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Buell XB and 1125 Suspension set up guide

16-12-2013 - Buell XB and 1125 recommended suspension settings as published in the Buell owners manual.

Throughout the years we have collected some off this data, which we want to share with you,

If you miss your model / year in the list please contact us, we are working to get this list completed when we have time.

All Buell Motorcycles like a well set up suspension and will make your bike corner very well after doing that. We see a lot of bad setup's with customers.

Please note these are the basics settings, for road use, for most people these will do perfect.

Before  you change settings on your bike please check tire pressure This will always work if your tyre pressure is set. Try to start with 2.5 bar front and 2.6 bar rear.

The moment your feel what your bike is doing you can always follow the guide lines to further tune your suspension to your best likings

Setting Rear Shock Preload Settings

The factory XB setting is the #2 ramp position. The #7 position is the tallest ramp and maximum preload

 

1.     Tab on shock body

2.     Minimum preload adjustment (ramp 1)

3.     Maximum preload adjustment (ramp 7)

Rear Shock Preload Adjuster Tab: XB Models

 

 

Rear Shock Preload Adjuster: XB Models

Rear Shock Preload Adjuster: Ulysses XB12X

Rear Shock Preload Adjuster: Ulysses XB12X

 




Rear Shock Preload

1.     Remove seat. ( not requered for XB12X models )

2.     Change the preload by turning the preload adjuster at the upper part of the shock with the SHOCK SPANNER WRENCH found in the tool kit..

a.     Rotate adjuster clockwise to increase preload.

b.     Rotate adjuster counterclockwise to decrease preload.

3.     Install seat.

 

Setting Front Fork Preload

1.     See Front Fork Preload and Rebound Adjuster:  Check number of lines to be showing (3) for your load condition on the pre 2009 models, on the later models Turn preload adjuster nut (1) counterclockwise until it stops. This is the minimum preload setting.

 

 

 

Both forks should display the same number of alignment lines. Forks that are not properly aligned can lead to loss of control, which could result in death or serious injury.

1.     Turn the adjuster (2) with a wrench to the desired setting.


 Front preload adjustment

Front Fork Preload and Rebound Adjuster: Firebolt Models

 

1.     Rebound adjuster screw

2.     Preload adjuster nut

3.     Four lines visible (factory setting)

 

Front Fork Preload and Rebound Adjuster: Buell Xb until 2008 

 

 

 

Front Fork Preload and Rebound Adjuster: Buell 1125 Models
  1. Rebound adjuster screw
  2. Preload adjuster nut

Front Fork Preload and Rebound Adjuster: Buell XB 2009 – up and 1125

 

 

 

 

Adjusting Suspension Damping: XB Models

NOTE:

Adjust suspension to the recommendation if possible, but never force adjusters beyond the mechanical stops.

Setting Front Fork Rebound Damping

1.     See Front Fork Preload and Rebound Adjuster: . Using a screwdriver, turn the rebound adjuster screw (1) clockwise until it stops. This is the maximum rebound damping setting.

2.     Turn the adjuster screw counterclockwise the recommended amount specified.     

 

Setting Front Fork Compression Damping

1.     Using a screwdriver, turn the compression damping adjuster clockwise until it stops. This is the maximum compression damping setting.

2.     Turn the adjuster counterclockwise the recommended amount specified.

Front Fork Compression Damping Adjuster: XB Models

 

Front Fork Compression Damping Adjuster: XB Models

 

 

Setting Rear Shock Rebound Damping

1.     Using a screwdriver, turn the rebound adjuster clockwise until it stops. This is the maximum rebound damping setting.

2.     Turn the rebound adjuster counterclockwise the recommended amount specified.

Setting Rear Shock Compression Damping

1.     Using a screwdriver, turn the compression adjuster clockwise until it stops. This is the maximum compression damping setting. ( can be needed to remove the seat )

2.     Turn the compression adjuster counterclockwise the recommended amount specified.

Rear Shock Rebound Damping Adjuster: XB Models

 

Rear Shock Rebound Damping Adjuster: XB Models

 

Rear Shock Compression Damping Adjuster: Firebolt Models

 

Rear Shock Compression Damping Adjuster: Firebolt Models

 

 

 

rear compression XB SS, STT, X, XT and Xp ( removal of a airguide for the X models can be needed )

 

 

Ride Quality Enhancement

The stock settings are designed to offer sufficient chassis control, but some may choose to enhance ride comfort over rougher road conditions or for long rides. Adjusting the compression setting will reduce both high and low speed damping.

1.     Adjust suspension for rider weight. See Factory Suspension Settings

2.     Increase ride quality by reducing front and rear compression damping by turning adjuster counterclockwise 1/4-1 turn.

3.     If additional ride quality is desired, reduce front preload by turning adjuster counterclockwise until an additional line is visible and also reduce rear preload 4 turns (8 clicks).

4.     If maximum ride quality is desired, decrease front and rear rebound damping by turning adjusters counterclockwise by 1/4-1/2 turn.

 

Enhanced Steering Quickness

The response to steering input (quickness) may be enhanced by adjusting the vehicles front/rear ride height. This adjustment effectively decreases the vehicles rake angle. This is achieved by adjusting the preload to increase front sag and reduce rear sag.

1.     Adjust suspension for rider weight. See Factory Suspension Settings

2.     Reduce steering effort by increasing the rear preload 4 turns (8 clicks).

3.     If more enhanced steering and cornering control is desired, reduce front preload by turning adjuster counterclockwise until an additional line is visible.

4.     If additional enhanced steering and cornering control is desired, increase rear compression damping by turning adjuster clockwise by 1/4-1/2 turn.

5.     If maximum enhanced steering and cornering control is desired, increase front rebound damping by turning adjuster clockwise 1/4 tu

 

 

 

 

Recommended Suspension Settings: 2003- 2008  XB9S/XB9SX/ XB12S

RIDER AND CARGO WEIGHT

FRONT FORK

REAR SHOCK

LB.

KG

PRELOAD NO. OF LINES

COMPRESSION

REBOUND

PRELOAD

POSITION

COMPRESSION

REBOUND

Less than 130

Less than 59

7

2

1.75

1

2.50

2

130-150

59-68

6.5

1.75

1.75

2

2.25

1.75

150-170

68-77

6

1.50

1.625

3

2

1.50

170-190

77-86

5.5

1.50

1.50

4

1.75

1.50

190-210

86-95

5

1.25

1.50

5

1.50

1.25

210-230

95-104

4.5

1.25

1.50

6

1.25

1

230 to GVWR

104 to GVWR

4

1

1.25

7

1.25

1

All compression and rebound settings are the number of turns out from maximum.

 

 

Suspension Setup: Ulysses XB12X 2006-2007

TOTAL RIDER & CARGO WEIGHT

FRONT FORKS

REAR SHOCK

 

LB

Kg

PRELOAD: # OF LINES SHOWING

*COMPRESSION

*REBOUND

TURNS IN FROM MINIMUM**

*COMPRESSION

*REBOUND

 

*Under 170

Under 77

7

2

1.75

0 (min)

2.5

1.75

 

170-200

77-91

6

1.75

1.75

4

2.25

1.25

 

200-230

91-104

5

1.5

1.625

8

1.75

1

 

230-260

104-118

4

1.5

1.5

12

1.5

0.875

 

260-290

118-132

3

1.25

1.5

16

1.25

0.75

 

290-320

132-145

3

1.25

1.5

20 (max)

1.125

0.625

 

320-GVWR

154-GVWR

3

1

1.25

20 (max)

1

0.5

 

* All damping adjustments are turns out from maximum.

**Note: the rear preload knob has a click every 1/2 turn. For example: 4 turns

  
 

 

 

 

Suspension Setup: Ulysses XB12X 2008-2009

LOAD***

FRONT FORKS

REAR SHOCK

 

LB

KG

 

*PRELOAD: TURNS IN FROM MINIMUM

 

**COMPRESSION: TURNS OUT FROM MAXIMUM

 

**REBOUND: TURNS OUT FROM MAXIMUM

 

*PRELOAD: TURNS IN FROM MINIMUM**

 

**COMPRESSION: TURNS OUT FROM MAXIMUM

 

**REBOUND: TURNS OUT FROM MAXIMUM

 

Under 170

Less than 77

1.5

2.5

1.5

3

2.5

2

 

170-200

77-91

2

2.25

1.25

6

2

1.875

 

200-230

91-104

3

2

1.25

9

1.75

1.5

 

230-260

104-118

3.5

2

1.125

13

1.5

1.25

 

260-290

118-132

3.5

1.875

1

16

1.125

1

 

290-320

132-145

4

1.875

1

18

0.875

0.75

 

320-GVWR

145-GVWR

4

1.75

0.875

max

0.5

0.625

 

*Both Front and Rear Spring Preload is set by loosening adjuster counterclockwise until it stops at minimum and then counting the number of turns in to get to the desired setting. The rear preload knob clicks every 1/2 turn.

**All damping adjuster settings are done by tightening adjuster clockwise until it stops at maximum setting and then counting the turns counterclockwise to get to the desired setting.

***Load includes rider, passenger, cargo, accessories and riding gear.

  
 

 

 

Recommended Suspension Settings: 2005- 2009  XB12Scg

RIDER AND CARGO WEIGHT

FRONT FORK

REAR SHOCK

LB.

KG

PRELOAD NO. OF LINES

COMPRESSION

REBOUND

PRELOAD

POSITION

COMPRESSION

REBOUND

Less than 150

Less than 68

6

1.75

1.75

1

3

1.5

150-170

68-77

5.5

1.75

1.5

2

2.5

1.25

170-190

77-86

5

1.5

1.5

3

2.25

1.25

190-210

86-95

4.5

1.5

1.25

4

2

1

210-230

95-104

4

1.25

1.25

5

1.75

1

230-250

104-113

3.5

1.25

1

6

1.5

0.75

250-GVWR

113-GVWR

3

1

1

7

1.25

0.75

All compression and rebound settings are the number of turns out from maximum.


 

Recommended Suspension Settings: 2006-2008 XB12Ss

RIDER AND CARGO WEIGHT

FRONT FORK

REAR SHOCK

LB.

KG

PRELOAD NO. OF LINES

COMPRESSION

REBOUND

PRELOAD

POSITION

COMPRESSION

REBOUND

Less than 140

Less than 63

7

2

1.75

1

2.50

2

140-170

63-77

7

1.75

1.75

2

2.25

1.75

170-200

77-91

7

1.75

1.75

2

2

1.50

200-230

91-104

7

1.75

1.625

4

1.75

1.50

230-260

104-118

6.50

1.50

1.50

5

1.50

1.25

260-290

118-132

6.50

1.50

1.50

6

1.25

1

290 to GVWR

132 to GVWR

6

1.25

1.50

7

1.125

1

All compression and rebound settings are the number of turns out from maximum.

 

 

Recommended Suspension Settings: 2005-2006 Firebolt Models

RIDER AND CARGO WEIGHT

FRONT FORK

REAR SHOCK

LB.

KG

PRELOAD NO. OF LINES

COMPRESSION

REBOUND

PRELOAD

POSITION

COMPRESSION

REBOUND

Less than 140

Less than 64

7

2

1.625

1

2

1.75

140-160

64-73

6

1.75

1.625

2

1.75

1.50

160-180

73-82

5.5

1.50

1.50

3

1.50

1.25

180-200

82-91

5

1.50

1.50

4

1.25

1.25

200-220

91-100

4.5

1.25

1.25

5

1.25

1

220-240

100-109

4

1.25

1.25

6

1

0.75

240 to GVWR

109 to GVWR

3.5

1

1

7

1

0.75

All compression and rebound settings are the number of turns out from maximum.

 

Recommended Suspension Settings: 2007- 2008 XB12STT

LOAD***

FRONT FORK

REAR SHOCK

LB.

KG

 

*PRELOAD: TURNS IN FROM MINIMUM

 

**COMPRESSION: TURNS OUT FROM MAXIMUM

 

**REBOUND: TURNS OUT FROM MAXIMUM

PRELOAD

POSITION

 

**COMPRESSION: TURNS OUT FROM MAXIMUM

 

**REBOUND: TURNS OUT FROM MAXIMUM

Less than 170

Less than 77

6

2.5

2

1

3.5

3.75

170-190

77-86

7

2

1.5

2

3

3.5

190-210

86-95

7

2

1.5

3

3

3.5

210-230

95-104

8

2

1.375

4

2.875

3.375

230-250

104-113

8

1.875

1.375

5

2.875

3.375

250-270

113-122

9

1.875

1.25

6

2.75

3.25

270 to GVWR

122 to GVWR

9

1.75

1.25

7

2.5

3.125

*Front fork preload is set by loosening adjuster counterclockwise until adjuster stops at minimum and then counting the number of turns in to get to the desired settings.

**All damping adjuster settings are done by tightening adjuster clockwise until it stops at maximum setting and then counting the turns counterclockwise to get to the desired setting.

***Load includes rider, passenger, cargo, accessories and riding gear.


Recommended Suspension Settings: XB12R firebolt 2010

LOAD***

FRONT FORK

REAR SHOCK

LB.

KG

 

*PRELOAD: TURNS IN FROM MINIMUM

 

**COMPRESSION: TURNS OUT FROM MAXIMUM

 

**REBOUND: TURNS OUT FROM MAXIMUM

PRELOAD

POSITION

 

**COMPRESSION: TURNS OUT FROM MAXIMUM

 

**REBOUND: TURNS OUT FROM MAXIMUM

Less than 140

Less than 63

3

2

1-5/8

1

2-1/2

1-3/4

140-160

63-73

5

1-3/4

1-5/8

2

1-3/4

1-1/2

160-180

73-83

6

1-1/2

1-1/2

3

1-1/2

1-1/4

180-200

82-91

7

1-1/2

1-1/2

4

1-1/4

1-1/4

200-220

91-100

8

1-1/4

1-1/4

5

1-1/4

1

220-240

100-109

9

1-1/4

1-1/4

6

1

3/4

240 to GVWR

109 to GVWR

10

1

1

7

1

3/4

*Front fork preload is set by loosening adjuster counterclockwise until adjuster stops at minimum and then counting the number of turns in to get to the desired settings.

**All damping adjuster settings are done by tightening adjuster clockwise until it stops at maximum setting and then counting the turns counterclockwise to get to the desired setting.

***Load includes rider, passenger, cargo, accessories and riding gear.



Recommended Suspension Settings: Buell Lightning 2010 XB9SX, XB12SX

LOAD***

FRONT FORK

REAR SHOCK

LB.

KG

 

*PRELOAD: TURNS IN FROM MINIMUM

 

**COMPRESSION: TURNS OUT FROM MAXIMUM

 

**REBOUND: TURNS OUT FROM MAXIMUM

PRELOAD

POSITION

 

**COMPRESSION: TURNS OUT FROM MAXIMUM

 

**REBOUND: TURNS OUT FROM MAXIMUM

Less than 130

Less than 59

3

2

1-3/4

1

2-1/2

2

130-150

59-68

4

1-3/4

1-3/4

2

2-1/4

1-3/4

150-170

68-77

5

1-1/2

1-5/8

3

2

1-1/2

170-190

77-86

6

1-1/2

1-1/2

4

1-3/4

1-1/2

190-210

86-95

7

1-1/4

1-1/2

5

1-1/2

1-1/4

210-230

95-104

8

1-1/4

1-1/4

6

1-1/4

1

230 to GVWR

104 to GVWR

9

1

1-1/4

7

1-1/4

1

*Front fork preload is set by loosening adjuster counterclockwise until adjuster stops at minimum and then counting the number of turns in to get to the desired settings.

**All damping adjuster settings are done by tightening adjuster clockwise until it stops at maximum setting and then counting the turns counterclockwise to get to the desired setting.

***Load includes rider, passenger, cargo, accessories and riding gear.

 

Recommended Suspension Settings: Buell Lightning 2010 XB12Scg

LOAD***

FRONT FORK

REAR SHOCK

LB.

KG

 

*PRELOAD: TURNS IN FROM MINIMUM

 

**COMPRESSION: TURNS OUT FROM MAXIMUM

 

**REBOUND: TURNS OUT FROM MAXIMUM

PRELOAD

POSITION

 

**COMPRESSION: TURNS OUT FROM MAXIMUM

 

**REBOUND: TURNS OUT FROM MAXIMUM

Less than 150

Less than 68

5

1-3/4

1-3/4

1

3

1-1/2

150-170

68-77

6

1-3/4

1-1/2

2

2-1/2

1-1/4

170-190

77-86

7

1-1/2

1-1/2

3

2-1/4

1-1/4

190-210

86-95

8

1-1/2

1-1/4

4

2

1

210-230

95-104

9

1-1/4

1-1/4

5

1-3/4

1

230-250

104-113

10

1-1/4

1

6

1-1/2

3/4

250 to GVWR

113 to GVWR

11

1

1

7

1-1/4

3/4

*Front fork preload is set by loosening adjuster counterclockwise until adjuster stops at minimum and then counting the number of turns in to get to the desired settings.

**All damping adjuster settings are done by tightening adjuster clockwise until it stops at maximum setting and then counting the turns counterclockwise to get to the desired setting.

***Load includes rider, passenger, cargo, accessories and riding gear.

 


Recommended Suspension Settings: Buell Lightning 2010 XB12SS

LOAD***

FRONT FORK

REAR SHOCK

LB.

KG

 

*PRELOAD: TURNS IN FROM MINIMUM

 

**COMPRESSION: TURNS OUT FROM MAXIMUM

 

**REBOUND: TURNS OUT FROM MAXIMUM

PRELOAD

POSITION

 

**COMPRESSION: TURNS OUT FROM MAXIMUM

 

**REBOUND: TURNS OUT FROM MAXIMUM

Less than 170

Less than 77

6

2.5

2

1

3.5

3.75

170-190

77-86

7

2

1.5

2

3

3.5

190-210

86-95

7

2

1.5

3

3

3.5

210-230

95-104

8

2

1.375

4

2.875

3.375

230-250

104-113

8

1.875

1.375

5

2.875

3.375

250-270

113-122

9

1.875

1.25

6

2.75

3.25

270 to GVWR

122 to GVWR

9

1.75

1.25

7

2.5

3.125

*Front fork preload is set by loosening adjuster counterclockwise until adjuster stops at minimum and then counting the number of turns in to get to the desired settings.

**All damping adjuster settings are done by tightening adjuster clockwise until it stops at maximum setting and then counting the turns counterclockwise to get to the desired setting.

***Load includes rider, passenger, cargo, accessories and riding gear.



Recommended Suspension Settings: Buell Ulyssus 20120 XB12X.XB1XP

LOAD***

FRONT FORK

REAR SHOCK

LB.

KG

 

*PRELOAD: TURNS IN FROM MINIMUM

 

**COMPRESSION: TURNS OUT FROM MAXIMUM

 

**REBOUND: TURNS OUT FROM MAXIMUM

 

*PRELOAD turns in from MINIMUM

 

**COMPRESSION: TURNS OUT FROM MAXIMUM

 

**REBOUND: TURNS OUT FROM MAXIMUM

Less than 170

Less than 77

1-1/2

2-1/2

1-1/2

3

2-1/2

2

170-200

77-91

2

2-1/4

1-1/4

6

2

1-7/8

200-230

91-104

3

2

1-1/4

9

1-3/4

1-1/2

230-260

104-118

3-1/2

2

1-1/8

13

1-1/2

1-1/4

260-290

118-132

3-1/2

1-7/8

1

16

1-1/8

1

290-320

132-145

4

1-7/8

1

18

7/8

3/4

320 to GVWR

145 to GVWR

4

1-3/4

7/8

MAX

½

5/8

*Both front and rear spring preload is set by loosening the adjuster counterclockwose until it stops at minimum and than counting the numbers of turns in to get the desired setting, the real preload knob clicks every 1/2 turn

**All damping adjuster settings are done by tightening adjuster clockwise until it stops at maximum setting and then counting the turns counterclockwise to get to the desired setting.

***XB12X Load includes rider, passenger, cargo, accessories and riding gear.

***XB12XP add 60 lbs for empty bags, brackets and pursuit equipment



Recommended Suspension Settings: Buell Ulyssus 2010 XB12XT

LOAD***

FRONT FORK

REAR SHOCK

LB.

KG

 

*PRELOAD: TURNS IN FROM MINIMUM

 

**COMPRESSION: TURNS OUT FROM MAXIMUM

 

**REBOUND: TURNS OUT FROM MAXIMUM

 

*PRELOAD turns in from MINIMUM

 

**COMPRESSION: TURNS OUT FROM MAXIMUM

 

**REBOUND: TURNS OUT FROM MAXIMUM

Less than 170

Less than 77

8

2

1-3/4

0

2-1/4

2

170-200

77-91

9

1-7/8

1-3/4

0

1-3/4

1-1/2

200-230

91-104

9

1-7/8

1-3/4

6

1-3/4

1-1/4

230-260

104-118

9

1-7/8

1-3/4

9

1-1/4

1

260-290

118-132

12

1-7/8

1-5/8

14

1

3/4

290-320

132-145

12

1-7/8

1-1/2

MAX

1

5/8

320 to GVWR

145 to GVWR

14

1-7/8

1-1/2

MAX

1

½

Settings are for XB12XT vehicles with empty sidecases and top case installed, if operationg with out sidecases and topcases attached, refer to settings on one lower weight category

*Both front and rear spring preload is set by loosening the adjuster counterclockwose until it stops at minimum and than counting the numbers of turns in to get the desired setting, the real preload knob clicks every 1/2 turn

**All damping adjuster settings are done by tightening adjuster clockwise until it stops at maximum setting and then counting the turns counterclockwise to get to the desired setting.

 

***XB12XT Load includes rider, passenger, cargo, accessories and riding gear. If more than 50% of the lead is cargo and passenger, reduce front preload 3-4 turns from the chart

 

Suspension Tuning: XB Models

SUSPENSION CHARACTERISTICS

SOLUTION

Bike wallows through turns.

Increase rebound damping.

Bike feels loose or vague after bumps.

Wheel tends to "pogo" or suffer continuous bouncing after passing a bump. This is often noticable by watching the bike as it travels over bumps.

Wheel responds to bump but doesn't return to ground quickly after bumps. This is more pronounced over a series of bumps and is often referred to as "packing down."

Reduce rebound damping.

Bike bottoms in dips or while cornering.

Increase compression damping.

Bike has excessive brake dive.

Harsh ride, particularly over washboard surfaces.

Reduce compression damping.

Bumps transfer through handlebars or seat.

Suspension seems not to respond to bumps. Tires chatter through corners or rider is jolted over rough roads.


 

Suspension Adjustments: Buell Models

 

 

Each Buell motorcycle uses suspension components tailored to the vehicle's weight and function. On all models, the front and rear preload setting will need to be adjusted for the rider's weight and cargo. This adjustment should be made before the motorcycle is ridden any distance and after changing the overall vehicle weight (adding saddlebags, etc.). Your Buell dealer can assist you in setting the preload when you take delivery of your motorcycle.

If the preload adjustment is correct, and you have the rebound and compression damping set at the factory recommended points, the motorcycle should handle and ride properly. Damping is set at the factory for the average solo rider under normal riding conditions. The rider may make adjustments to compensate for individual riding styles and varying road conditions. Evaluating and changing the rebound and compression damping is a very subjective process with many variables and should be approached carefully.

Suspension Definitions: Buell Models

Damping: Resistance to movement. Damping affects how easily the suspension can move and limits oscillations of the system once movement has begun.

Compression: The suspension is compressed when the wheel moves upward.

Rebound: The suspension is rebounding when it is moving back from being compressed.

Vehicle Sag: The amount the rear shock and fork springs are compressed by the weight of the motorcycle.

Rider Sag: The amount the rear shock and fork springs are compressed by the weight of the rider on the motorcycle.

Preload: An adjustment made to the rear shock and front fork springs to limit vehicle and rider sag to a standard percentage of total suspension travel.

 
 

Before evaluating and adjusting suspension settings, check the motorcycle's tires.  They must be in good condition and properly inflated.

 

Fine Tuning Suspension: Buell 1125 Models

 

 

See Factory Suspension Settings: The settings are the best balance of handling, ride, and stability. Suspension can be changed to accommodate rider preferences for ride quality and handling for road conditions and load changes.

 

NOTES:
  • Do not continue to repeat the steps involved with the following settings beyond those which are listed.
  • Adjust suspension to the recommendation if possible, but never force adjusters beyond the mechanical stops.
 

Changes in Load

Changes in the load carried requires changes in the preload setting(s). Carrying less weight than was used for setting up the suspension requires decreasing the amount of preload. Increasing the load carried requires adding more preload.

 
  • GVWR is the sum of the weight of the motorcycle, accessories, and the maximum weight of the rider, passenger and cargo that can be safely carried.
  • GAWR is the maximum amount of weight that can be safely carried on each axle.
  • The GVWR and GAWR are shown on the information plate, located on the frame steering head.

Ride Quality Enhancement

The stock settings are designed to offer sufficient chassis control, but some may choose to enhance ride comfort over rougher road conditions or for long rides. Adjusting the compression setting will reduce both high and low speed damping.

 

1.     Adjust suspension for rider weight. See Factory Suspension Settings:

2.     Increase ride quality by reducing front and rear compression damping by turning adjuster counterclockwise 1/4-1 turn.

3.     If additional ride quality is desired, reduce front preload by turning adjuster counterclockwise one turn.

4.     If maximum ride quality is desired, decrease front and rear rebound damping by turning adjusters counterclockwise by 1/4-1/2 turn.

Enhanced Steering Quickness

The response to steering input (quickness) may be enhanced by adjusting the vehicles front/rear ride height. This adjustment effectively decreases the vehicles rake angle. This is achieved by adjusting the preload to increase front sag and reduce rear sag.

 

1.     Adjust suspension for rider weight. See Factory Suspension Settings

2.     Reduce steering effort by increasing the rear preload one position.

3.     If more enhanced steering and cornering control is desired, reduce front preload by turning adjuster counterclockwise one turn.

4.     If additional enhanced steering and cornering control is desired, increase rear compression damping by turning adjuster clockwise by 1/4-1/2 turn.

5.     If maximum enhanced steering and cornering control is desired, increase front rebound damping by turning adjuster clockwise 1/4 turn.

Chassis Control/Handling Enhancement

To provide more road surface feedback on smoother road conditions, increase compression and rebound settings.

 

1.     Adjust suspension for rider weight. See Factory Suspension Settings

2.     Increase chassis/handling control by increasing front and rear compression damping by turning adjuster clockwise by 1/2-1 1/2 turns.

3.     If maximum chassis control/handling control is desired, increase front and rear rebound damping by turning adjuster clockwise by 1/4-1/2 turn.

 

 

Make all suspension adjustments in small increments. Radical setting changes may cause you to skip the best adjustment, but always remember that any setting chosen is a compromise.

Possible suspension and operating characteristics and their probable causes are listed. This table is helpful in keeping your motorcycle in good operating condition.

To achieve the proper settings you will need the preload properly adjusted, the tires properly inflated and a familiar bumpy road. It is useful if the road contains a variety of different kinds of bumps from small sharp bumps such as potholes or frost heaves to large cracks.

See Factory Suspension Settings:  Begin the process by putting all the damping settings as recommended. Ride the motorcycle over a variety of surfaces and bumps at different speeds. If the suspension is set properly, the vehicle will feel stable and comfortable.

Suspension Tuning: Buell Models

SUSPENSION CHARACTERISTICS

SOLUTION

Bike wallows through turns.

Increase rebound damping.

Bike feels loose or vague after bumps.

Wheel tends to "pogo" or suffer continuous bouncing after passing a bump. This is often noticable by watching the bike as it travels over bumps.

Wheel responds to bump but doesn't return to ground quickly after bumps. This is more pronounced over a series of bumps and is often referred to as "packing down."

Reduce rebound damping.

Bike bottoms in dips or while cornering.

Increase compression damping.

Bike has excessive brake dive.

Harsh ride, particularly over washboard surfaces.

Reduce compression damping.

Bumps transfer through handlebars or seat.

Suspension seems not to respond to bumps. Tires chatter through corners or rider is jolted over rough roads.

 

Changes in Load

Changes in the load carried requires changes in the preload setting(s). Carrying less weight than was used for setting up the suspension requires decreasing the amount of preload. Increasing the load carried requires adding more preload.

 
  • GVWR is the sum of the weight of the motorcycle, accessories, and the maximum weight of the rider, passenger and cargo that can be safely carried.
  • GAWR is the maximum amount of weight that can be safely carried on each axle.
  • The GVWR and GAWR are shown on the information plate located on the frame steering head.
 
 

Adjusting Preload: Buell 1125 Models


Rear Shock Preload Settings

 

Buell 1125 Models. The factory setting is the #2 ramp position. The #9 position is the tallest ramp and maximum preload. For recommended spring preload, see Factory Suspension Settings:

Rear Shock Preload Adjuster Tab: Buell 1125 Models
  1. Tab on shock body
  2. Minimum preload adjustment (ramp 1)
  3. Maximum preload adjustment (ramp 9)

Rear Shock Preload Adjuster Tab: Buell 1125

 

 

 

Setting Rear Shock Preload

1.     Remove seat.

2.     Change the preload by turning the preload adjuster at the upper part of the shock with the SHOCK SPANNER WRENCH found in the tool kit. See Factory Suspension Settings: Buell 1125 Models for factory settings.

a.     Rotate adjuster counterclockwise to increase preload.

b.     Rotate adjuster clockwise to decrease preload.

3.     Install seat.

Rear Shock Preload Adjuster: Buell 1125 Models

Rear Shock Preload Adjuster: Buell 1125 Models

 

Setting Front Fork Preload

1.     Turn preload adjuster nut (2) counterclockwise until it stops. This is the minimum preload setting.

 

2.     Turn the preload adjuster nut clockwise the recommended amount specified in Factory Suspension Settings: Buell 1125 Models.

Front Fork Preload and Rebound Adjuster: Buell 1125 Models

1: Rebound adjuster screw

2: Preload adjuster nut

Front Fork Preload and Rebound Adjuster: Buell 1125 Models

 

 

 

Adjusting Suspension Damping: Buell 1125 Models

For the recommended rebound and compression damping settings for various road and riding conditions, see Factory Suspension Settings: Buell 1125 Models.

 

NOTE:

 

Adjust suspension to the recommendation if possible, but never force adjusters beyond the mechanical stops.

Setting Front Fork Rebound Damping

1.      Using a screwdriver, turn the rebound adjuster screw (1) clockwise until it stops. This is the maximum rebound damping setting.

2.     Turn the adjuster screw counterclockwise the recommended amount specified.

Setting Front Fork Compression Damping

1.    Using a screwdriver, turn the compression damping adjuster clockwise until it stops. This is the maximum compression damping setting.

2.     Turn the adjuster counterclockwise the recommended amount specified.

Front Fork Compression Damping Adjuster: Buell 1125 Models

Front Fork Compression Damping Adjuster: Buell 1125 Models

 

Setting Rear Shock Rebound Damping

1.     Using a screwdriver, turn the rebound adjuster clockwise until it stops. This is the maximum rebound damping setting.

2.     Turn the rebound adjuster counterclockwise the recommended amount specified.

Setting Rear Shock Compression Damping

1.    Using the 3mm ball end wrench from the tool kit, turn the compression adjuster clockwise until it stops. This is the maximum compression damping setting.

2.     Turn the compression adjuster counterclockwise the recommended amount specified.

Rear Shock Rebound Damping Adjuster: Buell 1125 Models

Rear Shock Rebound Damping Adjuster: Buell 1125 Models

 

Rear Shock Compression Damping Adjuster: Buell 1125 Models

Rear Shock Compression Damping Adjuster: Buell 1125 Models

 

 

Factory Suspension Settings: Buell 1125 Models


Recommended Suspension Settings: 2009 Buell 1125 Models

LOAD***

FRONT FORKS

REAR SHOCK

LB.

KG

 

PRELOAD: TURNS IN FROM MINIMUM*

 

COMPRESSION: TURNS OUT FROM MAXIMUM**

 

REBOUND: TURNS OUT FROM MAXIMUM**

 

PRELOAD: NOTCH (#1 IS LIGHTEST SETTING)

 

COMPRESSION: CLICKS OUT FROM MAXIMUM**

 

REBOUND: TURNS OUT FROM MAXIMUM**

Less than 170

Less than 77

6

1-3/4

1-3/4

3

20

1-1/4

170-190

77-86

7

1-5/8

1-1/2

4

18

1

190-210

86-95

7

1-1/2

1-1/2

5

16

1

210-230

95-104

7

1-1/2

1-1/2

6

14

7/8

230-250

104-113

7-1/2

1-3/8

1-3/8

7

12

3/4

250-270

113-122

7-1/2

1-3/8

1-3/8

8

10

1/2

270 to GVWR

122 to GVWR

8

1-1/4

1-1/4

9

10

1/2

*Front spring preload is set by loosening adjuster counterclockwise until it stops at minimum, then counting the number of turns in to get to the desired setting.

**All damping adjuster settings are done by tightening adjuster clockwise until it stops at maximum setting, then counting the turns counterclockwise to the desired setting.

***Load includes rider, passenger, cargo, accessories and riding gear.

 

 
 

 

 

 

 

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