WARNING
Adjust both forks equally. Improper fork adjustment can lead to loss of control, which could result in death or serious injury. (00124c)
NOTICE
Compression and rebound adjusting valves may be damaged if too much force is used at either end of the adjustment range. (00237a)
Spring Preload
  1. See Figure 1. With a hex key, turn the preload adjuster counterclockwise until it stops. This is the minimum preload setting.
  2. Calculate the total load and turn the adjuster clockwise to specification. Refer to Table 1.
Rebound Damping
  1. See Figure 2. Turn the rebound damping adjuster (1) clockwise H (hard) until it stops. This is the maximum rebound setting.
  2. Turn adjuster counterclockwise S (soft) to specification. Refer to Table 2.
Compression Damping
  1. See Figure 2. Turn the compression damping adjuster (2) clockwise H (hard) until it stops. This is the maximum compression setting.
  2. Turn the adjuster counterclockwise S (soft) to specification. Refer to Table 2.
Figure 1. Spring Preload Adjuster: XR 1200X
Table 1. Recommended Spring Preload: XR 1200X
LOAD*
TURNS**
FROM
MINIMUM
Less than 75 kg (165 lb)
0-4
75–89 kg (165–195 lb)
4-6
89–102 kg (195–225 lb)
6-8
102–116 kg (225–255 lb)
8-10
116 kg (255 lb) to maximum added weight allowed. Refer to Specifications → Specifications → Weights: XL 1200 Models and XR 1200X .
More than 10
*Add the weight of the rider, passenger, riding gear, accessories, and cargo.
**Turns are clockwise turns in from minimum.
  • To increase preload, turn the adjuster clockwise.
  • To decrease preload, turn the adjuster counterclockwise.
1Rebound damping adjuster
2Compression damping adjuster
Figure 2. Fork Rebound and Compression Damping Adjusters: XR 1200X
Table 2. Recommended Fork Rebound and Compression Damping Adjustment: XR 1200X
DAMPING*
NOMINAL (FROM MAXIMUM)
Rebound (REB)
3
Compression (COM)
5
*Values shown are counterclockwise turns out from maximum. Rotate adjuster clockwise to increase damping or counterclockwise to decrease damping.