Spring Preload; Suspension Adjustments - Buell X1 2002 Service Manual

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SUSPENSION ADJUSTMENTS

SPRING PRELOAD

Adjust rear spring preload before attempting any other adjust-
ments. See 1.14 PRELOAD
assures that the rear suspension has the proper amount of
travel for the rider's weight and the motorcycle's cargo load.
Make this adjustment before the motorcycle is ridden any dis-
tance. Your Buell dealer can assist you if necessary.
ADJUSTMENTS
Evaluating and changing the rebound and compression
damping is a very subjective process. A good performing sus-
pension finds a proper balance between spring, spring pre-
load, damping, track conditions and riding speed. However,
all settings are at best a compromise. If a rider fails to find a
good set-up, go back to the factory recommended settings
and start over again.
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.
To find the optimum settings you will need the preload prop-
erly adjusted, the tires properly inflated and a familiar bumpy
road. It is useful if the road contains a variety of different
bumps from small sharp bumps such as potholes or frost
heaves to large undulations. Begin the process by putting all
the damping adjustments at the factory recommended set-
tings. See Table 2-9. Ride the bike over a variety of different
surfaces and bumps at different speeds. When the suspen-
sion is set properly the motorcycle will be stable and comfort-
able.
REAR SHOCK DAMPING
ADJUSTMENTS
Beyond the rear preload adjustment, the rear shock can also
be adjusted for compression and rebound damping. However,
it is important to note the rear preload must be set correctly
before performing any other adjustments.
See Figure 2-88. Adjust rebound damping using the slotted
dial on the remote reservoir at the front of the shock.
Factory setting-full damping minus 1.5 turn.
●
See Figure 2-89. Adjust compression damping using the
slotted dial on the shaft at the end of the shock.
Factory setting-full damping minus 2.25 turns.
●
Adjusting Rear Shock
1. Using a screwdriver, turn the slotted dial on the
appropriate adjuster clockwise until it stops. This is the
maximum damping setting for that adjustment.
2. Then turn the dial counterclockwise the recommended
amount to align the reference marks. This is the factory
recommended setting.
2-56
ADJUSTMENT. This setting
Recommended Damping Settings
SOLO
SETTINGS
(STD)
Front Rebound 0.5
Front
1.25
Compression
Rear Rebound 1.5
Rear
2.25
Compression
FRONT FORK DAMPING
ADJUSTMENTS
See Figure 2-90. Adjust rebound damping using the slotted
dial on the top of each fork leg.
Factory setting-full damping minus 0.5 turn.
●
See Figure 2-90. Adjust compression damping using the
slotted dial on the bottom of each fork leg.
Factory setting-full damping minus 1.25 turns.
●
Adjusting Front Forks
11 1
WARNING
Always adjust each fork leg to the same settings. Uneven
adjustment between left and right forks may lead to a
loss of control which could result in death or serious
injury.
1. Using a screwdriver, turn the slotted dial on the
appropriate adjuster clockwise until it stops. This is the
maximum damping setting for that adjustment.
2. Then turn the dial counterclockwise the recommended
amount to align the reference marks. This is the factory
recommended setting.
TROUBLESHOOTING
11 1
WARNING
This section is intended solely as a guide to diagnosing
problems. Carefully read the appropriate sections of this
manual before performing any work. Improper suspen-
sion adjustments could cause loss of control and result
in death or serious injury.
The following tables list possible suspension and operating
troubles and their probable causes.
When making adjustments, remember there are two medi-
ums in setting up a bike, geometry and suspension. Both
components work together because suspension is a part of
geometry. In order to solve handling problems, it is important
to diagnose the problem's true nature. Chattering, sliding or
an uncomfortable feeling are suspension-related. Handling
and a swinging fork are geometry-related, but often these
unwanted characteristics can be solved by suspension
adjustments.
2.23
SOLO SOLO
2 UP
(FIRM) (SOFT)
1 0.5 1.5
1 1 MIN
0.5 0.5 3
0.25 0.75 MIN
WARNING
WARNING
2002 Buell X1: Chassis