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Maintenance
Rear Suspension
Rear Shock Preload (Ride Height) Inspection
Set preload with accurate load conditions before riding to ensure optimum handling, safety
and ride quality. A shock absorber preload wrench (PV-43507) is designed specifically for
adjusting the preload on your motorcycle. The tool is available from your dealer. Have an
assistant help with this procedure.
1. Verify that tire pressure is at specification. See page 63.
2. Load the motorcycle with all intended cargo. Wearing your riding gear, bring the
motorcycle to the upright position and sit on the operator's seat. If you plan to carry a
passenger, have the passenger (with riding gear) sit on the passenger seat.
3. Compress the rear suspension a few times by pushing on the seat and slowly releasing.
Make sure the suspension moves freely without binding.
4. With as much of your weight on the seat as possible, have your assistant measure the
distance from the floor to the rearmost flat section of the right side frame cradle. See
illustration.
5. With the motorcycle in the upright position, preload should be as specified in the table
below. If the measurement differs, adjust the preload.
Ride Height Specifications
HAMMER S 132 mm (5 3/16 inches)
HAMMER 8-BALL / VEGAS / VEGAS 8-BALL /
JACKPOT
120 mm (4 3/4 inches) +/- 3 mm (1/8 inch)
HIGH-BALL / BOARDWALK 118 mm (4 5/8 inches) +/- 3 mm (1/8 inch)
JUDGE 119 mm (4 11/16 inches) +/- 3 mm (1/8 inch)