PD Simplified : Motorcycle Suspension Explained | Part 4 | Preload Adjustment

Preload adjustment is the most basic and is available on almost every motorcycle sold today. However, it's also the most ignored. Adjusting preload might feel like stiffening or softening up the suspension. In reality, it keeps the spring in its sweetest spot once the motorcycle is loaded. Hence, you need to adjust the preload based on the weight you're carrying (You/you+luggage/you+pillion/you+pillion+luggage) so that the bike maintains its attitude as designed. Improperly set preload can impair steering and braking. In this last part of the Simplified series on motorcycle suspension, Shumi explains preload adjustment, why you need to do it, and how to do it.

#PowerDrift

[powerdriftofficial]

Hey #PDArmy, did this help you understand what preload adjustment is? Let us know below! If you have any doubts, ask us in the comments. Like the video of you want us to make more, and Share this with a friend, or two, who need to know about this.

[MrJas]

This gentleman is really good. Have ridden for years but his explanation of pre-loading makes a ton of sense.

[dineshshelar]

The elder brother we dint know we needed. Thank you sir

[Kromhell]

Trust thiss guy....I (98 kg with gear) bought a bike from a 50-60 kg geared Besides the suspension I had to mess with the chain too, that's what a difference 20-40 kg makes. Tks Shumy for the nice

[nizx]

The most neglected part is Preload adjustment. Plays a very subtle role but can effect the riding dynamics greatly. Very important topic.
Keep us enlightened

[mohammedmearajansari]

I have always understood if there was something wrong with my bike. But would never be able to explain it well to my mechanic. It was always be along the lines of something is wrong please check. But I would never be able to understand what was corrected and how do I verify it.

But with this, and I would like to say that Shumi sensei explains it in such easy language and ways that it means am able to now communicate better with my mechanic and in some cases even verify the work he has done. Hoping to use this knowledge and one days start working on my bike by myself. Thank you Shumi sensei and the whole PD team.

[MrSiddharth]

The simplicity in which you make us understand man, Shumi, the sensei, you rock as always ❤️. Thank you for this series. This is gonna help us and the future motorheads. Keep making such amazing content.

[Micah_]

I was looking for vids to help understand preload.. Am 110kg and you just explained what I can try in 10mins!! Lost with some other vids.. Gr8 job

[williambillings]

I've been 'messing' with the preload on the rear shock of a 2024 Ninja 500r, to find what feels right for me. The bike came set on 'Standard' (3), but I'm not a standard size man. After riding on 4, and 5, I've decided 4 provides the best feel, and control. Thanks for the explanation about how preload affects the shock's spring!

[pushprajprajapati]

Eagerly waiting for this video, so informative... ❤❤👍🏻

[binhvong]

Seen all 4 videos, best videos I seen for easy to understand yet detail explanation on suspension. Thank you! Cheers.

[kmperhrvlogs]

I’ve fiddled with my BS6 RTR 200’s suspension and now I can say, every bike should have adjustable suspension at both ends . The bike does feel different to when it was in it’s stock suspension setting .

[fzlsalim]

Adjusting preload absolutely changed my motorcycling experience for the better.

[rakshithrreddy]

If you guys do podcast it would be great ❤️

[richardgomes]

Dear Shumi, Thank you so much for your videos which are actually simplified in the best manner possible...Just a request, could you please make a video for Spark plugs ( how the after markets like NGK are better than the stock ones or do we prefer to ride on a stock one ) .
Secondly on different types of aftermarket exhaust.
Thank you so much.

[shridharpp]

Installed YSS front suspension kit on INT650. Poured in 15W Liqui Moly fork oil. With my weight of 90kg.. Setting of 2.45 turns suits the best.. With rear set to 2 level up from softest setting.

[glensequeira]

I m so happy I m able to learn all the mechanical of a vehicle from you Sir . Waiting for more such contents sir. God bless

[ashikamit]

Thank you for making this series!
This helped me to understand suspension.

[penihaschettiar]

Please make video on chain settings and why does it lossen up???

[shikhiragarwal]

Please make a video on tall and shirt gearing, and how changing the sprocket will effect it....