I have a 2010 as my first wing and have a question about the use of the suspension preload. I understand to set it to a higher level when loaded up or riding with a passenger, but what about when alone.? One mechanic says he always sets it to the highest number as it helps the bike want to stand up, coming out of curves. He uses the low setting for lots of short turns in the city. Can someone explain the effect of the settings on riding when not taking on additional weight? Thanks, I have had my wing for only a few months and am still learning.
Suspension and Riding
- Status
1 - 20 of 21 Posts
Joined
·
162 Posts
I have read many simliar responses.
The general consensus is that if you carry more weight, and or want a rock stable sled in the twisties you set it high.
Solo comfort, without getting too crazy in the twisites you set it lower.
I run mine set at 11 when solo, and 22 with with wife on it. Still expiermenting with what works the best for me. Everyone is obviously a little different in what works for them.
The general consensus is that if you carry more weight, and or want a rock stable sled in the twisties you set it high.
Solo comfort, without getting too crazy in the twisites you set it lower.
I run mine set at 11 when solo, and 22 with with wife on it. Still expiermenting with what works the best for me. Everyone is obviously a little different in what works for them.
Joined
·
10,436 Posts
I have mine at 15 and 25. Seems like a good combo for me..
I'm finding that as well as I go along. I've got the Traxxion 1,100-lb. spring and I have forgotten to drop down from 25 when I've raised it to get on the center stand easier. I rode many miles solo on 25 and never noticed it being more harsh. These days I'm running 10 solo and 20 2-up--when I remember to adjust it.
Joined
·
1,142 Posts
A very wise man (Tom Finch-owner of TailWind trailers) give a very in depth explanation of the Wings rear suspension on another board some time ago.
His conclusion was to set the pre-load on the max 25 and leave it there!
I did this without telling the wife(when we were still 2-wheels). Very next ride, she asked me what I had done as the bumps did not seem as harsh anymore.
Doesn't seem right but, I did what he said and never touched the preload again!
His conclusion was to set the pre-load on the max 25 and leave it there!
I did this without telling the wife(when we were still 2-wheels). Very next ride, she asked me what I had done as the bumps did not seem as harsh anymore.
Doesn't seem right but, I did what he said and never touched the preload again!
I'm going to try that--thanks. I've been hesitant to go higher on the preload than necessary because of the height issue--I'm already on a gel pad and my reach to the ground is borderline flat-foot. But I'm not really noticing the bike raising up much on the higher settings.
Joined
·
114 Posts
FWIW, there have been a couple write ups on rear suspension in the GWRRA magazine. There are some who believe there is enough flex in the rubber hose used by the preload adjuster that it is rendered useless. Some of the adjusters examined do almost nothing until you get to 7 or 8 on the dial the then do not ever get to the maximum preload. They recommend, especially on older bikes, that the rubber hose be changed to a teflon (I think) braided steel hose to make the system work properly. I haven't done that yet, but it may have some merit.
Joined
·
1,142 Posts
Re, the pump not starting to working @ 0. Start w/preload @ 0. Push the up button. Listen to the pump. If the gage doesn't "load" til 7 or 8 or above then the pump needs fluid added to it. I am not a believer of the hose "wearing out" to the point it expands. However, one should note the bike is to be on the center stand, elevating the rear tire in the air to adjust the preload. Who knows what your are doing to the pump, hose or whatever if you ignore this instruction
Joined
·
7,868 Posts
Your problem is unique to the unit. The pre-load on the Voyager is 1/2" for Wings, but can be increased to 3/4". Less pre-load = more lean and more pre-load = less lean. Rear air shocks are set at about 80% of system capacity, I have mine set at 46 psi. Voyager tires at 20psi. Front fork air assist 0.
You have a 1500 with a different rear suspension on the bike.
Joined
·
288 Posts
Ok, help me out here guys. I have an '86 Aspy triked with a voyager "type" trike kit. What do you all think a "preload" should be for my situation? I am new to all of this and am not really sure what to do with the preload. Thanks.
Joined
·
7,868 Posts
The numbers are the same for all Wings 1/2" pre-load on Voyager.
80% of air suspension capacity.
20 psi Voyager tires.
0 psi front fork air assist.
Process to set unit:
Only 20 psi on Voyager tires. (Make sure that motorcycle rear air shocks are at 80% capacity. Normal tire pressure on both motorcycle tires.)
1. Tools needed: 3/4”, 7/16”, sockets or wrenches and a torque wrench.
2. Loosen the (8) 1/2” U-bolt nuts. (If you have the
old style suspension lock bar you will, also, need to
loosen the (2) 3/8” lock nuts on the suspension lock bar using a 9/16” socket or wrench.)
3. Remove the 1/2” Short Shock Tower Bolts, nuts, washers, spacers completely from top of shock and shock tower.
4. Roll motorcycle rear tire onto 1/4”, 1/2”, or 3/4” preload plate.
(Make sure motorcycle is in first gear when tire is on top of preload plate.). The more preload the less lean you will have with the motorcycle inside the Voyager Kit.
5. Now tighten the (8) U-bolts to 35 ft. lbs. (torque wrench is needed) (If you have the old style suspension lock bar you will, also, need to tighten the (2) 3/8” lock nuts.)
Reinstall short shock tower bolts, washers, nuts, & spacers and tighten completely.
6. Now you are ready to ride again.
80% of air suspension capacity.
20 psi Voyager tires.
0 psi front fork air assist.
Process to set unit:
Only 20 psi on Voyager tires. (Make sure that motorcycle rear air shocks are at 80% capacity. Normal tire pressure on both motorcycle tires.)
1. Tools needed: 3/4”, 7/16”, sockets or wrenches and a torque wrench.
2. Loosen the (8) 1/2” U-bolt nuts. (If you have the
old style suspension lock bar you will, also, need to
loosen the (2) 3/8” lock nuts on the suspension lock bar using a 9/16” socket or wrench.)
3. Remove the 1/2” Short Shock Tower Bolts, nuts, washers, spacers completely from top of shock and shock tower.
4. Roll motorcycle rear tire onto 1/4”, 1/2”, or 3/4” preload plate.
(Make sure motorcycle is in first gear when tire is on top of preload plate.). The more preload the less lean you will have with the motorcycle inside the Voyager Kit.
5. Now tighten the (8) U-bolts to 35 ft. lbs. (torque wrench is needed) (If you have the old style suspension lock bar you will, also, need to tighten the (2) 3/8” lock nuts.)
Reinstall short shock tower bolts, washers, nuts, & spacers and tighten completely.
6. Now you are ready to ride again.
Joined
·
1,142 Posts
This thread is about the preload settings for the mono-rear shock on 1800 Wings. It has nothing to do w/an add on outrigger unit or eariler Wings w/air assisted front and/or rear shocks.
Joined
·
7,868 Posts
I'll try to answer their questions here, but I'd rather they took them over there (you know where). It was just the title that got their attention and they thought it was a good place to address their problem. There should be a place here to address trike issues.
Joined
·
1,142 Posts
Understood and since there is no specific trike/outrigger topic here as we have over @ Ask the Installer, this was as good a place to ask as is available here. Just wanted all to know not to confuse the preloads being discussed for the 1800 rear shock with settings for any other Wing or outrigger system.
Joined
·
288 Posts
I'm sorry. You are right TrikeLady. I just saw the topic and thought it might apply to my situation. Being a "newbie" I am always trying to learn as much as I can.
Again, I apologize for posting in the wrong place. BTW, what forum or thread is "over there" ?
Again, I apologize for posting in the wrong place. BTW, what forum or thread is "over there" ?
Joined
·
1,142 Posts
There is no wrong place to pose a question when there is no specific topic area for it.
Trike lady and I are talking about a forum that is for trikes and add on systems. It is accessible by going to http://www.lonestartrikes.com/. In the links listed across the top of the home page, click on Ask the Installer.
1 - 20 of 21 Posts
- Status
Join the discussion
