If I want my bike to not sag so much and I want it to be stiff, I turn preload clockwise right? This should compress the spring more making it stiffer from the get-go, right?

I guess I'm confused because doing the opposite should make the bike sit higher, but it'll just sag more and have a softer ride...I think.

I don't want my *** draggin' and I want it as stiff as possible. Clockwise....right?

 

You have it right. Compressing the spring is like putting in a spring with more tension. It will push the bike UP in the rear.

Ride on
Brewster

 

I am confused-=====when I lowered my car back in the day I put a smaller spring on it====or compressed the springs like on a bike. Wouldnt compressing the spring LOWER the bike and stiffen the ride? or am I about to learn that bikes and cars are different LOL---my other excuse would be that I am left handed and everything is opposite for me anyways LOL

 

Pre-load is exactly that.
How much is the spring loaded before you ask it to do something.

Adjusting the spring pre-load will alter the sag. Static and dynamic.
So when you sit on it the seat height will be different.

The problem with using only pre-load to alter ride height is it also affects other suspension/steering dynamics.

If you want a stiffer/firmer rear end, you may need to get a stiffer/stronger spring.
Just jacking the pre-load is not really the answer.

But yes, increasing the pre-load, turning the nut clockwise to compress the spring, will reduce sag and therefore raise the rear and firm it up a bit.
Reducing the pre-load will reduce sag and therefore lower the rear.

Can't hurt to try it.
Only takes a few minutes to adjust.

Basically, adjust the sag properly, say 100mm or there abouts, using the pre-load and if its still to soft, get another spring.
And don't leave the front out of this.
Jacking up the back and leaving the already soft front as is will result in a poor handling package.

 

It's not the same as just compressing the spring or reducing its length.

Its about sag and stiffness.

If you put a shorter spring in it, it will certainly lower the bike.
Thats what I did to lower mine.

 

Thanks man. This is on a klx650c, the oem shock is total ****e, just trying to max it out before going to a new shock. Luckily a drz400 shock fits. The rake on this bike is crazy so I'm not so sure raising it a bit will make it worse, might make it better. Only one way to see!

 

On a side note, comparing my S model with front and rear MotoPro springs to the stock SF model, the seat height is a lot higher on my S. This is while SM wheels are mounted. When dirt wheels are on, forget about it, the SF model is sooo low compared to the dirt with springs.