2003 Buell XB9S: Maintenance 1-31
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SUSPENSION DAMPING ADJUSTMENTS 1.12
GENERAL
1WARNING1WARNING
Before evaluating and adjusting suspension settings,
check the motorcycle’s tires. Tires must be in good con-
dition and properly inflated. Failure to check the tires
could result in death or serious injury.
Make all suspension adjustments in one or two click incre-
ments. Adjusting more than one or two clicks at a time may
cause you to skip the best adjustment. Test ride after each
adjustment. When an adjustment makes no difference, return
to the previous adjustment and try a different approach.
If both preload adjustments are 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 wish to fine tune 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 and consult Table 1-9.
Table 1-9. Recommended Suspension Settings For Rider Weight
Rider Weight in lbs
(kilo)
Front Rear
Preload
(# of lines)
Compression Rebound
Preload
(position)
Compression Rebound
Less than 130 (59) 7 2 1 3/4 1 2 1/2 2
130-150 (59-68) 6.5 1 3/4 1 3/4 2 2 1/2 1 3/4
150-170 (68-77) 6 1 1/2 1 5/8 3 2 1 1/2
170-190 (77-86) 5.5 1 1/2 1 1/2 4 1 3/4 1 1/2
190-210 (86-95) 5 1 1/4 1 1/2 5 1 1/2 1 1/4
210-230 (95-104) 4.5 1 1/4 1 1/2 6 1 1/4 1
230-400 load capacity
(104-181)
411 1/4 7 1 1/4 1
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