Suspension Damping Adjustments - Buell 2007 ULYSSES Service Manual

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SUSPENSION DAMPING ADJUSTMENTS

GENERAL
1 1
WARNING WARNING
Before evaluating and adjusting suspension settings,
check the motorcycle's tires. Be sure tires are properly
inflated, balanced and have adequate tread. Inspect your
tires regularly and see a Buell dealer for replacements.
Riding with excessively worn, unbalanced or under-
inflated tires can adversely affect stability and handling,
which could result in death or serious injury. (00114a)
Make all suspension adjustments in one or two click incre-
ments. Adjusting more than one or two clicks at a time may
cause you to skip the best adjustment. Test ride after each
adjustment. When an adjustment makes no difference, return
to the previous adjustment and try a different approach.
If both preload adjustments are correct, and you have the
rebound and compression damping set at the factory recom-
mended points, the motorcycle should handle and ride prop-
erly. If you wish to fine tune these settings they can be
changed according to the following procedures.
NOTE
Evaluating and changing the rebound and compression
damping is a very subjective process. Many variables affect
motorcycle handling under different circumstances. Approach
all changes carefully and consult
FINE TUNING SUSPENSION:
BUELL MODELS
The settings are the best balance of handling, ride, and sta-
bility. Suspension can be changed to accommodate rider
preferences for ride quality and handling for road conditions
and load changes.
NOTES
Do not continue to repeat the steps involved with the fol-
lowing settings beyond those which are listed.
Adjust suspension to the recommendation if possible, but
never force adjusters beyond the mechanical stops.
1 1
WARNING WARNING
Do not operate motorcycle with loose, worn or damaged
steering or suspension systems. Contact a Buell dealer
for repairs. Loose, worn or damaged steering or suspen-
sion components can adversely affect stability and han-
dling, which could result in death or serious injury.
(00113a)
Changes in Load
Changes in the load carried requires changes in the preload
setting(s). Carrying less weight than was used for setting up
the suspension requires decreasing the amount of preload.
Increasing the load carried requires adding more preload.
Table 1-10.
1 1
WARNING WARNING
Do not exceed the motorcycle Gross Vehicle Weight Rat-
ing (GVWR). Exceeding the GVWR can affect stability
and handling, which could result in death or serious
injury. (00016a)
GVWR is the sum of the weight of the motorcycle, acces-
sories, and the maximum weight of the rider, passenger
and cargo that can be safely carried.
The GVWR is shown on the information plate, located on
the frame steering head.
Ride Quality Enhancement
The stock settings are designed to offer sufficient chassis
control, but some may choose to enhance ride comfort over
rougher road conditions or for long rides. Adjusting the com-
pression setting will reduce both high and low speed damp-
ing.
1. Adjust suspension for rider weight. Refer to
2. Increase ride quality by reducing front and rear compres-
sion damping by turning adjuster counterclockwise 1/4-1
turn.
3. If additional ride quality is desired, reduce front preload
by turning adjuster counterclockwise until an additional
line is visible and also reduce rear preload 1 position.
4. If maximum ride quality is desired, decrease front and
rear rebound damping by turning adjusters counterclock-
wise by 1/4-1/2 turn.
Enchanced Steering Quickness
The response to steering input (quickness) may be enhanced
by adjusting the vehicles front/rear ride height. This adjust-
ment effectively decreases the vehicles rake angle. This is
achieved by adjusting the preload to increase front sag and
reduce rear sag.
1. Adjust suspension for rider weight. Refer to
2. Reduce steering effort by increasing the rear preload
one position.
3. If more enhanced steering and cornering control is
desired, reduce front preload by turning adjuster counter-
clockwise until an additional line is visible.
4. If additional enhanced steering and cornering control is
desired, increase rear compression damping by turning
adjuster clockwise by 1/4-1/2 turn.
5. If maximum enhanced steering and cornering control is
desired, increase front rebound damping by turning
adjuster clockwise 1/4 turn.
2007 Buell Uylsses: Maintenance
1.11
Table 1-10.
Table 1-10.
1-33