Rear Shocks for Pillion?

[_matt]

So, after seeing one of those "mock theory tests" earlier today, there was a question on it saying :
What should you adjust when preparing to carry a Pillion?

the answer being : Rear shock absorbers

I've been carrying my Mrs about for the better part of 2 years, was i meant to do something with my shocks first? Is this why the back end over speed-bumps is like getting smacked in the crotch with a bag of bricks?
____________________
1990 Yamaha XV 535 (Alive Again!) / 2007 Jinlun Texan 125-11 (formerly 2k3, wrong details, now going rusty in the back garden )

[Pete.]

If your shock is adjustable for pre-load you should increase that to allow for the extra weight on the back.
____________________
a.k.a 'Geri'

132.9mph off and walked away. Gear is good, gear is good, gear is very very good

[_matt]

i have literally no idea what you just said, sorry mate.

*googles adjustable shock pre-load*

Ahha! yeh, no i just have massive springs.

thanks!
____________________
1990 Yamaha XV 535 (Alive Again!) / 2007 Jinlun Texan 125-11 (formerly 2k3, wrong details, now going rusty in the back garden )

[Casper]

Does yours look like this at the bottom?

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/YAMAHA-XV535-XV-535-VIRAGO-2YL-1989-1994-REAR-SHOCK-SHOCKS-ABSORBERS-/251098276136?pt=UK_Motorcycle_Parts&hash=item3a769fa128

If so you need a C spanner. Looks like this


https://www.divelife.co.uk/images/Beaver%20Adjustable%20C%20Spanner.jpg

See at the bottom you can turn the adjuster round. Spanner comes in different sizes so take bike to shop to size it up or get an adjustable one.

[_matt]

ah nice one, cheers!
yeh those shocks you linked are identical to mine.
It's going in to get the fork seals done tomorrow so i'll ask them then, thanks man
____________________
1990 Yamaha XV 535 (Alive Again!) / 2007 Jinlun Texan 125-11 (formerly 2k3, wrong details, now going rusty in the back garden )

[Vincent]

What preload basically does is "squash" the springs by a very small amount to make them stiffer. When you squash a spring, you are "loading" it up.
____________________
Space Is Deep