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GearJammer
10-05-2005, 12:11 PM
Have a question on the 250cc shock preload settings. Want to use these shocks that were taken off of an '85 250cc & put them on the 450cc Rebel to lower the rear.

Realize that the preload must be set for the hardest setting (Position #5 ?) so that the fender won't bottom out on the wheel.

Hadn't touched the settings on these shocks & the setting indicator decal is pretty worn on both of them. The 250cc has settings 1-5, right ? I can see the #1 & it's located to the left of the "eye" of the bottom shock mount & judging by the location of the #1 on the existing decal, it looks as tho' it may have already been set for the #5 preload.

I may install them as is & see where they're at after mounting, but was wondering approx. how much measured distance there is on a full decal (which I don't have) if measured from #1 to #5. If there were preload notches or steps, it'd be easier to figure out but I don't see any notches/steps on the preload adjuster, so have to wing it by eye. Also, if I were to go to #5, would the adjuster turn clockwise further & go back to #1 or does it "top-out" at #5 ? These Rebel shocks are the 1st shocks I've dealt with in a long time. TIA...

GearJammer
10-05-2005, 10:38 PM
Got it figured out.

Found out that there are 5 settings (thought I'd remembered that correctly) Took a closer look at the 250cc shocks & up underneath the adjuster shroud, there's the notches/steps :?

The shocks were set on the notches furthest down from the top (or closest to the bottom of the shock), so I'm assuming that's the #5 setting that was preferred.

Did the swap-out & danged if it didn't lower the bike considerably! It was immediately noticeable visually & now I can flat foot it with knees bent. Feels much better! :D

Also charged up the battery & removed the exhaust pipes & put a sawzall to 'em. After clean-up & painting them flat black, will be re-installing the pipes with EMGO 12" Shorties. It'll be flat black header pipes w/chrome EMGO accents on the ends. And hoping that it'll sound as good as I believe they should.