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2-48 2002 Buell S3T: Chassis
SUSPENSION THEORY 2.22
DEFINITIONS
● Damping: Resistance to movement. Damping affects
how easily the suspension can move and limits oscilla-
tion of the system once movement has begun.
● Compression: Suspension is compressed when the
wheel moves upward.
● Rebound: The suspension is rebounding when it is mov-
ing 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.
● Preload: An adjustment made to the rear shock and fork
springs (if applicable) to limit vehicle and rider sag to a
standard percentage of total suspension travel. Proper
preload adjustment allows the suspension to absorb
most bumps without bottoming.
GENERAL
11WARNING1WARNING
Before evaluating and adjusting suspension settings,
check the motorcycle’s tires. Tires must be in good con-
dition and properly inflated. Riding on worn or under
inflated tires could result in death or serious injury.
See Figure 2-77. See Figure 2-78. The rear suspension
adjusts for compression and rebound damping and spring
preload.
See Figure 2-79. The front suspension adjusts for compres-
sion and rebound damping.
If the rear preload adjustment is correct, and you have the
rebound and compression damping set at the factory recom-
mended points, the motorcycle should handle and ride prop-
erly. If you are unhappy with these settings they can be
changed according to the following procedures.
NOTE
Evaluating and changing the rebound and compression
damping is a very subjective process. Many variables affect
motorcycle handling under different circumstances. Approach
all changes carefully. Consult Table 2-10.
Figure 2-77. Rear Shock Rebound Damping Adjustment
Figure 2-78. Preload and Compression Damping
Adjustment
Figure 2-79. Front Fork Adjusters
b0854x2x
Rebound Adjuster
Slotted Dial
Locknut
Dial
Compression
Adjuster Slotted
Preload Adjuster
b00851x2x
b0559xox
b0558xox
Rebound Adjuster
Compression Adjuster
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