[dsn_klr650] new to klr, new to list

[Kurt Simpson]

> I noticed from reading the manual that the rear suspension is set up > for what it calls an average man (150lbs). Guess that is average in > Japan! Anyway, must one adjust both the preload and dampening or can > I strike a happy compromise and only adjust one? If so, which would > be better? I am 185lbs and the rear has felt a little soft especially > offroad. I set it to 2 and 2 currently and it feels better but what > should I be causes of? There is always something!!

This is the story that the archives tell...most end up riding with three and three. As to the dampening...it is very easy to adjust once you find it. The more off-roading you do the more you'll need to move your license plate up..up...and...up. Then one day you put some DOT knobbies on and crunch it no matter how high you have it. After about a year the spring weakens and you now are cranking it to 5 on the preload but when you go off-road your rear end just jumps off the rocks and you crash. Or, you take it to the White Rim and you start bottoming on various parts. Fortunately, relief is not far away in the form of a Progressive rear spring (as well as Larry Roesler Signature Series Progressives on the front...if you buy used make sure they are this particular KLR spring). Or, you can send the entire shock to Precision Concepts and have Bob Bell put in a gold valve and anodize the body. Be careful here if you have the external resevoir installed as Tim Bernard had this mod and the shock won't fit (he and Bob have not been able to adequately communicate beyond this point as of yet)... Kurt