SUSPENSION SETUP BASICS >> 

SET THE SHOCK RIDER SAG

1.  Measure from a point on the axle to a point on the rear fender with the bike on a stand so the wheels are off the ground. 

2. With the rider geared up, sit on bike in normal riding position and take the same measurement. 

100mm is ideal, up to 110mm is acceptable for a stable ride in higher speed bumps. As little as 95mm can work well in super tight woods riding. 

Once rider sag is set, free or static sag (the same measurement only with bike weight, no rider) should be 20mm to 40mm. Less than indicates a heavier spring rate is needed. More than indicates a lighter spring is needed. 

ALIGN FORKS

With the axle pinch bolts loose and the axle nut tightened, hold the front brake and push down on the forks several times. Next torque axle pinch bolts with the weight of the bike on the front wheel. 

CHASSIS ATTITUDE TUNING FOR TERRAIN

Lowering the rear end or raising the front reduces cornering ability but enhances straight line stability. Conversely, raising the rear or lowering the front makes cornering easier but diminishes stability. Chassis tuning can be accomplished by adjusting shock spring preload or by moving the fork height in the triple clamps. 

COMPRESSION DAMPING

Compression damping controls the force needed to compress the suspension. More damping means stiffer, less means softer. Pretty basic. Bigger bumps and jumps require more damping. Smaller, acceleration and braking bumps; roots and rocks need softer damping settings. Try to set compression as soft as possible for the terrain. Avoid excessive bottoming but try using most all travel for conditions being ridden. Most shocks have high and low speed compression adjusters. Think of shaft speed. Big sand whoops, low speed. Roots, rocks, and hack are high speed damping. 

REBOUND DAMPING

Rebound damping controls the force of compressed springs. More rebound damping means slower return after compression, less damping the faster the return. If you get a kicking sensation, slow the rebound. Packing is a common problem . A series of bumps in succession, like acceleration hack, too much rebound damping does not allow the shock to return to absorb the next bump. Speeding rebound also slightly decreases compression damping. Make adjustments in increments of 1-3. Go back to the original settings if you feel no progress is being made. Sometimes problems are the opposite of what they seem. A suspension that feels too stiff can actually be too soft and settled too far into the stroke.