Rear Preload Adjustment - Buell S1 Lightning Workshop Manual

GENERAL
Rear suspension spring preload must be adjusted before any
other adjustments can be attempted. This adjustment assures
that the rear suspension has the proper amount of travel.
Spring preload is the most important suspension adjustment
on the S1 Lightning. Improper preload will adversely affect
both the handling and motorcycle ride. Correct preload set-
ting will result in motorcycle handling that suits the rider's size
and weight.
ADJUSTMENT
You will need three people to carry out this adjustment.
1. Verify correct front and rear tire pressure. See
CATIONS on page 3.
2. Remove all accessories from motorcycle including tank
bag and/or saddlebags.
3. Take the motorcycle off the side stand and bounce the
rear up and down a few times to be sure the suspension
is free and not binding.
4. See Figure 6. Measure the distance from the center of the
rear axle nut to the rear turn signal mounting bolt without
rider/passenger/cargo/accessories on the motorcycle.
5. Install items removed in Step 2. Load all cargo.
6. Bounce a few times on the seat to be sure the suspen-
sion is free and not binding.
7. With the help of an assistant, take the same measure-
ment with the vehicle fully loaded (rider/passenger/lug-
gage/cargo). The assistant should help balance the
motorcycle so the rider can keep both feet on the foot-
rests.
8. Subtract the second measurement from the first. The dif-
ference, which is the squat, should be 0.25-0.75 in. (6.4-
19.1 mm). If it is not, you will have to adjust the spring
preload.
1
CAUTION
Be sure to apply the same number of turns to each
preload adjusting nut to ensure that the drawing
rings do not become misaligned. Misaligned drawing
rings will cause the shock absorber spring to bind
against the adjustment rods
Be sure the drawing rings are parallel within 1/64 in.
(0.4 mm). Misaligned drawing rings will cause the
shock absorber spring to bind against the adjust-
ment rods.
9. See Figure 7. Change the spring preload by adjusting
both preload adjusting nuts (1) (metric) behind the rear
drawing ring (2).
a. Increase the preload by tightening the nuts.
b. Decrease the preload by loosening the nuts.
8

REAR PRELOAD ADJUSTMENT

SPECIFI-
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Rear turn signal
mounting bolt
Rear axle nut
Figure 6. Checking Rear Preload
1
1. Preload adjusting nut (2) (metric)
2. Rear drawing ring
3. Adjustment rod (2)
Figure 7. Adjusting Rear Preload
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