rear shock adjustment preload knob & settings

I'm a bigger guy 6'3" and about 280. What would be my ideal setting on the rear shock preload. It has high and low setting as most of you know. Since I weigh more than average rider, do I want it set at high? I'm getting different answers from everyone I ask all of which confuse the hell out of me. I don't even dare taking dates on this bike just because I'm worried about the weight issue. BAH HUMBBUG

 

510:

Do you have the standard or ABS version?

The standard version has an adjustment ring on the shock with seven available settings. The standard setting is the second notch from softest, which works fine for my 205 lb weight. The positions are fairly coarse; try adjusting one notch at a time and go for a ride. It's pretty obvious when it's too stiff. You may be one of the lucky ones whose standard tool kit includes the correct spanner wrench (63 mm) for the adjusting ring. The later years (such as my 2007) don't include a spanner, had to go out and buy one.

When my wife and I ride two up I use the fifth notch. Nice cushy ride. Notch 6 was way too stiff; rode like a buckboard.

The ABS version has a nice, convenient preload adjustment knob on the right rear of the bike. Alas, I don't have a manual for that so can't help with standard settings.

Good luck!

 

I'm a big fellow, too. I pretty much have the same measurements as you. I am 6'4" and about 287 lbs (I know...fatty). I bought my bike from someone who was at most 175lbs soaking wet. He still had it set on second softest. I did what mestoo said and went one notch at a time and cranked it for a couple miles. Luckily, I live in New Orleans and knew right away when it was too stiff (we have A LOT of bumps around here). I ended up going up two notches to 4th for when I commute and I would probably do another notch or two for riding with gear. I know what you are saying about taking a girl on it, but as long as she's not too heavy, it's not a big deal. I cranked my suspension up (had to buy the tool...wasn't one of the lucky ones) and with both of us on, it's still not too spongey. I wouldn't do a lot of two up touring for the longevity of the shock and the tires and whatnot, but for rides around town, it will be okay. I do it plenty and I am bigger than you...

 

Over the years, every time I'd complain that I was too fat, my son would say, "Dad, you are not fat. You are just a good size man." I love that kid.
:focus:

 

I have the ABS version with the adjsutment knob. So should I start the setting at a high level and keep going down?