Setting the Preload

sm0kediver · March 9th, 2009, 08:26 AM

I've never adjusted the preload on a rear shock. Looks easy enough in the manual. My owners manual says that it is preset to a 1 from the factory for a 150 lb rider, and higher setting are for heavier loads.

I weigh 205. What's the best setting?

What will changing the setting actually do?

Realirony · March 9th, 2009, 09:33 AM

hangin here to see the answer. im curious as well.

islanderman7 · March 9th, 2009, 09:55 AM

Well I am not an expert but I think the answer is subjective; based off of what you like. I am 5'10" and weigh 175-180 Lbs and I like my preload set to the 3rd position.

sm0kediver · March 9th, 2009, 10:01 AM

What does it actually do? Limit the range of travel? Pre compression? I guess I'll figure it out when I put a wrench on it.

Alex · March 9th, 2009, 10:02 AM

There's the "in a perfect world" answer, and then there's the "when it comes to our ninjettes" answer. I'll try and give both as concisely as feasible.

Preload on motorcycle shock is primarily used to set the sag. Sag is the drop in height of the suspension from unloaded to loaded. (I.E. rider not on bike, compared to rider on bike). Correct sag is important so the suspension is working within its comfort zone as much as possible, and the bike should be kept level front to rear (or if not exactly level, at the expected or chosen angle, rather than at an unintended angle due to suspension issues). In general, recommended sag is somewhere between 1/3 - 1/4 of the full travel of the suspension, so usually somewhere between 1 and 1.5 inches. You really need a helper to set it up correctly, who can help you measure the differences from loaded to unloaded. Once preload is set, then you start working on the other adjustments (compression damping and rebound damping) so the shock works as expected over a variety of conditions.

But on the ninjette, all we can adjust is preload. So adjusting it not only sets the sag, but it's the only way we can really adjust the stiffness of the rear end. On more powerful bikes, there are downsides to setting the rear end too stiff. Mainly, traction issues come up and the rear wheel can spin much more easily coming off of corners, and can lose grip quicker even coming into corners. This just isn't an issue with the Ninjette, no matter what you do to the suspension, we will never be able to spin the rear tire under any conditions, so you simply can't make the rear end too stiff to run into that problem. The stiffer you adjust the rear, you are slightly adjusting the geometry of the bike to be pitched forward a little bit, which does speed up the steering. The only real downside to going to stiff on the rear on the ninjette is ride comfort. For a certain size bump, the stiffer you have the rear preload on, the more you're going to feel it.

There's no right answer for "the perfect setting", but it's likely that position 1 isn't correct for you. Start adjusting it, ride it, see what you like or don't like about the new position and adjust it again until you're happy. The lack of adjustability on our suspension makes things pretty simple for us. If we had hispeed/lowspeed compression damping, rebound damping, preload adjustment, and separate ride height adjustment, getting things dialed in can become a terribly complicated process. We have a choice of 1 through 5 on one setting.

Personally, I prefer ours all the way stiff (5). Most feedback, most stability when entering and exiting turns, and even at the stiffest it really isn't all that stiff. On a sportbike, it would be more like the middle setting if anything.

sm0kediver · March 9th, 2009, 01:56 PM

I did it. It was easy. I went straight to 5, and I like it right there. I might back off a notch or two for mountain road runs though. 5 is pretty stiff. The bike barely settles at all when I sit on it.

1. It's easier from the chain side because you can push the spanner.

2. If you're wearing a ring it may get boogered up, or it may hurt you. When the collar breaks loose, it does so suddenly.

3. I think the Kawasaki tool kit would be MUCH cooler if each tool were branded with 'Kawasaki'.

kkim · March 9th, 2009, 02:04 PM

lol... you'll find out if 5 is too stiff once you hit some bad/bumpy road sections.

sm0kediver · March 9th, 2009, 02:07 PM

It was pretty rough set on 1

I test rode the 5 setting on a curvy, newly paved road. Kind of like a track. You're right. After a few good pot holes I may back off.

lavid2002 · March 9th, 2009, 02:09 PM

o0o0o0o0o0o!!!! kkim vs alex....who will win

mcteague · March 9th, 2009, 02:11 PM

My main issue with the rear shock is the lack of a rebound damping control. On #1 the shock compresses a lot but rebounds WAY too fast. At 160 lbs setting 2 seems the best for real world riding. Position 3 actually feels best for spirited riding but bumpy roads beat me up so it's back to #2 for me.

Tim

TrueFaith · March 9th, 2009, 02:31 PM

Hey, be careful the first time you get up to highway speeds after setting the preload from one extreme to the other. The bike may behave a lot differently at speed or hitting small bumps than you're used to.

I have my preload at 2 and I'm about 207lbs. But I'm a cream puff Cadillac kind of guy.

g21-30 · March 9th, 2009, 02:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alex

Preload on motorcycle shock is primarily used to set the sag. Sag is the drop in height of the suspension from unloaded to loaded. (I.E. rider not on bike, compared to rider on bike). Correct sag is important so the suspension is working within its comfort zone as much as possible, and the bike should be kept level front to rear (or if not exactly level, at the expected or chosen angle, rather than at an unintended angle due to suspension issues). In general, recommended sag is somewhere between 1/3 - 1/4 of the full travel of the suspension, so usualy somewhere between 1 and 1.5 inches. You really need a helper to set it up correctly, who can help you measure the differences from loaded to unloaded. Once preload is set, then you start working on the other adjustments (compression damping and rebound damping) so the shock works as expected over a variety of conditions.

Watch how the travel is measured here:

http://www.onthethrottle.tv/pages/pa...50/207_625_932

Alex · March 9th, 2009, 03:20 PM

Thx Sam! Dave's a good guy, he's held a couple suspension setup days for the MSMC, and has helped get my trackbike's suspension sorted a number of times. He's engaged to one of our past MSMC members (who's actually his 3rd model on the bike, that's Lisa!). Only thing I missed in that video was what setting he had the bike on when he was measuring sag. I assume it was set at the stock setting if it had correct sag for Lisa, but I would have liked to see the sag measurement with the back preload maxed and the 240 lb rider on it.

Awwww:

kkim · March 9th, 2009, 03:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lavid2002

o0o0o0o0o0o!!!! kkim vs alex....who will win

ummm.... dunno. Alex, wouldn't it be just easier to ban him?

g21-30 · March 9th, 2009, 03:27 PM

Alex,

When I saw that video last week, it kinda ticked me off since he said the bike was only suitable for 110-140 lb rider. I'm 195 and started on a preload of 1 and now I have it set at 3. Based on your thoughts, maybe I should go to 5. Maybe in a few weeks. The bike definitely is better in the turns set on 3.

00v_Lucky · March 10th, 2009, 10:32 AM

I am 5"11 135lbs. What do you say the preload should be set on? I like 2 for now but is 3 the best position? (3, so it would be stiff and passenger ready)

Alex · March 10th, 2009, 11:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 00v_Lucky

I am 5"11 135lbs.

Forget the preload. Start eating more.

muffinman · March 10th, 2009, 11:09 AM

I'm 5'7", 145-150lb and have only had the damper set to 1... would 2 be more appropriate? I will be riding 2-up occasionally.. she weighs around 100-105lb - would 2 be OK for that (I would assume 1 would be way too low for 2-up riding)?

Oh, another thing to keep in mind is if you're inseam-challenged like I am, setting the dampers low can help you plant your feet at a stop

00v_Lucky · March 10th, 2009, 12:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alex

Forget the preload. Start eating more.

this i know alex. this i know.

ninjabrewer · March 10th, 2009, 01:36 PM

I'm 67", 135, preload is at 1 now, when I got the bike, P/O had it at 4, beat me to death on some of the roads here. Changed it to one, thanks sound_wave, and it rides mucho better, and I can get my feet down better. As for eating, it doesn't help. I went 5 months, eating 3 meals a day, plus an extra 3000 calories of weight gainer/protein and working out hard with the weights, (thats how I got a SLAP tear in my rt shoulder) and gained 5 lbs.

nb

Nemy · March 11th, 2009, 04:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ninjabrewer

I'm 67", 135, preload is at 1 now, when I got the bike, P/O had it at 4, beat me to death on some of the roads here. Changed it to one, thanks sound_wave, and it rides mucho better, and I can get my feet down better. As for eating, it doesn't help. I went 5 months, eating 3 meals a day, plus an extra 3000 calories of weight gainer/protein and working out hard with the weights, (thats how I got a SLAP tear in my rt shoulder) and gained 5 lbs.

nb

haha I feel your pain. I'm stuck at 135 as well. Consider yourself lucky, though. I tried 4-5 meals a day with weight gainer, creatine, and weights and I gained 2 lbs.

But off the lot, my preload was set at 1. It does feel a bit mushy in the turns so I'll be trying 2 if it still feels that way after break-in.

Viper-Byte · March 11th, 2009, 04:49 PM

LOL, add me to the 135lb group!

People who know me and the amount I eat and can't believe it. I am constantly eating, during the day, an hour or two after a large dinner, I am hungry again. Yet, I am not gaining weight...

Anywho, mine was set to 1 off the lot. I have it set to 3 now and it feels much firmer. It is really the riders own personal preference with this I believe.

Bo21 · March 15th, 2009, 01:15 PM

I am 6'1 225 lbs and the #2 setting seems to work best for me. The bike just felt unstable on 3. I may try it again some time this summer to see if it may have just been the day.

islanderman7 · March 15th, 2009, 01:41 PM

Damn... 135? I can bench press that. If you're still looking to gain some weight, eat more saturated fats (9 kcal/gram) than proteins (4 kcal/gram) and carbohydrates (4kcal/gram). Calories in calories out.

Back on topic though the 3rd position has a lot of feed back for me at 170-80; almost feels like I am jumping in the air. So I am kinda reluctant to try Alex's suggestion about position 5. But at the moment I think I would like the 2nd position better because I like to just cruise and protect the boys.

noche_caliente · March 15th, 2009, 04:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bo21

I am 6'1 225 lbs and the #2 setting seems to work best for me. The bike just felt unstable on 3. I may try it again some time this summer to see if it may have just been the day.

Brian - I know what you mean about the unstable feeling - I had adjusted mine up to 2, but the combination of it being on 2, running higher tire pressures, and lowering the bike made it feel really unstable to me, so I went back to 1 where I felt safer - I think it's probably more mental than anything, but I felt better there, so that's where it will stay

Nemy · March 15th, 2009, 04:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by islanderman7

Damn... 135? I can bench press that.

But at the moment I think I would like the 2nd position better because I like to just cruise and protect the boys.

lol shut up. We know it sucks, but atleast I can say stuff like I can almost bench 150% of my weight. Very few 200lbers can say that

back to business. so 2nd is better for the boys? Cause I haven't tried the others yet, but 1 is painful!

sm0kediver · March 22nd, 2009, 11:59 AM

I dropped mine from 5 back to 3 today, and I think I'll leave it right there. It's a little softer, making for a little more dynamic ride (but not all squishy).

It was hard to break the collar loose going from 5 to 4, but once I removed the chain guard, and used the cheater bar included in the tool kit, it broke free pretty easily.

+1 to Kawasaki for the better suspension on the new generation (and the cheater in the tool kit).

Nemy · March 23rd, 2009, 05:30 PM

Well changed over to 2 last week from 1. And the bike feels alot more stable now. On stock settings, the rear would seem like it was compressing/losing grip when I went into turns and rebounded alot more than I wanted it to. 2 so far seems great. A bit tighter than ideal but alot better feel than 1.

And for those doing it for the first time, definitely take off the chain guard and use the bar with extender. Pushing it from the left side was no problem!

Buffalony · March 24th, 2009, 06:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alex

Thx Sam! Dave's a good guy, he's held a couple suspension setup days for the MSMC, and has helped get my trackbike's suspension sorted a number of times. He's engaged to one of our past MSMC members (who's actually his 3rd model on the bike, that's Lisa!). Only thing I missed in that video was what setting he had the bike on when he was measuring sag. I assume it was set at the stock setting if it had correct sag for Lisa, but I would have liked to see the sag measurement with the back preload maxed and the 240 lb rider on it.

Awwww:

Shes a hottie

smokin

I think 5 was overkill but whatever your comfortable with. 3 probably is ideal for you. I'm pretty sure this is all in the manual.

Hey Hey I'm 145 and I can bench over 200!

Buffalony · March 24th, 2009, 06:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nemy

Well changed over to 2 last week from 1. And the bike feels alot more stable now. On stock settings, the rear would seem like it was compressing/losing grip when I went into turns and rebounded alot more than I wanted it to. 2 so far seems great. A bit tighter than ideal but alot better feel than 1.

And for those doing it for the first time, definitely take off the chain guard and use the bar with extender. Pushing it from the left side was no problem!

Yeah I like 2 myself. I don't wanna say it but I told ya so

Cochese · April 18th, 2009, 04:45 PM

I'll move up to 3 I think when my bike returns.

At 220 lbs, it should be a good starting point.

g21-30 · April 18th, 2009, 04:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cochese

I'll move up to 3 I think when my bike returns.

At 220 lbs, it should be a good starting point.

FYI..At 195 lbs, mine is set on 3. I'm considering going to 5, after reading what Alex stated in post #5, above. 3 is much better than 1 and I will bet 5 is probably best.

Alex · April 19th, 2009, 04:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Buffalony

Shes a hottie

smokin

Lisa joined us on the SMR today, and she wanted some pics of her on the bike.

Dave wasn't able to make it; he was working at a trackday in SoCal.

sm0kediver · April 19th, 2009, 06:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by g21-30

FYI..At 195 lbs, mine is set on 3. I'm considering going to 5, after reading what Alex stated in post #5, above. 3 is much better than 1 and I will bet 5 is probably best.

I'm 200, and pretty happy with a 3 right now. I rode with it on 5 for a week or two, but that's just a little too stiff on the bumps. 3 is good and solid, but provides a little give on the rough stuff.

TnNinjaGirl · April 19th, 2009, 06:40 PM

At 160 lbs I have mine at 3 and enjoy some spirited riding. Looking at everyone else's I'm starting this might be a little much.

djindia23 · April 20th, 2009, 10:37 AM

im like 120 lbs... yes i know im small...

soo please bust my chops away.... but im wondering if i should go to 2 as well... what do you think???

Buffalony · April 20th, 2009, 11:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by djindia23

im like 120 lbs... yes i know im small...

soo please bust my chops away.... but im wondering if i should go to 2 as well... what do you think???

I suggest you try it. only to see if it suits you.
You can always change it back

dyeclan · April 20th, 2009, 07:22 PM

I'm at 2 bucks, and #3 is good. Not too hard, not too soft, juussssst riiiiight......

Rocketman · April 21st, 2009, 02:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by islanderman7

Damn... 135? I can bench press that. If you're still looking to gain some weight, eat more saturated fats (9 kcal/gram) than proteins (4 kcal/gram) and carbohydrates (4kcal/gram). Calories in calories out.

Back on topic though the 3rd position has a lot of feed back for me at 170-80; almost feels like I am jumping in the air. So I am kinda reluctant to try Alex's suggestion about position 5. But at the moment I think I would like the 2nd position better because I like to just cruise and protect the boys.

haha Yeah but I'm a 135 and can bench press you..so Ill just keep my regular diet, I have mine set to 2 and it feels just about right....its my first motorcycle so I might not know what Im doing with the suspension fully but I think I have it right.

Buffalony · April 21st, 2009, 03:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rocketman

haha Yeah but I'm a 135 and can bench press you..so Ill just keep my regular diet, I have mine set to 2 and it feels just about right....its my first motorcycle so I might not know what Im doing with the suspension fully but I think I have it right.

Strange how that works isn't it

You coming to the NE ride?

March 9th, 2009, 02:09 PM	#9
lavid2002 ninjette.org member Name: Dave Location: South Jerzey Join Date: Feb 2009 Motorcycle(s): None yet Posts: 181	o0o0o0o0o0o!!!! kkim vs alex....who will win __________________________________________________ -Dave

March 9th, 2009, 03:20 PM	#13
Alex ninjette.org dude Name: 1 guess :-) Location: SF Bay Area Join Date: Jun 2008 Motorcycle(s): '13 Ninja 300 (white, the fastest color!), '13 R1200RT, '14 CRF250L, '12 TT-R125LE Posts: Too much. Blog Entries: 7	Thx Sam! Dave's a good guy, he's held a couple suspension setup days for the MSMC, and has helped get my trackbike's suspension sorted a number of times. He's engaged to one of our past MSMC members (who's actually his 3rd model on the bike, that's Lisa!). Only thing I missed in that video was what setting he had the bike on when he was measuring sag. I assume it was set at the stock setting if it had correct sag for Lisa, but I would have liked to see the sag measurement with the back preload maxed and the 240 lb rider on it. Awwww: __________________________________________________ Montgomery Street Motorcycle Club / cal24.com / crf250l.org / ninjette.org ninjette.org Terms of Service Shopping for motorcycle parts or equipment? Come here first. The friendliest Ninja 250R/300/400 forum on the internet! (especially Unregistered)

March 10th, 2009, 01:36 PM	#20
ninjabrewer dirty old man Name: Chris Location: Hazel Green, AL Join Date: Nov 2008 Motorcycle(s): Blue '08 Ninja 250 Posts: A lot. Blog Entries: 1	I'm 67", 135, preload is at 1 now, when I got the bike, P/O had it at 4, beat me to death on some of the roads here. Changed it to one, thanks sound_wave, and it rides mucho better, and I can get my feet down better. As for eating, it doesn't help. I went 5 months, eating 3 meals a day, plus an extra 3000 calories of weight gainer/protein and working out hard with the weights, (thats how I got a SLAP tear in my rt shoulder) and gained 5 lbs. nb __________________________________________________ Death tugs at my ear and says, "Live, I am coming." -Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr., poet, novelist, essayist, and physician (1809-1894) www.friendsofsanonofre.org

March 11th, 2009, 04:49 PM	#22
Viper-Byte ninjette.org sage Name: David Location: Wellington, New Zealand Join Date: Dec 2008 Motorcycle(s): 08 Ninja 250R in Green! (Sold) Now 2011 Triumph Daytona 675 SE Posts: 564	LOL, add me to the 135lb group! People who know me and the amount I eat and can't believe it. I am constantly eating, during the day, an hour or two after a large dinner, I am hungry again. Yet, I am not gaining weight... Anywho, mine was set to 1 off the lot. I have it set to 3 now and it feels much firmer. It is really the riders own personal preference with this I believe. __________________________________________________ 2008 GREEN Kawasaki Ninja 250R. AreaP Quiet Core Carbon Fibre : 8000k HIDs : Dynojet Jet kit : Double Bubble Windscreen

March 15th, 2009, 01:15 PM	#23
Bo21 Normal people scare me! Name: Brian Location: West of Atlanta Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): 08 Ninja 250r Posts: 17	I am 6'1 225 lbs and the #2 setting seems to work best for me. The bike just felt unstable on 3. I may try it again some time this summer to see if it may have just been the day. __________________________________________________ Normal People Scare Me!!

March 9th, 2009, 08:26 AM	#1
sm0kediver one disaster at a time Name: Jody Location: West Georgia Join Date: Aug 2008 Motorcycle(s): EX250J9 Posts: 411	Setting the Preload I've never adjusted the preload on a rear shock. Looks easy enough in the manual. My owners manual says that it is preset to a 1 from the factory for a 150 lb rider, and higher setting are for heavier loads. I weigh 205. What's the best setting? What will changing the setting actually do?

March 9th, 2009, 09:33 AM	#2
Realirony That New Kid Name: Matthew Location: Raleigh Join Date: Mar 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Kawasaki Ninja250R Posts: 68	hangin here to see the answer. im curious as well. __________________________________________________ I'm not crazy, I just know something the others don't

March 9th, 2009, 09:55 AM	#3
islanderman7 The Sexy Filipino Name: Jordan Location: Bakersfield, Ca Join Date: Dec 2008 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 250R 2008 (da black one) Posts: 312	Well I am not an expert but I think the answer is subjective; based off of what you like. I am 5'10" and weigh 175-180 Lbs and I like my preload set to the 3rd position. __________________________________________________ Area P CF Standard,Airbox Removed,K&N R-0990,Factory Pro Jet Kit 3.0, Zero Gravity DB I'm not riding too fast... I'm flying too low.

March 9th, 2009, 10:01 AM	#4
sm0kediver one disaster at a time Name: Jody Location: West Georgia Join Date: Aug 2008 Motorcycle(s): EX250J9 Posts: 411	What does it actually do? Limit the range of travel? Pre compression? I guess I'll figure it out when I put a wrench on it.

March 9th, 2009, 10:02 AM	#5
Alex ninjette.org dude Name: 1 guess :-) Location: SF Bay Area Join Date: Jun 2008 Motorcycle(s): '13 Ninja 300 (white, the fastest color!), '13 R1200RT, '14 CRF250L, '12 TT-R125LE Posts: Too much. Blog Entries: 7	There's the "in a perfect world" answer, and then there's the "when it comes to our ninjettes" answer. I'll try and give both as concisely as feasible. Preload on motorcycle shock is primarily used to set the sag. Sag is the drop in height of the suspension from unloaded to loaded. (I.E. rider not on bike, compared to rider on bike). Correct sag is important so the suspension is working within its comfort zone as much as possible, and the bike should be kept level front to rear (or if not exactly level, at the expected or chosen angle, rather than at an unintended angle due to suspension issues). In general, recommended sag is somewhere between 1/3 - 1/4 of the full travel of the suspension, so usually somewhere between 1 and 1.5 inches. You really need a helper to set it up correctly, who can help you measure the differences from loaded to unloaded. Once preload is set, then you start working on the other adjustments (compression damping and rebound damping) so the shock works as expected over a variety of conditions. But on the ninjette, all we can adjust is preload. So adjusting it not only sets the sag, but it's the only way we can really adjust the stiffness of the rear end. On more powerful bikes, there are downsides to setting the rear end too stiff. Mainly, traction issues come up and the rear wheel can spin much more easily coming off of corners, and can lose grip quicker even coming into corners. This just isn't an issue with the Ninjette, no matter what you do to the suspension, we will never be able to spin the rear tire under any conditions, so you simply can't make the rear end too stiff to run into that problem. The stiffer you adjust the rear, you are slightly adjusting the geometry of the bike to be pitched forward a little bit, which does speed up the steering. The only real downside to going to stiff on the rear on the ninjette is ride comfort. For a certain size bump, the stiffer you have the rear preload on, the more you're going to feel it. There's no right answer for "the perfect setting", but it's likely that position 1 isn't correct for you. Start adjusting it, ride it, see what you like or don't like about the new position and adjust it again until you're happy. The lack of adjustability on our suspension makes things pretty simple for us. If we had hispeed/lowspeed compression damping, rebound damping, preload adjustment, and separate ride height adjustment, getting things dialed in can become a terribly complicated process. We have a choice of 1 through 5 on one setting. Personally, I prefer ours all the way stiff (5). Most feedback, most stability when entering and exiting turns, and even at the stiffest it really isn't all that stiff. On a sportbike, it would be more like the middle setting if anything. __________________________________________________ Montgomery Street Motorcycle Club / cal24.com / crf250l.org / ninjette.org ninjette.org Terms of Service Shopping for motorcycle parts or equipment? Come here first. The friendliest Ninja 250R/300/400 forum on the internet! (especially Unregistered)

March 9th, 2009, 01:56 PM	#6
sm0kediver one disaster at a time Name: Jody Location: West Georgia Join Date: Aug 2008 Motorcycle(s): EX250J9 Posts: 411	I did it. It was easy. I went straight to 5, and I like it right there. I might back off a notch or two for mountain road runs though. 5 is pretty stiff. The bike barely settles at all when I sit on it. 1. It's easier from the chain side because you can push the spanner. 2. If you're wearing a ring it may get boogered up, or it may hurt you. When the collar breaks loose, it does so suddenly. 3. I think the Kawasaki tool kit would be MUCH cooler if each tool were branded with 'Kawasaki'.

March 9th, 2009, 02:04 PM	#7
kkim Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: Too much.	lol... you'll find out if 5 is too stiff once you hit some bad/bumpy road sections.

March 9th, 2009, 02:07 PM	#8
sm0kediver one disaster at a time Name: Jody Location: West Georgia Join Date: Aug 2008 Motorcycle(s): EX250J9 Posts: 411	It was pretty rough set on 1 I test rode the 5 setting on a curvy, newly paved road. Kind of like a track. You're right. After a few good pot holes I may back off.

March 9th, 2009, 02:11 PM	#10
mcteague ninjette.org member Name: Tim Location: Maryland Join Date: Dec 2008 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Yamaha FZ6 Posts: 117	My main issue with the rear shock is the lack of a rebound damping control. On #1 the shock compresses a lot but rebounds WAY too fast. At 160 lbs setting 2 seems the best for real world riding. Position 3 actually feels best for spirited riding but bumpy roads beat me up so it's back to #2 for me. Tim

March 9th, 2009, 02:31 PM	#11
TrueFaith ninjette.org sage Name: Wayne Location: Brookfield, MA Join Date: Nov 2008 Motorcycle(s): 2011 Honda CBR250R Posts: 585	Hey, be careful the first time you get up to highway speeds after setting the preload from one extreme to the other. The bike may behave a lot differently at speed or hitting small bumps than you're used to. I have my preload at 2 and I'm about 207lbs. But I'm a cream puff Cadillac kind of guy.

March 9th, 2009, 03:27 PM	#15
g21-30 ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Sam Location: Northern Virginia Join Date: Nov 2008 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 250R 2009 Posts: A lot.	Alex, When I saw that video last week, it kinda ticked me off since he said the bike was only suitable for 110-140 lb rider. I'm 195 and started on a preload of 1 and now I have it set at 3. Based on your thoughts, maybe I should go to 5. Maybe in a few weeks. The bike definitely is better in the turns set on 3.

March 10th, 2009, 10:32 AM	#16
00v_Lucky ninjette.org sage Name: Howard Location: Cypress, So. Cal. Join Date: Feb 2009 Motorcycle(s): '09 Candy Thunder Blue Ninja 250R Posts: 618	I am 5"11 135lbs. What do you say the preload should be set on? I like 2 for now but is 3 the best position? (3, so it would be stiff and passenger ready)

March 10th, 2009, 11:09 AM	#18
muffinman ninjette.org guru Name: Arthur Location: USA Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): '08 250R (sold), '05 ZX6R / 636 Posts: 355	I'm 5'7", 145-150lb and have only had the damper set to 1... would 2 be more appropriate? I will be riding 2-up occasionally.. she weighs around 100-105lb - would 2 be OK for that (I would assume 1 would be way too low for 2-up riding)? Oh, another thing to keep in mind is if you're inseam-challenged like I am, setting the dampers low can help you plant your feet at a stop

March 15th, 2009, 01:41 PM	#24
islanderman7 The Sexy Filipino Name: Jordan Location: Bakersfield, Ca Join Date: Dec 2008 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 250R 2008 (da black one) Posts: 312	Damn... 135? I can bench press that. If you're still looking to gain some weight, eat more saturated fats (9 kcal/gram) than proteins (4 kcal/gram) and carbohydrates (4kcal/gram). Calories in calories out. Back on topic though the 3rd position has a lot of feed back for me at 170-80; almost feels like I am jumping in the air. So I am kinda reluctant to try Alex's suggestion about position 5. But at the moment I think I would like the 2nd position better because I like to just cruise and protect the boys. __________________________________________________ Area P CF Standard,Airbox Removed,K&N R-0990,Factory Pro Jet Kit 3.0, Zero Gravity DB I'm not riding too fast... I'm flying too low.

March 22nd, 2009, 11:59 AM	#27
sm0kediver one disaster at a time Name: Jody Location: West Georgia Join Date: Aug 2008 Motorcycle(s): EX250J9 Posts: 411	I dropped mine from 5 back to 3 today, and I think I'll leave it right there. It's a little softer, making for a little more dynamic ride (but not all squishy). It was hard to break the collar loose going from 5 to 4, but once I removed the chain guard, and used the cheater bar included in the tool kit, it broke free pretty easily. +1 to Kawasaki for the better suspension on the new generation (and the cheater in the tool kit).

March 23rd, 2009, 05:30 PM	#28
Nemy ninjette.org sage Name: Tim Location: Portland, OR Join Date: Dec 2008 Motorcycle(s): 2009 SE Ninja 250R Posts: 796	Well changed over to 2 last week from 1. And the bike feels alot more stable now. On stock settings, the rear would seem like it was compressing/losing grip when I went into turns and rebounded alot more than I wanted it to. 2 so far seems great. A bit tighter than ideal but alot better feel than 1. And for those doing it for the first time, definitely take off the chain guard and use the bar with extender. Pushing it from the left side was no problem!

April 18th, 2009, 04:45 PM	#31
Cochese The Grand Royal Name: Cochese Location: Unmarked Rustbox Join Date: Dec 2008 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250R Posts: 258	I'll move up to 3 I think when my bike returns. At 220 lbs, it should be a good starting point.

April 19th, 2009, 06:40 PM	#35
TnNinjaGirl Ms. Personality Name: CB Location: Murvill, TN Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): Depends on the week you ask Posts: A lot.	At 160 lbs I have mine at 3 and enjoy some spirited riding. Looking at everyone else's I'm starting this might be a little much.

April 20th, 2009, 10:37 AM	#36
djindia23 Ride or Die Ninja Name: Kichu Location: New Jersey Join Date: Feb 2009 Motorcycle(s): Blue Ninja 250R (the fastest color) Posts: 90	im like 120 lbs... yes i know im small... soo please bust my chops away.... but im wondering if i should go to 2 as well... what do you think???

April 20th, 2009, 07:22 PM	#38
dyeclan Scooter Trash No0b Name: Frank Location: Cleveland Join Date: Mar 2009 Motorcycle(s): 08 EX250R 'Gears of War' Theme Bike, ZG DB screen, cowl, progrips. Posts: 73	I'm at 2 bucks, and #3 is good. Not too hard, not too soft, juussssst riiiiight......

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