User Manual

10 ELKA SUSPENSION INC. Phone: (450) 655-4855 or 1 800 557-0552 www.elkasuspension.com
ADJUSTMENT PROCEDURES
SPRING PRELOAD
ABOUT SPRING PRELOAD ADJUSTMENT
A preload adjustment ring is located under the head of the shock (see p.4-5 for location). This ring is
used to increase or decrease the initial tension on the spring and therefore, the ride-height of the
vehicle, also referred to as frame clearance. Frame clearance is the distance between the ground and
the chassis. While the height of the vehicle is a matter of personal driver preference, the vehicle needs
to be as level as possible to be in balance.
HOW TO ADJUST THE PRELOAD
- Remove the seat if needed (on some vehicle
models) to access the spring preload
adjustment ring
- Loosen the screw on the preload ring using
the provided 3mm Allen key
- Turn the preload ring CLOCKWISE (viewed
from the top) to screw it in towards the
springs TO INCREASE THE PRELOAD
(raise the vehicle) using the provided tool
- Turn the preload ring COUNTER-CLOCKWISE
(viewed from the top) to unscrew it away
from the springs TO REDUCE THE PRELOAD
(lower the vehicle) using the provided tool.
- When the adjustment is complete, tighten
back the screw to lock the preload ring.
Increasing the preload will raise the vehicle
and increase frame clearance. This will result
in a more responsive ride. Be careful not to
apply too much preload. This can cause “coil
binding”, which is when the coils of the spring
rub against each other under compression.
This can damage the spring, the shock and
can be dangerous for the rider.
Reducing the preload will lower the vehicle and decrease frame clearance. This will result in a
smoother ride but the bike might come in contact with the ground more often. The preload should
always be enough to keep the spring strongly in place.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Be careful when adjusting the preload after the engine has been running.
The exhaust pipe and shock body can be hot and may cause severe injuries.
Be careful and use gloves or proper protection equipment.
LESS PRELOAD
(RING MOVING AWAY FROM
SPRINGS)
MORE PRELOAD
(RING MOVING TOWARDS THE
SPRINGS)