In this video I explain briefly what suspension sag and preload are, how to measure & set the correct sag by adjusting preload, and why it's important to set it. I demonstrate this on my Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 motorcycle.
Hey, thanks for making this. I have a doubt. If I’m on the lighter side, why should I adjust the preload so that it brings the sag higher to 30%? I understand why I need it if I’m on the heavier side.
Ah. Regardless of weight, light or heavy, you want to achieve roughly 30% sag. This will need more preload (tension) on the spring for heavier riders and less preload for lighter riders. 30% sag will achieve benefits when riding over bumps and prevent the suspension from bottoming out (as there is still 70% travel left). But also riding over holes, the suspension has the 30% travel to expand and maintain contact between your tires and the road, maintaining traction. If your sag was say only 10%, then riding over deep holes, your suspension has only 10% left to expand and you won’t be able to maintain traction.
need a help. can you suggest in which preload point I should set my him 450 when I'm riding with my pillion and luggage? ( rider+ pillion weight ~ 150kg)
You should be aiming for a roughly 30% sag on your rear suspension too. So if you’re aiming for 34mm on the rear, I’m assuming your rear suspension travel is ~114mm? If your sag is more than 30% even after setting the maximum possible preload (tension) on your shock, you’re gonna need a stiffer spring.
