A500 Rear Shock Adjustment

[Chris Eberhart]

Thank you everyone in this forum. If I had know that there was such a good community, I would have bought the A500 a long time ago.

I know that the pre-load on the rear springs is adjustable because the shocks should ride near the middle of their travel to provide the best road contact over uneven surfaces. Now, how does one know when that are properly adjusted? They are apparently originally set for a 150# rider, but I weigh 200#. I am sure that I need to increase the preload, but how can one tell when enough is enough? Is there, perhaps, a rule of thumb to use when carrying significant luggage such as so many clicks per each additional 50#?

[XPADREX]

On a variety of bikes I've owned that had such a preload adjustment, I simply went up one click and rode it- if it still bottomed out, I'd do another.

One click up is all it's taken for me to notice improved handling while still retaining comfort on my S500.

I'm 220 lbs.

[MikeOnaBike]

Hello, folks! I just bought my first scooter (S500) a few weeks ago, and I have been browsing this discussion forum for awhile, and just decided to register and enter into a discussion.

Being 6'3" and 220 lbs, I decided to crank up my shocks. But when I looked at them, the ring seems to be all the way to the top of the screws, and I could not really turn them any tighter, but I could twist the ring down (looser shocks). I though the manual said they were preadjusted for a 150 lb rider... Could my dealer have tightened it up for me?

I have over 400 miles on it already. Its a beige 2004 model, and I am enjoying it, especially when the snow lets up every few days.

[andys500]

Yes I think he must have adjusted it up. Mine was at the lowest setting when I got it. try going 2 clicks up from the bottom and adjust if needed.

Andy

[Richard fssnoc#]

Thank you everyone in this forum. If I had know that there was such a good community, I would have bought the A500 a long time ago.

I know that the pre-load on the rear springs is adjustable because the shocks should ride near the middle of their travel to provide the best road contact over uneven surfaces. Now, how does one know when that are properly adjusted? They are apparently originally set for a 150# rider, but I weigh 200#. I am sure that I need to increase the preload, but how can one tell when enough is enough? Is there, perhaps, a rule of thumb to use when carrying significant luggage such as so many clicks per each additional 50#?

Chris - You indicate you have an A500. Aprilia has two differing types of rear shocks. My A500 had the two locking collar type adjustors. My S500 has the stepped adjustor. Ones bike could possibly have wither type and the method of adjustment is more difficult to accomplish with the two collar type although not impossible.
What I would suggest is that you go back into the archives (previous posts) and research this subject. There is quite a discussion on the type of shock your bike has. In a nutshell, crank the collars all the way down and mark the rearmost tooth on either side with white paint, whiteout or something similar to identify 'ground zero' as your adjustment start point and gradually work up from there till you get the ride you desire.
Come back again for further help or clarification. Richard.