WARNING
Do not operate motorcycle with loose, worn or damaged steering or suspension systems. Contact a Buell dealer for repairs. Loose, worn or damaged steering or suspension components can adversely affect stability and handling, which could result in death or serious injury. (00113a)
Make all suspension adjustments in small increments. Radical setting changes may cause you to skip the best adjustment, but always remember that any setting chosen is a compromise.
Refer to Table 1. Possible suspension and operating characteristics and their probable causes are listed. This table is helpful in keeping your motorcycle in good operating condition.
To achieve the proper settings you will need the preload properly adjusted, the tires properly inflated and a familiar bumpy road. It is useful if the road contains a variety of different kinds of bumps from small sharp bumps such as potholes or frost heaves to large cracks.
See Operation → Factory Suspension Settings: Lightning Models. Begin the process by putting all the damping settings as recommended. Ride the motorcycle over a variety of surfaces and bumps at different speeds. If the suspension is set properly, the vehicle will feel stable and comfortable.
Table 1. Suspension Tuning: XB Models
SUSPENSION CHARACTERISTICS
SOLUTION
Bike wallows through turns.
Increase rebound damping.
Bike feels loose or vague after bumps.
Wheel tends to "pogo" or suffer continuous bouncing after passing a bump. This is often noticable by watching the bike as it travels over bumps.
Wheel responds to bump but doesn't return to ground quickly after bumps. This is more pronounced over a series of bumps and is often referred to as "packing down."
Reduce rebound damping.
Bike bottoms in dips or while cornering.
Increase compression damping.
Bike has excessive brake dive.
Harsh ride, particularly over washboard surfaces.
Reduce compression damping.
Bumps transfer through handlebars or seat.
Suspension seems not to respond to bumps. Tires chatter through corners or rider is jolted over rough roads.