Ohlins SHOCK ABSORBERS MOTORCYCLE ROAD & TRACK - Manual (Page 6)

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7. Spring preload adjusment.
A. Mechanical
preload adjuster
B. Hydraulic
preload adjuster
8. Front fork spring kit
Adjusting
Adjust the preload with the rings on the shock
absorber or by hydraulic preloading. In the first
case, hold the upper ring and adjust the lower
one to the desired position (Fig.7A). Then lock
with the upper ring.
For hydraulic preloading, increase by turning
clockwise and reduce by turning counter clock-
wise (Fig.7B).
NOTE!
On shock absorbers that have mechanical type
adjustment the position of the adjusting/preload
rings can be adjusted. On a shock absorber that
has hydraulic setting the basic position can be
adjusted. Such changes should be attended to by
an Öhlins authorized service workshop.
Front fork springs
To optimize the road holding qualities of a motor-
cycle the front fork must match the rear suspension.
Öhlins springs are available for a large number
of motorcycles (Fig.8). These, in combination with
Öhlins shock absorbers, contribute to superior
road holding qualities. The original make of
springs should be used if there are none of our
springs in the recommendation table. However,
they must be in good condition and not fatigued.
Remember to change the fluid in the front fork at
least once every year.
We recommend Öhlins front fork oil. See table.
NOTE!
It is important that the recommendation table is
followed for new front springs. If there are no rec-
ommended front springs you must ensure that the
existing springs are in good condition. Neglecting
to check the front springs could seriously affect
the handling qualities of the motorcycle.
The original setting of the shock absorber, when
delivered from Öhlins, should always be a base
when the settings are changed by use of the
adjustment devices.
+ -
NOTE!
The spring preload affects the ride height, it does
not affect the spring stiffness.
Therefore, on models with a linkage to the
shock absorber, the suspension may actually
feel harder when you reduce the preload and
the shock absorber gets into the harder range
of the link system.