Hey all,
I am a new rider as well as a new member to this forum. I just picked up an '82 Seca 750cc and it is a blast. The question I have is what would be the correct setting for the rear shocks for someone who weighs around 170lbs? I believe the factory setting is set at 4. Does this seem correct? Also, when I have a passenger, what would be a good setting for a combined weight of 300-320lbs? An owners manual didnt come with the bike and I am assuming that this info would have been included in it. I would greatly appreciate any help that could be given in this subject. Thank you for help and I am looking forward to being apart of this forum.
~sac :D

What you can adjust on the Maxim stock shock is the preload. With this you can adjust for sag. Sag is how much the bike sinks when you sit on it. Ideally you should have about 1.5 inches of sag.

To measure sag, get a friend to help you. Get out a ruler or tape measure. Stand over the bike and have the partner measure from the axle bolt up to something solid - say the seat. Then sit on the bike and have them remeasure. Figure out the difference. If it is more than 2 inches tighten the preload up. If it is less than 1 inch loosen the preload.

The thing with adjusting the sag is to get the bike to sit properly for the weight you have on it. With too much preload it'll be a rough ride, and top out more easily. With too little preload you'll have a soft ride and bottom out too easily.

Again - what would be nice to adjust once you have the preload right is the harshness which could be done with valving. The valve size determins how fast the oil can flow from the bottom on compression - a tiny valve means it takes alot of effort to compress the spring - too hard and you'll get a sore butt and a bouncy rear end. Too large and the oil flows to easily and you have it too soft, and it will wallow about like pig in s**t. Very unnerving.

Anyhow - start with setting the sag - if it isn't good enough then consider an aftermarket replacement with more adjustment options. Done properly they are really nice - done wrong and they can be worse than 20 year old shocks. :)

Cheers,
woot.