Proper adjustment of the rear shock absorber

[oneshrewddude]

Can anyone elaborate on proper adjustments for the rear shock absorber? I know it has a to and bottom adjustment. I understand the rebound dampening at the bottom, but what is the top adjustment for? Thanks in advance... :-)

__________________
Ron

2015 Zongshen ZS250GY-3 (RX3) (2x) Blue and Orange
2007 Kawasaki KLR650

[Jay In Milpitas]

Originally Posted by oneshrewddude

Can anyone elaborate on proper adjustments for the rear shock absorber? I know it has a to and bottom adjustment. I understand the rebound dampening at the bottom, but what is the top adjustment for? Thanks in advance... :-)

__________________
Ron

2015 Zongshen ZS250GY-3 (RX3) (2x) Blue and Orange
2007 Kawasaki KLR650

Hi Ron. The upper adjustment is just the preload pressure on the spring. It allows you to adjust the spring stiffness to suit your weight and any extra gear you might be carrying. I imagine your KLR is similar.

Jay.

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by oneshrewddude

Can anyone elaborate on proper adjustments for the rear shock absorber? I know it has a to and bottom adjustment. I understand the rebound dampening at the bottom, but what is the top adjustment for? Thanks in advance... :-)

__________________
Ron

2015 Zongshen ZS250GY-3 (RX3) (2x) Blue and Orange
2007 Kawasaki KLR650

You might enjoy reading the following thread.

http://www.chinariders.net/showthread.php?t=14677

[oneshrewddude]

Thanks Jay and Spud... Newbie anxiety... trying to do everything I can to help my short wife feel stable on her new toy... :-)

[detours]

CSC is offering a lowering kit for the RX3 if she needs a lower seat height.

[oneshrewddude]

Unfortunately, The lowering link and the seat are installed... She is 4'10", so she is still stretching it a bit, but she is determined... :-)

__________________
Ron

2015 Zongshen ZS250GY-3 (RX3) (2x) Blue and Orange
2007 Kawasaki KLR650

[Jay In Milpitas]

Originally Posted by oneshrewddude

Unfortunately, The lowering link and the seat are installed... She is 4'10", so she is still stretching it a bit, but she is determined... :-)

__________________
Ron

2015 Zongshen ZS250GY-3 (RX3) (2x) Blue and Orange
2007 Kawasaki KLR650

At 4' 10" You are definitely being bold and I hope you win.
Yes, the spring collar getting threaded upwards will lower the bike some more, but even that adjustment has limits.

I suggest putting the bike on the center stand, if you got one, or on a lift/crate so the rear wheel is off the floor. Loosen the lock screw on the collar and turn it upwards until there is no pressure on the spring (note: record the number of turns for future reference). Now turn the nut back down *some* turns, noting how many. Take the bike off the stand and check the height. Repeat as necessary.

As Spud advised, read the link he provided. It's good, sound info.

Jay.

[oneshrewddude]

Thanks Jay... I know we are being bold, but she is determined to get off the Grom and onto the RX-3... :-)

[detours]

You might be able to shave a quarter inch off the seat bumpers. I did that on my Vstrom, but not sure how well that will work on the RX3 though.

It might also help to drop some weight of the bike ... engine bars, skid plate, rear foot pegs, side cases and rack, top case, passenger grab bars, lithium iron battery.

That could save around 70 lbs and make the bike easier to manage.

[Tiger12XC]

Originally Posted by oneshrewddude

Unfortunately, The lowering link and the seat are installed... She is 4'10", so she is still stretching it a bit, but she is determined... :-)

__________________
Ron

2015 Zongshen ZS250GY-3 (RX3) (2x) Blue and Orange
2007 Kawasaki KLR650

Where did you find Lowering Links for the RX3?

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by Tiger12XC

Where did you find Lowering Links for the RX3?

CSC announced they are selling a lowering kit on September 28, 2015. Read the last paragraph at the following link.

http://californiascooterco.com/blog/?p=18355

[Tiger12XC]

Originally Posted by SpudRider

CSC announced they are selling a lowering kit on September 28, 2015. Read the last paragraph at the following link.

http://californiascooterco.com/blog/?p=18355

Yes I read that also when announced, I see the heated grips and can order them no problem. The lowering links are MIA on the CSC website as I went page by page just to make sure I didn't miss them didn't see anything that looks like a lowering link. I will keep looking thanks Spud!

Edit: I have sent an Email to CSC in an effort to locate the ever elusive Lowering Link.

[SpudRider]

Don't feel bad; I also looked, and couldn't find the lowering kit on the CSC website.

[Tiger12XC]

Originally Posted by SpudRider

Don't feel bad; I also looked, and couldn't find the lowering kit on the CSC website.

I emailed CSC and Ryan promptly replied that they will be getting it up on the website in the next week or so. He also said that they would get installation instructions up the next time they install one at the shop.

[SpudRider]

Indeed, it only requires a phone call or email to get a quick response from the excellent personnel at CSC.