Am I missing something obvious?

[wrl]

Okay, setting up the transaction!

[wrl]

Question: How should I reset or adjust the preload to a more appropriate level?

[Kev M]

Question: How should I reset or adjust the preload to a more appropriate level?

There's gotta be threads on adjusting spring preload.

There's likely a section in the owner's manual too.

The old rule of thumb is sag should be set so the rear of the bike drops 1" when the rider sits on it, but that may vary so I'd double-check the OM or threads.

Preload itself is adjusted by a pair of locknuts which spin upward or downward on threads - upward toward the spring, making it shorter/harder to INCREASE preload (pressure on the spring), or downward, away from the spring, making it longer/softer to DECREASE preload/pressure.

If memory serves there is a dampening adjustment as well, and when present should be reset or adjusted to match the new preload. Dampening is an adjustment of one of the valves which controls the rate at which the shock moves (either inward or outward depending upon the valving). It is used to prevent the shock from causing a back-and-forth reaction like a pogo stick when the shock/spring react to a bump/pothole/road irregularity. The dampening slows and controls the reaction, so if it is insufficient the strength of the spring will allow it to pogo.

That's a basic primer and should help you understand the adjustments when you find the specific procedures.

[wrl]

Nevermind, it turns out he never adjusted it.

[Curmudgeon]

Nevermind, it turns out he never adjusted it.

In that case, you probably need to back off it a hair unless you intend to carry a passenger. I doubt your shock damping is even adjustable. If it is, at your weight just leave it alone.

[polivo]

Im curious. If it doesnt matter what bike you start on.. so long as you "control yourself" why does the msf and other such organizations start riders on 125 ann 250's?

Ooo wait, I know the answer to this from first hand experience

1. Its easier to LEARN on a small bike.
2. Its easier to interpret the feedback on a small bike and begin to make the appropriate adjustments.
3. Its easier to recover from mistakes made on a small bike as the motorcycles reactions to your newbie HAM FISTS arent as exagerated as when you make the SAME mistake on 1000cc motorcycle.
4. your skill level will develop more quick due to points 1,2,3.
5. This list can go on and on.

Like I tell friends. Valentino rossi started out his racing career on a 125! But if you think youre better than him, go ahead and buy that 1000cc bike. Just let me take a picture of you first.

[OT]

Maybe the parts about MSF students not killiing themselves or their classmates, and 125s being really inexpensive and light for what MSF needs them to do...

In my MSF class we never went fast enough to get any feedback from the 125/250 cruisers...

....but I don't think Rossi's 125 is what MSF uses  

[polivo]

Maybe the parts about MSF students not killiing themselves or their classmates, and 125s being really inexpensive and light for what MSF needs them to do...

In my MSF class we never went fast enough to get any feedback from the 125/250 cruisers...

....but I don't think Rossi's 125 is what MSF uses  

your entire class was based on feedback. almost all the early exercises taught you about the friction  zone.  How to engage the friction zone smoothly, without stalling.. was all about feed back.. The first time you used the front brake in the course, and learned how little pressure on the lever it took to stop.. that was all feedback. 

[Privateer]

i realize i'm late, but I would suggest NOT getting your dream bike as your first bike.

Get a beater to learn on, then buy your dream bike once you acquire some riding skills.


Speaking from experience (of not doing it the 'right' way).

[wrl]

Boom!

[Ghettogarage]

Congrats

[polivo]

hot!  the red frame and red panels look sweeet!

[BastrdHK]

AWESOME WRL!!!     

The bike looks great, and you definitely made the right decision with the 696!  Learn, improve and love.  Happy for you!

Keep us posted with ride reports and pics as you progress.

[hbliam]

Im curious. If it doesnt matter what bike you start on.. so long as you "control yourself" why does the msf and other such organizations start riders on 125 ann 250's?

1. Cheap
2. Light
3. Cheap

[wrl]

Thanks again for all of the insight and advice! Now if only my MSF course (and thus my endorsement) wasn't postponed to next weekend...then again, a cold front dropped temps to the 40s this weekend, so perhaps that was a blessing in disguise. However, that hasn't stopped me from chasing other pursuits. After quite a bit of reading and some advice from a co-worker, Speedymoto sliders all around are on order. I'm now trying to decide whether or not to do actual mods such as mirrors, integrated tail light, fender eliminator, exhaust, rearsets, etc. I'm also taking a look at this Keith Code movie - A Twist of the Wrist II. Anything I can do hold me over until I'm more ready to ride.

At any rate, I'm exceedingly happy thus far. Cheers to all of you!