3rd post... rider weight vs. preload vs. bump anticipation stance - Honda Shadow Forums : Shadow Motorcycle Forum

endsjustifymeans · 07-20-2012, 04:48 PM

Hey all,

One more question... my 2012 Shadow Phantom likes to try and toss me clear off when taking bumps even at reasonable speeds. I'm a slight guy at 5'7" and only 130 pound, should I have my preload set to accommodate my pitifully small frame? It's at the standard right now, which I believe is a 2.

On my GB500 (cafe racer) when coming up on a bump I can just raise my butt and grip the tank with my knees, but with this laid back cruiser seating position with my legs ahead of me, I'm really not sure if there's a better way for me to take bumps with my legs ahead of me. I'm actually worried I may get tossed clear off at some point the way it bucks and bounces on road divots.

So... preload adjustment? Better position to absorb the shock of the bump? Time to hit the buffet until I weigh as much as a normal human?

This bike weighs a full 100 pounds more than a GB, did I buy a bike that's just not compatible to my miniature size? I had heard these were lady friendly, so I figured they'd be lady sized dude friendly as well.

As always, all help and suggestions are welcome. thanks guys!

spudbuzz · 07-20-2012, 07:02 PM

I would set it for 1. I believe 2 is intended for around 175-200 pounds. I weigh around 295 and 3 is a good setting for me on my 1100 and last 750.

endsjustifymeans · 07-21-2012, 01:30 PM

Anyone know what the preload 1 weight range is? Is it something I can do myself or do I need to take it in? Never had to adjust shocks before.

seanie · 07-21-2012, 03:38 PM

Both Shadows I've owned have come with a spanner wrench to change preload in the tool kit on the bike. Check your owner's manual. They look like this:

That's a bunch of different ones pictured, by the way. The ones in my kits have looked like the middle ones.

GiveItToMikey · 07-21-2012, 04:19 PM

1 on mine.

I'm 5'11" 130 lbs. ( yeah, I'm a vegan -- what of it? )

crittar · 07-21-2012, 04:41 PM

agree a 1 would be better. im a 2 but since my wife rides with me so much im set at 3 now and im pretty used to it. and yes you gotz a spanner wrench in your tool kit.

endsjustifymeans · 07-21-2012, 04:43 PM

So I'm not the only super skinny rider... Thanks! Sounds like the one setting for me.

Qmetro · 07-21-2012, 07:20 PM

Nope I'm 6' and 155. I going to set mind to 3.

Sent from my Q iPad using MO Free

Fat Daddy · 11-10-2012, 08:50 PM

Mine was set for 4 when I got it.
I'm 6'1" 210lbs, there's one bump on my way to work that feels like it drives my spine into my skull bucket. Set it down to 2 and it's better but still pretty abusive. I've learned where it is and almost stand up on the pegs letting the seat pound my salad shooter as I clear the bump.

Ron_R · 11-12-2012, 05:40 PM

Unfortunately, they no longer include it (spanner wrench) with the Phantom...a way to make you buy it from them now i guess.

07-20-2012, 04:48 PM	#1 (permalink)
endsjustifymeans Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Baltimoron Posts: 16	3rd post... rider weight vs. preload vs. bump anticipation stance Hey all, One more question... my 2012 Shadow Phantom likes to try and toss me clear off when taking bumps even at reasonable speeds. I'm a slight guy at 5'7" and only 130 pound, should I have my preload set to accommodate my pitifully small frame? It's at the standard right now, which I believe is a 2. On my GB500 (cafe racer) when coming up on a bump I can just raise my butt and grip the tank with my knees, but with this laid back cruiser seating position with my legs ahead of me, I'm really not sure if there's a better way for me to take bumps with my legs ahead of me. I'm actually worried I may get tossed clear off at some point the way it bucks and bounces on road divots. So... preload adjustment? Better position to absorb the shock of the bump? Time to hit the buffet until I weigh as much as a normal human? This bike weighs a full 100 pounds more than a GB, did I buy a bike that's just not compatible to my miniature size? I had heard these were lady friendly, so I figured they'd be lady sized dude friendly as well. As always, all help and suggestions are welcome. thanks guys!

07-20-2012, 07:02 PM	#2 (permalink)
spudbuzz Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Pasco, WA Posts: 191	I would set it for 1. I believe 2 is intended for around 175-200 pounds. I weigh around 295 and 3 is a good setting for me on my 1100 and last 750. __________________ 2007 Honda Sabre 1100 Last edited by spudbuzz; 07-20-2012 at 07:04 PM.

07-21-2012, 04:19 PM	#5 (permalink)
GiveItToMikey Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Grand Junction, Colorado Posts: 499	1 on mine. I'm 5'11" 130 lbs. ( yeah, I'm a vegan -- what of it? ) __________________ HONDA OWNER'S MANUAL 2003 Shadow Spirit VT1100C (1) FILL TANK WITH GASOLINE (2) RIDE UNTIL EMPTY (3) REPEAT STEPS 1&2

07-21-2012, 01:30 PM	#3 (permalink)
endsjustifymeans Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Baltimoron Posts: 16	Anyone know what the preload 1 weight range is? Is it something I can do myself or do I need to take it in? Never had to adjust shocks before.

07-21-2012, 03:38 PM	#4 (permalink)
seanie Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Southwest Chicago suburbs Posts: 226	Both Shadows I've owned have come with a spanner wrench to change preload in the tool kit on the bike. Check your owner's manual. They look like this: That's a bunch of different ones pictured, by the way. The ones in my kits have looked like the middle ones.

07-21-2012, 04:41 PM	#6 (permalink)
crittar Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: n.e. ohio Posts: 115	agree a 1 would be better. im a 2 but since my wife rides with me so much im set at 3 now and im pretty used to it. and yes you gotz a spanner wrench in your tool kit.

07-21-2012, 04:43 PM	#7 (permalink)
endsjustifymeans Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Baltimoron Posts: 16	So I'm not the only super skinny rider... Thanks! Sounds like the one setting for me.

07-21-2012, 07:20 PM	#8 (permalink)
Qmetro Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: Ct Posts: 51	Nope I'm 6' and 155. I going to set mind to 3. Sent from my Q iPad using MO Free

11-10-2012, 08:50 PM	#9 (permalink)
Fat Daddy Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Posts: 36	Mine was set for 4 when I got it. I'm 6'1" 210lbs, there's one bump on my way to work that feels like it drives my spine into my skull bucket. Set it down to 2 and it's better but still pretty abusive. I've learned where it is and almost stand up on the pegs letting the seat pound my salad shooter as I clear the bump.

11-12-2012, 05:40 PM	#10 (permalink)
Ron_R Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Northeast North Carolina Posts: 20	Unfortunately, they no longer include it (spanner wrench) with the Phantom...a way to make you buy it from them now i guess.

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