Adjusting Rear suspension on '07

OK, since no question is too dumb and the owner's manual is so terribly helpful.

Can someone give me some tips for adjusting the rear suspension on my '07 non-ABS?

I rode two up today and it clearly changed the handling of the bike (with about 375# of flesh).

Thanks for the tips.

T

 

about the only thing you can adjust is the pre-load and rebound. The pre-load is adjusted with a wrench that you should have received with the bike. On the shock there is a ramp adjuster that can be turned to increase the pressure (pre-load) on your spring. BUT... you should start with setting your "Sag" front and back. You can Google that and get tons of info along with videos.

How much do you weigh?

 

I weigh in at 195#.
I have two riders that I carry occasionally. One weighs in at 145#. The other weighs in at 185#.

From my brief reading and research, I need heavier, better springs to do this 'right'.
I am also disappointed, but not surprised that the dealer has yet to even discuss/offer to tune the stock components for me.

 

Honda saved money by scrimping on the suspension - unfortunate choice for cost-cutting on a sport-tourer! The stock setep works great if you happen to be as big as your average Japanese motorcyclist. I took my 2004 to a reputable tuner for suspension help, but the tech said there wasn't much he could do. So I bought a different shock. Hope you have better success for less $$$.

 

I highly doubt your dealer will be able to help you, they know squat. The VFR even throws some suspension people for a loop. Ideally you need a better shock in the rear with some new springs and valving in the front. You can "just" change out the springs front and back I guess but I personally would never do it as the stock valving isn't setup to handle heavier spring rates. It really PMO that Honda built this super bike with the suspension that they did. Sadly even the 1200 looks like it has the same rear shock... Suspension is very important IMO, but if your going to tinker with it you "should" do it correctly.