[wes]

did a 100+ mile ride today with my buddies

Back was a little sore in the begining, but after riding for a bit on a crappy paved highway, hitting ruts and stuff that I could not get around, I got off my bike and could not stand straight. back was jacked up badly... After some rest and some Motrin, its a little better...I know the rear shock is adjustable (or so I have read) but wondering if I have any choices to loosen it up a bit(aftermarket shock), so it can absorb the bumps... I pretty sure my crotch rocket had a good rear suspension (but that might have also been due to if I see a bump, I could lift my ass off the seat)

 

[74novaguy]

You can loosen up the preload setting up on it from 4 to 1 but i dont think that will make that much of a difference...

1. order a new spring

or

2. change shock assembly

or hillbilly option

3. put spring in oven and bake it for awhile to soften it up. (note. this option will surely ruin any quality of handling and if you try this option when you crash your bike I am not to be held liable...)

 

[toby]

Yes mine is very stiff and I do most of my riding on bumpy mountain roads. Asked the Yamy mechanics and they told me how to soften it up and was given a tool when I bought the bike. However I was unable to turn the adjustment myself so I will have them do it next week at the shop and will post results. It rides much softer with 2 up but I weigh only 150 pounds and I think they had a much hevyer person in mind for the stock adjustment. I was told front shocks have no adjustment.

 

[11Stryker]

Get a Star Custom Cruise Seat and scrap that stock seat. It was a killer on my back also. The better seat has thicker padding and back of seat supports my back much better. I'm an old Fart (51) and i need it!

 

[middleagecrisis]

So what choices do I have to make my rear suspension Not so stiff

Really! So many ways to answer this question. ;D ;D ;D

I'd start by having a few drinks and just try to relax.

 

[AHam]

My option was to gain weight... at 300lbs I don't have a problem with the shock actually absorbing impact!

 

[strykenshane]

Yeah, pushing 280 here with no softness of suspension issues, I am replacing some of my seat foam with a gel pad though, did that on my last VTX and it worked miracles, that bike was tricked to he'll and back with basically no suspension and the gel pad worked on many a 400 mile day trip, it ain't fun when ya get off and can't feel your taint any more