In the owners manual, Honda gives instructions for adjusting damping (both compression and rebound), but has anybody noticed that it doesn't mention adjusting the preload on the REAR shock?? Ride height is the single most important adjustment your shocks have! Everything else varies/changes according to the ride height. So, why do they leave this out? Manufacturers try to match the shocks to the "average" rider, but how many of us is that? I'll tell you what I think is going on....I think the factory sets the shock REAL SOFT. In the showroom, when you sit on the bike it feels REAL PLUSH, and everybody loves it (so you are more likely to buy the bike!!). But, this is way to soft for everybody but light riders.

I've been checking out every 400 I see, and most have around 5" of sag with a heavy rider on the bike. This should be more like 3" (30% of the 9" total travel) if adjusted properly. If you watch these riders when they hit the big whoops, you will notice the back end bucking up like a bronco, because they are bottoming out the shock travel.

Anybody ever had a dealer offer to set your ride height for you before you go out the door with your new bike???? I never have!! So check out the nice article at http://off-road.com/atv/suspension/shockadj.htm and adjust your shocks so they are right!!!!