So I'm in the dark about the airshock system. I'm 5'8" and 155 always riding solo on an '06 RK. What would be my best psi on my shocks? How critical is the psi.? Does it only affect ride harshness or is psi setting a critical handling issue?
Thx ahead for any help here.

 

Your owners manual would have the factory recommendations on shock adjustment. At your weight, probably 5-10 lbs if memory serves, but I could be wrong.

 

I am guilty of not checking mine often enough and sometime find it all the way at zero, but never had and handling issues because of it. I set it at 10 pounds for solo, 35 when the wife and tour pack are on.

 

ok thx guys. I dont have the owners man. but i can look it up on line.

 

Start at 15 and work down from there.

 

Air pressure increases the spring rate. Oil changes the damping rate.

Low/no/thin oil will have the wheel and bike bouncing over bumps and potholes. Increasing air pressure can make it worse.

Thick oil will ride a bit like a hard tail.

The shock/spring assemblies do nothing to hold the swingarm side to side, but when heeled over in a turn, their control of the rising and falling of the swingarm is most keenly felt.

 

I was told once to use 1 lb of air for every 10 lbs of cargo (including yourself). So if you're 155 lbs, use about 15 or 16 lbs. If you have a tourpak, add accordingly, with your girl, add accordingly.

 

I'm right about 200lbs. On my 06 EG I'm happy with about 10 in mine. If I have someone on the back it could probably use another 5 or so but it stays at 10. Higher than that becomes pretty harsh.