This has probably been discussed before so a link to the relevant thread would be appreciated.
Now, please correct me if I'm wrong, but it seems to me the purpose of pre-load is maintain proper sag depending on rider/passenger/luggage weight. After all, spring rate is not affected, rebound is not affected, but spring travel IS affected. In fact, it's reduced. I think that means less chance of bottoming out since the spring is starting out somewhat more compressed before the bike hits a bump.
BUT, other than reducing the chance of bottoming out (it doesn't happen often anyway) is maintaining proper sag the only real-world reason to set an appropriate pre-load?
Now, please correct me if I'm wrong, but it seems to me the purpose of pre-load is maintain proper sag depending on rider/passenger/luggage weight. After all, spring rate is not affected, rebound is not affected, but spring travel IS affected. In fact, it's reduced. I think that means less chance of bottoming out since the spring is starting out somewhat more compressed before the bike hits a bump.
BUT, other than reducing the chance of bottoming out (it doesn't happen often anyway) is maintaining proper sag the only real-world reason to set an appropriate pre-load?