'81 GS 1000 Rear Suspension suggestions.

[Jamis07]

I have an '81 GS 1000 that I have owned for a year now. The bike rides fine with just me on it, but when I have a passenger, it seems to sit low. Let me say first of all, my passengers are not on the heavier side, so it's not as simple as restricting who rides with me! Is this something I can adjust or is it time for new rear springs? If so, can anyone recommend some?

[tkent02]

Have you set the spring preload up to a higher level?

[Jamis07]

I'm a newer rider and bike owner (one year for both), so I'm not sure what that is or how I would check that or decide it was set correctly.

[salty_monk]

You should have a collar that twists at the bottom of the shocks. Twisting that collar adds preload (making the spring initially stiffer) or takes it away.

You may need a special spanner but if they are stock shock you probably need a steel rod (can use a phillips screwdriver at a push, better if you cut the end of it or file the point flat first though).

I normally go up 1 or 2 depending on weight of the passenger.

Dan

[Jamis07]

Thanks for the insight Salty Monk. I'll check that out. I was sure there had to be some adjustment.

[salty_monk]

Collar can clearly be seen at the bottom here...

http://www.zpower.com.au/catalog/images/Ikonsp8.jpg