I reset my suspension again making sure I read and re-read the manual correctly. Let me first discuss the front end setting and hopefully, someone can chime in if I am doing this correctly.
Pre-load: Per the manual, I just need to measure the distance from the top of nut that you wrench to the base of it to check your preload. I measured mine and made sure I had 14mm on both side. I also counted the number of visible lines in the bolt and they are the same on both sides. For the dampening force, I rotated the dial (for lack of better word), until I was all the way in. Then I rotated it counter clockwise for "5" clicks.
I am sorry for posting this over and over again, but this whole setting is making me buggy! I am finding the ride to be a bit harsh and I want to set it right. But at the same time, I do not want the ride to be squirly. I am trying to set my front end back to factory settings (which according to manual is 14mm and 5 clicks from all the way in). I am thinking my harsh riding is due to my stiff setting on my rear shocks and I will set that over the next few days, but I want to make sure my front is set right first.
I know everyone feels the bike differently. but 14mm preload on the front is too soft. for your size the factory setting are too soft. the factory setting are for a 150lb rider!! start with the front first and get it feeling right before adjusting the rear.
what I have realized is at the factory setting for us big americans is that its not even in the ballpark of comfort. got turn it up just to start to get there. the harsh feeling that I felt was not that the bike is stiff. it was that the bike was so loose that the suspension wasn't doing what it needed to!
try the zip tie trick. put a zip tie on each fork. don't crank it down, just tight enough to stay place but lose enough to slide as the forks move. then ride as you would at any given time. after some time stop and measure the distance between the zip tie and the fork seal.
total travel of the front suspension is 4.4 inches(manual) you need around 30mm sag or so. thats "around" 1 1/4 inches. so you should shoot for around 3.25" of travel on the measurement between the zip tie and the fork seal. ride and adjust preload til you get "around" this measurement.
damping is where you will find the comfort. one problem with the forks on most bikes from japan is that they are setup for light weight people. for two up full load comfort the fork oil needs to be changed to a heavier weight oil. if sag can't be set properly then heavier springs will have to be added also! this is a great bike, but a goldwing its not!
I'm 180lbs. for solo riding I have 10mm showing on the front and 3 clicks out from full in on the dampening, rear is set at from full out 17 clicks in for cruising and 20 in clicks for twisties, and dampening at 1 turn out from full in.
for two up with some load I set the front dampening 1 click out from full in. and go to 25-27 clicks in on the rear and don't change the dampening.
just my 2 cents