Dial on rear shocks

Hey, can anyone tell me something about the dials on the rear shocks on my 82 XJ1100? I just noticed them the other day for the first time.

Thanks!

 

I believe they are the same as on my 82 750j. That is they are dampening adjusters. Higher number means more dampening.

 

That's whay I assumed.

So what do the dials do? Also, isn't there a way to add air to the shocks via a valve stem?

 

There should be a schrader (sp?) valve on the left shock that allows you to add or remove air. You will have to remove the silver spin on cap to access it. If I remember correctly, you should have around 40 psi in them for occasional two up ridding.

The dials simply set the preload on the shock; the lower the number the softer the ride I believe.

 

Like Marine said, the dial is the damper adjustment. The higher the number, the more stiff the shocks are going to feel. The dial has to be "clicked" on a setting. Anywhere in between is the same as setting it to 4.

Minimum pressure in the rear shocks: 14psi
Maximum: 57psi

BTW the front air pressure should be between about 6psi and 17psi..

 

Thanks for the info guys. I really need to get these "dialed" in soon.

The last time the wife and I rode, I could feel the rear shocks bottoming out. And she's NOT a big woman! I'm not that big either.

The dials are currently on "2" right now, which I'm guessing is too soft. I'll set them around 4-5 and see how that feels. I'm also going to check the pressure in the front and rear shocks.

I know that it's all up to personal preference, but does anyone know what a good pressure would be for front and rear? "Chadwickm" mentioned 40 psi for the rear, but didn't sound too confident about it.

I can mess with them, but having a relative starting point to go up or down from would be nice.

Thanks again!

 

Those dials won't necessarily keep you from bottoming out by themselves. Air pressure is important as well... 40psi for the rear might be a good starting point... It's really up to you to figure out what's most comfortable for you (and your missus). Just make sure you're within the high and low limits.

Those shocks take very little air to fill up. Also, it's best to use a hand pump with a built-in gauge... A regular tire gauge will actually drop the pressure by 1-2 PSI just by taking a reading.

 

Looks like I need to adjust mine as well!

 

The missus appreciates your help. She's from Tulsa too and says Hi!

 

I would be careful when adjusting the air pressure in the front shocks. If you go to high by accident, you'll end up blowing your fork seals, and then no amount of tweaking will stiffen the front end!