when your wifey rides how much spring adjustment ?

I'm new to an '05 with standard suspension. I weigh 180 and the wifey 140 =320 lbs
Is there a certain amount of clicks on the main spring that's a starting point ?

Thx

Alvarez
Myself and my wife exceed the load capacity for the ST and I used to max out the preload. I read on a tread by Igofar not to max out the shocks preload. I recommend just setting it about half way and ride with your wife and luggage. Adjust up or down for the ride you like. It is more of a feel for you. Sorry I do not have the exact number of clicks you need but it is a start.

Good luck and enjoy your new ride.

Gary

I have the heavier RaceTech rear spring and I take the preload all the way in and back off a half turn. I also adjust the rebound in a 1/8 of a turn.

You may want to start by checking your preload system by turning the adjuster full out or counterclockwise. Then start turning it clockwise noting how many clicks till you feel resistance when turning the adjuster. A fully filled preload system will have less than 4 clicks which is 2 turns. You may find that you have many turns till resistance. If so you can fill the preload adjuster with oil (hydraulic jack oil works) There are a couple of how to do it on the forum. By having a filled system you will then get full use out of your spring preload. Then as suggested above start in the middle and go from there.

I am not sure why one is not suppose to fully use the complete range of the preload. The shock designer would not have given it full range if it was not suppose to help with a heavier load. Not that it matters, but I use to run at full preload, till I filled my system. Then around 60% of preload, I ride single.

Did you just post your wifes wieght on a public forum?


1st I'd check the preload for where it actually engages in its range of motion.
There is a post on here somewhare on how to set the sag.

st1300r said:

Did you just post your wifes wieght on a public forum?

Click to expand...

My first thoughts exactly.

Good luck with your problem(s).

Must be a youngin.

I would be black and blue if I did that

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Take a look at the first 2 pictures on the 1st post on this thread below. It shows the piston extended and retracted.
If you low on fluid, it will not extend that much.
So each one of us adjust it a bit different due to fluid loss.
I find it like my electric drivers seat in my car. Everyone likes it adjusted a bit differently.
https://www.st-owners.com/forums/showthread.php?106715-ST1300-Pre-load-Fluid-Replacement

I *think you're shooting for 70% compression and 30% extension for range of travel.
I may have dreamed that.

For the damper (the little hole in the frame to reach the screw) you're looking to adjust it so that it rebounds without over travel (oscillates) and doesn't take too long to recover (over damped)
Normally you set and forget since the swing arm / wheel mass doesn't change. Not adusted for seat of the pants feel but maximizing rubber contact with the road.

" Quote Originally Posted by st1300r View Post
Did you just post your wifes wieght on a public forum?

My first thoughts exactly.

Good luck with your problem(s). "

Sounds like he intended to ride solo all along~!

I max out the pre-load and back it off a couple of turns. The ST1300 is not meant to do 2-up touring on the existing suspension it seems. I just haven't been able to justify dropping $1000+ on suspension upgrades for as much as I ride.

Dumb question does the adjuster hit a firm stop when backing all the way out?

I upgraded just the spring and it made a big difference for less than $150. I go w/ full preload minus 1.5 clicks.

BoSTon said:

The ST1300 is not meant to do 2-up touring on the existing suspension it seems.

Click to expand...

I'd wondered about that already on the ST1100 with its 188kg/414lbs max payload... the 196kg/432lbs payload on the 1300 aren't much of an advance...
And at the end it was the reason for the suspension-upgrade on my 1100, adjustable from 100kg/220lbs to 250kg/551lbs payload...

Some data gained on my ST1100:
Rider + Gear: ~100kg/220lbs
pillion + gear: ~95kg/210lbs ("average aviation passenger weight" there ;-))
luggage/pannier: ~15kg/33lbs = 30kg/66lbs
topcase + content: ~12kg/26lbs (I imagine that many exceed that by far...)
tankbag + content: ~10kg/22lbs

total payload: 247kg/545lbs (exceeding the official max by 59kg/130lbs... more if I keep gaining a couple of stones...)

I'd suggest that everyone takes his own empiric measurements and calculations on his fully manned & equipped mount...

BoSTon said:

The ST1300 is not meant to do 2-up touring on the existing suspension it seems.

Click to expand...

LOL! It's barely meant to do 1-up touring if you weigh over 150#.

Doodaa said:

" Quote Originally Posted by st1300r View Post
Did you just post your wifes wieght on a public forum?

My first thoughts exactly.

Good luck with your problem(s). "

Sounds like he intended to ride solo all along~!

Click to expand...

You guys kill me ! I never even thought about the fact I was posting it on a public forum. Now what am I to do ? You guyz wouldn't tell would ya
thanks for all the great information I'll make some adjustment according to what you fellas have suggested.

Alvarez5044 said:

You guys kill me ! I never even thought about the fact I was posting it on a public forum. Now what am I to do ? You guyz wouldn't tell would ya
thanks for all the great information I'll make some adjustment according to what you fellas have suggested.

Click to expand...

We won't as long as you are buying the round!

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st1300r said:

Dumb question does the adjuster hit a firm stop when backing all the way out?

Click to expand...

Yes it hits a stop when you turn it out.

Alvarez5044 said:

I never even thought about the fact I was posting it on a public forum. Now what am I to do ?

Click to expand...

Argument that's a scientific issue, thus delivering empiric data is necessary... just like during a doctor's visit... ;-)

You should have taken the safer route... rather than venture into questions and comments about my wife's weight on the 1100, I just bought a Goldwing... was a lot cheaper and hurt less in the long run!