Koni shock adjustment

[lzyellodog]

I have two questions for the board. My 78 R100/7 has the koni 7610 shocks on it. I see there are three adjustments that can be made. Why would you need to adjust the shocks? ANd How do I know what the appropriate adjustment is?

Thanks,

Jim

[mcollect]

The three settings are for preload of the springs. The lightest setting is for solo riding for a lighter nonagressive rider. The second is for either a heavier rider or more aggressive riding. And the third I only use when I have a passenger. Some 7610s have an adjustment wheel at the top for rebound adjustment, while others require the top eye to be turned to get this adjusted. Hope this helps.

[slow_joe_crow]

More or less what he said, the preload (at the bottom of the spring) is for adjusting to the weight of the rider, passenger etc., more preload for more weight. The rebound, which may be hidden under a rubber cover is to fine tune the suspension, start at the middle of the range and if it feels to bouncy add more damping (higher number) and if it packs down reduce the rebound. My shocks are the Ikon knockoffs so details may vary.

[lzyellodog]

Thanks for the help. I am a pretty big guy (6'1" 250lbs) and the suspension seemed "soft". I adjusted to the third setting and the bike seems to handle alot better. THanks again. Headed to NH this week!

[pmdave]

Considering your "heft", you might want to change springs to a heavier rating, which would allow you to drop the preload adjuster back toward position 1 or 2, and allow maximum travel.

If your Konis don't have a tiny adjustment wheel at the top, be aware that they can be adjusted for damping. After many miles the damper springs tend to sag a bit, and cranking up the damping brings it back, or even cranks it up a bit (which would be good for a heavier load) Check the rebound damping by bouncing up and down on the back of the saddle. If it bounces up and down and up again, it's time to crank up the preload.

You remove the shocks, compress the spring, and remove the top "clip" to pull the spring off. With the spring removed, push the piston all the way to the bottom, where it will engage a slot. Carefully turn the rod/eye counterclockwise to determine where it was set. Then turn it back and add another click or two clockwise. Adjust both shocks the same. Re-install the springs and bolt the shocks back on.

Note that you may need to make a spring compressor. Be creative, but don't whang yourself in the face.

pmdave :type