[Garret]

Does adjusting the spring on the mono-shock soften the ride? If so, which way? The spring adjustment was in the middle when I bought the bike. I've adjusted the spring counter-clockwise a few turns and can't tell any difference.

 

[Uncle Bob]

As you check the ajustement sleeve, there are five notches going up in a staircase pattern, the lowest one is for lighter loads and the highest (hardest) setting is for heavier loads. So theoretically the lowest notch should be the softest but a lot of people don't really see a difference between one position or another.

For a really smooth ride you would have to switch to a progressive shock which will have minimum damping over small bumps and firmer damping over bigger bumps. Bit pricey though.

 

[Guest]

Uncle Bob is spot on. The factory setting is pretty firm but works well with about 350 pounds on the bike (two up, usually).

If you're going solo, a simple way to adjust it is to set the suspension at the softest setting and ride on a bumpy stretch of road near your house that you're familiar with. Toss in a few low speed passes over speed bumps if you have access to them. If you don't bottom out, you're fine. If you do, adjust it up a notch and try it slightly faster. If you bottom out, go up another notch. With cruisers it's truly trial and error, but once you have it adjusted right, it makes a world of difference. Oh, and if you load the bike for a trip, don't forget to adjust it to compensate for the addtional load...and also to keep your headlight beam off the rearview mirror of the vehicle in front of you.