Setting stock shocks

[Gorminrider]

hmmm...Not sure about "subjective" with the OEM shocks.... ie: I "felt" my shocks (gsx400) were too stiff on bumpy roads..I didn't realise they were actually bottoming out until I put pull ties on them..So It is what it is. Personality. I'm ok with it too, until I get excited about re-suspension to suit stronger skills or the fluid comes out of the shocks...

so as to setting it up I would get out some pull ties and go with Sandy and Phydeamutts posts among so much else online to set the springs .

then, the damping adjustment from the OEM GL1100 owners manual (not yours but similar?) is given to be spring at I=1-2, II=2-3, III=3-4 ,IV=3-4, V=3-4 so it is what it is with your bike too.
With OEM susupension, I would just go with the OEM manual. You are fairly heavy? so if you find yourself with the springs on IV without luggage it'd be an indication the suspension is inadequate for you.

[oregonjake]

"You are fairly heavy? so if you find yourself with the springs on IV without luggage it'd be an indication the suspension is inadequate for you."

Hmm, fairly heavy is subjective, and I have sensitive feelings so now I may have to whimper a little...LOL!

In my early days I was taught(told?) that a stiffer spring meant better handling so...I have always set my shocks on the top preload or one below, never set on one or two. I know, I know this is part of the problem, and yet as I aged (gracefully some tell me) I found my weight increasing and thus stood fast with my belief in stiffer spring=better control. I don't bottom the shocks, not even close so maybe I should try the soft setting to see what happens. That was going to be part of the experiment this weekend as a long ride is planned and various adjustments to be made.

Right now they are set at 4 preload and 3 damping. They seem fine to my butt, but adjusting on the road may tell me something I didn't know before.

[oregonjake]

I have read a few comments and talked to local mechanics on the anti-dive and it seems the Suzuki system worked the best (Honda the worst) and if it is working properly it is actually a good system. As to air, I had a 1981 Honda CB650 with air forks and just three pounds of air made all the difference in handling and steering.

Looking forward to seeing the quotes you mention.

Wait, did I open the beer or just hear the sound in my head?

[gsgeezer]

A few years ago, I upgraded to Y.S.S. and have been glad I did. My stock shocks are in the garage, waiting to be used in a percussion rack.
Lots safer and comfy two up, compared with stockers.

(My 1000 has no anti dive, but a couple old zx's I had did.)