See Operation → Factory Suspension Settings: Lightning Models. The settings are the best balance of handling, ride, and stability. Suspension can be changed to accommodate rider preferences for ride quality and handling for road conditions and load changes.
NOTE
- Do not continue to repeat the steps involved with the following settings beyond those which are listed.
- Adjust suspension to the recommendation if possible, but never force adjusters beyond the mechanical stops.
WARNINGDo 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)
Changes in Load
Changes in the load carried requires changes in the preload setting(s). Carrying less weight than was used for setting up the suspension requires decreasing the amount of preload. Increasing the load carried requires adding more preload.
WARNINGDo not exceed the motorcycle's Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR). Exceeding these weight ratings can lead to component failure and adversely affect stability, handling and performance, which could result in death or serious injury. (00016f)
- GVWR is the sum of the weight of the motorcycle, accessories, and the maximum weight of the rider, passenger and cargo that can be safely carried.
- GAWR is the maximum amount of weight that can be safely carried on each axle.
- The GVWR and GAWR are shown on the information plate, located on the frame steering head.
Ride Quality Enhancement
The stock settings are designed to offer sufficient chassis control, but some may choose to enhance ride comfort over rougher road conditions or for long rides. Adjusting the compression setting will reduce both high and low speed damping.
- Adjust suspension for rider weight. See Operation → Factory Suspension Settings: Lightning Models.
- Increase ride quality by reducing front and rear compression damping by turning adjuster counterclockwise 1/4-1 turn.
- If additional ride quality is desired, reduce front preload by turning adjuster counterclockwise until an additional line is visible and also reduce rear preload 4 turns (8 clicks).
- If maximum ride quality is desired, decrease front and rear rebound damping by turning adjusters counterclockwise by 1/4-1/2 turn.
Enhanced Steering Quickness
The response to steering input (quickness) may be enhanced by adjusting the vehicles front/rear ride height. This adjustment effectively decreases the vehicles rake angle. This is achieved by adjusting the preload to increase front sag and reduce rear sag.
- Adjust suspension for rider weight. See Operation → Factory Suspension Settings: Lightning Models.
- Reduce steering effort by increasing the rear preload 4 turns (8 clicks).
- If more enhanced steering and cornering control is desired, reduce front preload by turning adjuster counterclockwise until an additional line is visible.
- If additional enhanced steering and cornering control is desired, increase rear compression damping by turning adjuster clockwise by 1/4-1/2 turn.
- If maximum enhanced steering and cornering control is desired, increase front rebound damping by turning adjuster clockwise 1/4 turn.
Chassis Control/Handling Enhancement
To provide more road surface feedback on smoother road conditions, increase compression and rebound settings.
- Adjust suspension for rider weight. See Operation → Factory Suspension Settings: Lightning Models.
- Increase chassis/handling control by increasing front and rear compression damping by turning adjuster clockwise by 1/2-1 1/2 turns.
- If maximum chassis control/handling control is desired, increase front and rear rebound damping by turning adjuster clockwise by 1/4-1/2 turn.
Cold Weather Riding Less Than 65° F (18° C)
The viscosity of the suspension fluid increases as the temperature decreases. As the fluid viscosity increases so does the damping. It is recommended to compensate for the varying fluid viscosity by readjusting the damping adjuster positions when operating outside the normal ambient temperature range of 65-95° F (18-35° C).
- Adjust suspension for rider weight. See Operation → Factory Suspension Settings: Lightning Models.
- Reduce front and rear compression damping and rebound damping by turning adjuster counterclockwise 1/4-1/2 turn.