Taming your Rebel 1100 suspension

Рет қаралды 13,951

2 жыл бұрын

This video shows how to determine whether your shocks are bottoming out too often, then discusses how to adjust the suspension preload to tame your ride.
After considerable cogitation then applying some highly speculative assumptions, I drew an XY graph that estimates suspension preload settings by rider weight. The number of clicks count from minimum preload. Your Rebel 1100 comes from the factory with preload already set to three clicks.
Here are my assumptions
* Engineers selected a spring preload with a maximum preset of 18 at or near the 348-pound maximum load limit of the Rebel 1100
* Engineers selected a factory preset of three clicks assuming an average rider weighs about 170 pounds.
* The relationship between the number of preset clicks and rider weight is mostly linear.
Assume these settings are my best guess. You should do the zip-tie test to determine your preferred preload settings.
Preload "Clicks" from minimum preset by Body Weight in Pounds
Weight Clicks
100-122 0 [Who weighs that?]
125-149 0
150-174 1
175-199 4 [Papa Steve now]
200-224 6 [Papa Steve when I made the video. It was 5 clicks actually. I weighed 210]
225-249 9
250-274 11
275-299 14
300-324 16
325-348 18
Here is the link to the XY graph itself: docs.google.com/document/d/1K...

Пікірлер: 84

@ontherebel11 2 жыл бұрын

Well done Papa Steve, excellent video! I also lost count and had to count from zero. I tried the zip tie test with a passenger and saddlebags, the zip tie was buried under the rubber stop at 18 clicks, I weigh 160 and my passenger is 140. When riding solo with saddlebags , my zip tie test put me at 12 for a sweet spot. This video will help so many people, well done sir!

@papastevesgarage 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the encouragement and the data. I can't really use the saddlebag number without knowing how heavy the saddlebags are. The 18 clicks makes sense to me for a combined weight of 300 pounds. I'll update the table.

@ianburns6218 25 күн бұрын

I did not know there was a toolkit under the seat! 'scrwing the adjuster off thed of the shock absorber, doen't sound like a good thin' Got it Papa Steve!

@papastevesgarage 22 сағат бұрын

Thanks for you comment.

@ThisIsStartingToAnnoyMe 2 жыл бұрын

Good video. Clear dialog, good camera work, thorough. Thanks.

@papastevesgarage 2 жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

@Rated101 2 жыл бұрын

I enjoy your videos! Love that it's specifically for the Rebel 1100. SUBSCRIBED!

@foxpopuli6982 3 ай бұрын

Thank you for your Rebel 1100 videos, Mr Koski. I always feel better about tinkering with my machine after one of your lessons. I had already added two "clicks" to the original preload on my Rebel 1100 shocks, but now I'm confident in going much further. And considering the fact that I'm nearly twice your weight, and I travel on semi-paved Georgia goat trails, I should almost certainly do so.

@papastevesgarage 3 ай бұрын

Very welcome! Have you run the cable tie test to check your preload settings?

@kevinpeters9824 2 жыл бұрын

Excellent explanation and video illustration on shock adjustments. I also like your jokes. 👍🏾

@papastevesgarage 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you kindly!

@Dave1567 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Papa Steve, as a ex road racer I totally forgot the zip tie test! Thanks for the great video, 10 clicks for me. I'm not as fast these days but alot more kilo's!

@papastevesgarage 2 жыл бұрын

Tell me your weight so I can update my table.

@DanielSan-sw9px 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you, I really like the chart at the end.

@papastevesgarage 2 жыл бұрын

Glad you like it!

@Josarthu Жыл бұрын

Great video! I used the zip tie test and ended up at 9 (total) clicks just as you did. I ride solo and weigh in at around 190 lbs. On the last test ride, I hit a major pothole and the zip tie did bottom out on both back shocks but I consider that acceptable. The difference in ride and handling is very noticeable. I might stiffen the front shocks just a bit though they were well within the Honda recommended range even after hitting the pothole. 2023 DCT, less than 200 miles so far and loving the ride! Thanks Steve!

@papastevesgarage Жыл бұрын

It's great motorcycle. I'm glad you found my video helpful. Stay in touch.

@borkfork3163 2 жыл бұрын

Very helpful, thanks. I didn't use zip ties but added 8 clicks to each rear shock for a total of 11. I weigh 230-240 lbs. Ride is much improved. Also added 2 full rotations to each front shock to stiffen. Better. Will do a zip tie test this weekend hopefully. Bottoming the rear shocks is pretty scary. Like riding a bucking bronco!

@papastevesgarage 2 жыл бұрын

Let me know what click count you settle on after the the zip tie test. I'll enter your results into my online table.

@andrewnelson1369 Жыл бұрын

Very thorough video while SHOWING what you were doing. I found this video quite helpful. I am currently 6’2, 265lbs. I am currently sitting on 10 clicks but might go up 1-2 more. I have not changed the front suspension YET but will 100% be doing that. Been a little cold and wet so I’m waiting for a good day.

@papastevesgarage Жыл бұрын

How's the ride? I backed off a click on mine, which softened the ride without increasing bottoming out much. I'm 5' 10 and down to 196 now.

@andrewnelson1369 Жыл бұрын

@@papastevesgarage Been having some unfavorable weather recently but honestly still adjusting. I need to get some calipers to see where my front is turned to. My rear also needs adjusting. I’ve been using the zip tie method and still find I bottom out. Two factors are rough roads where I’m at…lots of potholes and railroad tracks…aaaaand unfortunately putting some winter lbs on. I’ll have to give you an update when the weather gets better with updated clicks and lbs

@anthonyjones6610 2 жыл бұрын

Excellent Video....really helpful & put it to good use straight after viewing. I added the rear seat backrest & pannier holders (both Honda stock) to the bike. I noted the whole package added about 10 pounds to the rear of the bike which combined with my 188 pounds took it up to 198 pounds without the panniers themselves. I did the ZipTie test test for me & for me/added fittings. Front forks I added a half turn like yourself, the rear shocks I added 4 clicks for just me (188lbs) and added 5 clicks for me/additions (198lbs). I will obviously need to increase the preload once I add full panniers to the the bike come the Spring (Overnighting) but hopefully only by 2-4 clicks more? The roads in the Scottish Highlands, where I live, tend to be more undulating & bumpy then the roads around the towns & cities...this includes the main trunk roads through the Highlands like the A9, A 82, A83, A86 & A93. Thanks Again "Papa" Steve.

@papastevesgarage 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the feedback. You preloadings sound about right. Enjoy your ride.

@captainobvious5349 2 ай бұрын

Outstanding video, sir!!

@papastevesgarage 22 сағат бұрын

Glad you liked it!

@nfan883 2 жыл бұрын

I enjoy watching your video! Thanks. I weight 156 pounds and I think I will stick to the preload for now. I will have a long trip in coming days and I will zip tie test it

@papastevesgarage 2 жыл бұрын

Let me know what you learn after the zip tie test.

@nfan883 2 жыл бұрын

@@papastevesgarage Hi, Steve, (1)my zip does not max out my rear suspension but I still decided to add 4 clicks to both of them. I found out they are too soft when I make turns. (2) just like you, I lost count and have to counterclockwise all the way up and start from there. (3) I was laughing at you when you say you lost your count to two. Well, shit happened to me today.

@2woofs784 11 ай бұрын

Great video and very helpful.

@papastevesgarage 11 ай бұрын

Glad to hear it!

@stephanschreiber6451 Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for this excellent video! I'm 250 lbs and 12 (3+9) clicks are not yet enough, but the zip ties aren't getting buried, they just reach the rubber stop. I guess 1 click more and I'll be fine. Test ride felt way better already today, however!

@papastevesgarage Жыл бұрын

If they just reach the rubber stops, I think your setting is fine. The suspension will get very stiff if you adjust too far.

@chuckbarstow8738 Жыл бұрын

Another good video, thanks.

@papastevesgarage Жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it

@johnaxta1008 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for starting the table...Honda really should provide something like this. Here is result to add to your table: I weigh 169 lbs and tried various settings for multiple rides on city, rural and highway. - Front shock - fine with factory setting and travel down to 75% consistently - Rear shock - only number of clicks that consistently had the zip tie above the bottom rear shock (about 10-20% distance from bottom) was 9 for me (6 above factory setting). Surprising since you had same setting and weigh in the 200lb range. I'll try this for a while and maybe go down to 8 if I find it too stiff.

@papastevesgarage 2 жыл бұрын

I actually found since I did the video that 6/9 was too stiff, so I've loosened the preload by one click to 5/8. I like the ride better. Although, I felt a heavy bump during my ride yesterday, when the bike bottomed out on a highway dip. I plan to do the zip tie test again. My bet is that you will eventually back off the 6/9 preload, too. You don't really need to eliminate all bottoming out, just the routine bounce.

@johnaxta1008 2 жыл бұрын

@@papastevesgarage I have come to the same conclusion as you did and the 9 setting which prevents zip ties from bottoming on all conditions out was too hard. After trying a few settings, I settled back to 5 setting (165lbs) and just did a 800 mile 3 state road tour and was perfectly happy with this setting. After all this, not sure what the real value of the zip tie test is except finding limits of the shock travel.

@674frisco Ай бұрын

Great! Thank you Papa Steve!

@papastevesgarage 22 сағат бұрын

My pleasure!

@josephsaia5527 Жыл бұрын

Love your humor

@papastevesgarage Жыл бұрын

I'm too shy to do stand up.

@josephsaia5527 Жыл бұрын

I am finally a new owner of a 1100T DCT and loving the bike. I will try your suggestions

@christianpieret8279 2 жыл бұрын

très bonne vidéo explicative ; hello from MARSEILLE ( FRANCE )

@papastevesgarage 2 жыл бұрын

Merci. You now have experienced the extent of my French. I'm delighted you found my video useful. I hope you subscribed. More videos are coming.

@go5582 2 жыл бұрын

Hi handsome. Great video & vocabulary. More videos please. Thanks.

@papastevesgarage 2 жыл бұрын

Keep watchin'

@my2wheels 2 жыл бұрын

Very good!✌️👍🏍👍✌️

@papastevesgarage 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks ✌️

@knightsofni1999 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the great video and information! Did you end up updating your preload suspension/weight chart with more weight information? I didn’t see an updated chart at the end of the video. Cheers mate!

@papastevesgarage Жыл бұрын

The info I received from viewers was pretty meager. Too often I couldn't use it because I couldn't tell if the respondent used my method. So, I created my graph. The updated graph is not in the video. I listed the values in the information to the video and provided a weblink to the graph. I want to emphasize that the graph only provides estimates. Do your own zip-tie test. I hope that helps.

@efremendez Жыл бұрын

I saw a video saying the opposite for rear shocks. Said to loosen all the way to avoid violent rebound. The front adjustment was minimal but I forgot tightrope or looser. 170lb rider aprox

@papastevesgarage Жыл бұрын

Interesting but dubious idea. The only way I know how to avoid "violent rebound" would be to install rebound dampening shocks. The Rebel 1100 with factory suspension doesn't do a great job of rebound dampening. My suspension adjustment method doesn't address rebound. I only show how to reduce bottoming out the rear shocks. You wouldn't want your car suspension to bottom out routinely while you're driving. The same applies to your motorcycle. Of course, when you increase the preload, the suspension will get stiffer, but the stiffer suspension will also ease your buns over the potholes and speed bumps by avoiding the sudden stop when the shocks bottom out and slam into their rubber bumpers. Send me the link to the site you saw if you get a chance.

@craigweaver5671 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for this video. I also like the chart you've linked in the description. Question - Suppose I loose count... Will the rear shock stop allowing me to turn it once I've reached the maximum number of clicks? Or the minimum number of clicks? Or do I risk completely disassembling the shock itself if I loose count? Thanks again!

@papastevesgarage Жыл бұрын

You can screw the adjuster off the end of the shock if you go to far. If you lose count, it’s safer to crank the adjustor to it’s minimum compression, then count back out from there.

@craigweaver5671 Жыл бұрын

@@papastevesgarage Thanks!

@warDOG420111 2 жыл бұрын

I have my set to 7 and I weight 170 so I added 4 clicks from factory

@papastevesgarage 2 жыл бұрын

You like your ride firm. Keep me posted if you decide to change it. I've updated my chart with your info.

@warDOG420111 2 жыл бұрын

@@papastevesgarage I added 4 clicks so it’s 7 in total sorry for the confusion

@feloniousmonk3049 Жыл бұрын

Probably about 5 kg per click. 160kg max to about 3 clicks 65 kg. 9 clicks for 210 # or 95 kg. 30 kg added = 6 clicks added. 275# rider = 125 kg 125- 65g = 60 kg more / 5 kg - click means add 12 clicks to the existing 3. That should get you in the ball park for 275 #

@papastevesgarage Жыл бұрын

I'll graph this when I get a chance and post the visual. Thanks for the input.

@Juistja975 Жыл бұрын

@@papastevesgarage is this for front and back? 5kg per click?

@peterfish1462 2 жыл бұрын

Hi, so when you add preload on the rear is this lowering the rear slightly ?

@papastevesgarage 2 жыл бұрын

No just adding tension to the spring

@feloniousmonk3049 Жыл бұрын

Any idea if this ADDS any additional suspension travel to the rear suspension? Can you measure it? Is the stroke length of the 2 shocks any different or longer?

@papastevesgarage Жыл бұрын

I can't give you a definitive answer because I haven't found one that persuades me. I don't think changing preload changes the available suspension travel very much if any bit at all, other than changing the distance the shock plunger travels because the spring is softer or stiffer. I could be wrong about this. I invite input from viewers who have greater expertise. What preload adjustment does is to add or subtract compression to the springs so the ride becomes stiffer or softer.

@Panocek Жыл бұрын

Increasing preload doesn't increase suspension travel. To do that, you'd have to replace shock absorbers with ones that have longer stroke. I think Stiletto Shocks from Burly does that?

@accordiondr 2 жыл бұрын

Thankyou...please clarify....if I'm a big boy 265 lbs...I would be turning the tool counterclockwise in the rear shocks to increase the length of the springs so I don't bottom out...is this the correct thinking about this?

@papastevesgarage 2 жыл бұрын

You're thinking about it backwards. What you want to do is increase the shock absorber preload to make the springs stiffer, not to increase their length. Turn the adjuster clockwise for stiffer springs.

@accordiondr 2 жыл бұрын

@Papa Steve's Rebel 1100 Garage thankyou for your reply...it just seems to me that the stiffer springs would make the bounce less cushioned...the longer the spring the more length of your bounce....I thought I read the manual correctly....no?

@cruisinwithpapasteve4907 2 жыл бұрын

@@accordiondr The ride will be stiffer, but you will reduce the frequency that the springs bottom out. That actually makes the ride better. Ride smoothness depends on the relationship between "sprung weight" and "unsprung weight" as controlled by the stiffness of the springs. Sprung weight is the combined weight of the motorcycle and the rider resting on the springs. Unsprung weight is all of the weight below the springs: wheels, tire, drive gear, and such. The greater the difference between sprung and unsprung weight, the stiffer your springs need to be. Your 265 pounds, plus the sprung weight of the motorcycle, is 60 pounds heavier than me on my Rebel 1100. You need stiffer springs to compensate for the additional weight. I bet when you add the spring preload, you'll be pleasantly surprised with the quality of the ride. Take some time to do the zip tie test, before and after making the adjustment so you can physically see the difference your adjustments make.

@accordiondr 2 жыл бұрын

@Cruisin' with Papa Steve thankyou...I must think about this a bit....not knowing I counterclockwise all shocks all the way...nothing came loose and the ride was comfortable over bumps...the larger springs seemed to cushion me more from the shorter springs in the rear and also same effects on front end 🤔

@Dlgeis 2 жыл бұрын

Make sure you are looking down from the top for clockwise/Cc reference.

@bennytuomolin4416 2 жыл бұрын

Compared to the Scout the Rebel rear shocks are great (158 lbs)

@cruisinwithpapasteve4907 2 жыл бұрын

Have you run the zip tie test?

@bennytuomolin4416 2 жыл бұрын

@@cruisinwithpapasteve4907 No, the Rebel is in hibernation. November to April too much snow and too cold here in Finland😂☃️

@cruisinwithpapasteve4907 2 жыл бұрын

@@bennytuomolin4416 I didn’t realize you’re Finnish. My ancestors are Finnish on my father’s side.

@bennytuomolin4416 2 жыл бұрын

@@cruisinwithpapasteve4907 Could tell from your name😀. Koski is Finnish for rapids, white water.

@papastevesgarage 2 жыл бұрын

@@bennytuomolin4416 Thanks. I knew that. I looked up my name in Translator once. My grandparents on my father's side were both Finnish and English speakers. But I'm third generation. I know all of five words in Finnish. I would tell you what they are but unfortunately I never learned how to spell them.

@richardbull6219 2 жыл бұрын

Nice video. So I would think if the max load weight of the bike is 348 pounds and the rear suspension has 18 clicks, divide 348 x 18 which equals 19.33 pounds per click. So if you weigh 205 pounds divide this by 19.33 then the number of clicks is approx 10.6. for your weight. Then I would - or + 1 click depending on how it rides. I see you got 9 which isn't to far from 10.6 so maybe this is a quick way to get you in the ball park first. Using the zip tie is a brilliant idea though.

@papastevesgarage 2 жыл бұрын

I like the way you think. However, you're idea is based on two assumptions that may or may not be valid. First, the math assumes the relationship between rider weight and spring compression is linear. I don't know enough about shock absorber engineering to know whether the weight/compression ratio is linear or nonlinear. Second, the idea assumes that Honda engineers have matched the Rebel 1100's shock absorbers to a range of rider weights from 19.33 pounds at 1 click to 348 pounds at 18 clicks. I suspect it is not likely Honda engineers seriously considered riders weighing less than 100 pounds would be cruising on a 500-pound, 84-horsepower motorcycle. That would render the first five clicks mostly meaningless. Even so, I agree with you that calculating the appropriate number of clicks mathematically, is pretty good starting point. Thanks for the insight.