Ever since I got aftermarket clipons I've been searching high and low for something sexy to cover up the top of the forks.
My search eventually led me to Slingshot Racing's Ninja 250r preload adjusters
http://www.slingshotracing.net/catal...-ad-p-191.html.
Tuning your suspension to your weight is always a good idea. But why spend $100 on preload adjusters when you can just cut spacers or swap fork oils?
1. The preload adjusters allow you to fine tune the suspension on a level that is hard to achieve with spacers and fork oil swaps.
2. It's much quicker to twist a few screws on the preload adjusters than to disassemble both forks each time an adjustment needs to be made.
3. The preload adjusters are SOOOOOoooo sexy
Slingshot Racing has done a bang up job with the finish on this product.
So now that you've decided you need these
, just how hard is this mod? I'd say slightly easier than installing a full system exhaust... which is to say, VERY EASY. Now lets get on with it:
OOOOOoooooo.... AAAAaaaahhhhhhh......
I'm assuming that your putting these on because you've got aftermaket clipons. If you don't, you can find instructions on how to remove your stock handlebars here:
http://www.ninjette.org/forums/showthread.php?t=12960 (Thanks kim)
Regardless of whether you have stock handlebars or not you'll need to start with your forks covers exposed.
Ewww.... exposed fork covers
First things first. Put the bike on stands. This isn't required but it makes the job a little easier. Especially if your working alone.
Up up and away
Next, you'll need to remove the old fork covers. To do this, I used a square headed screw driver and pushed down on the fork cover. You should hear a faint poping sound when you've gone far enough.
While holding down the fork cover, you'll need to remove the c-ring that holds the fork cap inside the fork tubes. I used a small flathead screw driver for this but any number of tools would work just as well: tweezers, pliers etc.
BE CAREFUL NOT TO DAMAGE THE C-RINGS. Be gentel with them. You'll need them later.
Once you've taken the c-rings out, slowly release pressure on the fork cap. It is under pressure and may jump out if you let go too quickly.
Once the fork cap is out, take the rubber o-ring that is on the fork cap and put it on the preload adjusters.
Unscrew the orange part of the preload adjusters (the preload adjuster cap) and apply some anti-seizure lubricant on the threads.
Now you'll need to install the preload adjuster. Its just like taking the fork cap out in reverse. To push the preload adjuster into the fork tubes, I used a long socket from a ratchet set.
Once you have the preload adjusters pushed all the way in, take the c-rings that you saved earlier and put them back into their notch in the fork tube. MAKE SURE THEY're SEATED PROPERLY.
Now take the preload adjuster cap and screw it down onto the preload adjuster you just installed. Torque to 5 ft/lbs and thats it! Now do the other side and your done. Overall, this job took me alone about 20 mins..... with taking pictures and everything.
Now you can use standard tools to very easily fine tune your suspension to your weight. Here's some pics of the finished install:
So now that both your front and rear suspension is adjustable (
http://www.ninjette.org/forums/showthread.php?t=11956) (thanks kim), you should learn about learning to adjust them properly. The suspension section from ninja250 is a great start with some excellent resources.
http://faq.ninja250.org/wiki/Suspension
This is what I'm currently reading:
http://www.gostar-racing.com/club/mo...0YOUR%20WEIGHT
Have fun!