is still too stiff for me. And of course it is the front suspension that is really the problem when hitting potholes around blind turns.

Ever been to Oakland, CA?

 

Sounds like you could benefit from some lighter springs up front or possibly lighter oil and gold valve emulators. For the rear you could replace the shock or find a nice young lady to ride with you.

 

Hyhyhyhyhyhyh

 

Step 1. Pull out the funky wrench in your tool bag under your seat.
Step 2. Adjust spring and make it tighter.
Step 3. Test ride
Voila!
I went nearly 2 k miles at standard and finally went to like 5 and it makes a world kf difference.
You know those certain bumps that make you pop upward?
Yeah, I can drink tea going over them now.
Cornering? Butter.

 

I'd suggest 6. Then try 5 & 7 just to compare.

 

Mine is one from the top and only pops on really sharp bumps but corners so much better than stock setting. I may even go down one soon just to test it.