How to set preload the right way, by yourself on an Indian Scout Bobber. Is it worth the effort?
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 7 ต.ค. 2024
- In this video I discuss the factory recommended method for adjusting preload on the stock rear shocks of the Indian Scout Bobber. I show you how you can do this by yourself, since the method technically requires two people. I test and compare it to the setting I thought I had dialed in with the old fashioned trial and error method, and let you know if it is even worth your time.
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Wood and screw method!!! For such a simple solution, that was brilliant!!
Haha thank you! The big drive for me to figure this out was to not have to ask my wife to help lol
Well, the video was worth a "Like" - the jig and updated distance earned you a new subscriber!
I appreciate the support John!
6’3” 170lbs, I have a ‘21 , came from Factory at 4 threads. Haven’t touched it, stock seat, 4000 miles in a year in Indiana. Is it great comfortable ride? No… but does it make me happy every time I ride it?… hell yes.
Prior bikes, ‘07 zx6r, 2003 1200 sportster, 1993 dyna wide glide… ‘21 Indian scout bobber still makes me the happiest. Usually ride 20-50 miles at a time without stops. Longer rides 100-120miles hands and ass go numb and need a break. Let out a few psi of tire pressure seemed to make things better for me. Stock battery sucks and went out at 12 months and 2 days. Added 2 ounces of oil since break in change and a shot of coolant but tend to hit 100mph every ride and speed limiter a few times.
I've also noticed a couple psi lower in the rear tire helps improve comfort a bit.
@@Jimbobbington how much psi you guys running?
@@2jz_rican I keep tires at factory recommended air pressure 40 in the rear 36 in the front
Thanks for taking the time to do all this. Haven’t adjusted mine yet but will soon.
You got it! I always wondered if it made a difference and finally made the effort for science!
I'm about to try this tomorrow.
I'm fat though about 230, so it'll be closer to 5 threads im guessing?
@@btoso32 possibly more, hard to say. Report back and let me know!
Just got my new bobber delivered yesterday! Thanks for the info. Just joined bobber nation! Thanks again
Hell yes! Do you love it?
Great points! Loving the color combo of the bike.
Thank you!
Definitely a worthwhile video to watch
Thank you!
Good video, I've always followed Dave Moss' tuning methods for suspension to keep mine squared away. Stock, we don't have the best suspension on these bobbers to properly set "all the things" and measuring sag required two folks for me - but this method seems like a good workaround if you don't have help - or if you don't trust your help :)
I'm still going to end up getting a real suspension, but just like GP Shortys, this will do for now until the time comes
RIP dadwithabike
Great video man, thanks for putting this together. Gonna go grab a beer (because I follow directions) and give this a shot.
Haha the beer is the most important step. Thanks for watching! Hope it helps you.
I have a 2021 Bobber purchased in June of that year. My owner's manual says 275 mm is the correct preload which I have it set to. Still not very happy with the ride. Now that I have saddlebags and all my riding gear, rear shocks will definitely be my next upgrade.
Yup, proper adjustment helps, but it does not fix the stock shocks lol
Just had my first service done so went to the dealer. Service dept guy made me feel like an idiot when I asked if they could help adjust my shocks. I'm used to this being a female, most dudes think I have no idea how to even check my fluids but I knew the preload could be adjusted! He just kept trying to sell me piggybacks and telling me me "oh you have stock shocks, theres nothing to adjust". I'm a big girl and just wanted to see if they could help me with a little comfort! Thanks so much for this vid.
Did you manage to adjust it? Did you feel a difference?
Mate your bike looks mint, colour scheme and setup well done 👍🏼
Thank you so much!
With your feet on the ground you are still supporting large portion of your weight. I made a set of Wooden feet to balance the bike while I put my whole weight on it. Additionally, I have a chief so I have round caps on my shocks and used two socket heads as my spacer passed through a two by four to keep them aligned.
Awesome video, awesome tip you found, and great DIY tool
Thanks 👍
I've got the regular Scout. It came (used) with the rings backed all the way off. Now you've got me thinking I need to check the manual and measure the pre-load. Thanks for the video Sir.
Edit: I'm also thinking of buying piggy back shocks, not Indian branded. Well because supposedly they don't let you fit bags on.
I'm not 100% on this, but I think you're going to have problems mounting bags with any piggyback shocks, unless you can mount them with the piggy back facing down.
About to take my Rogue from dealer. Skeptic about shocks, never tried, but everyone still don’t appreciate them on forums and fb. surely try your method before investing in new shocks. I’m about 160lbs, so think i have “more range”, but the real challenge will be the couple rides. Thanks for sharing
Congrats on the new Rogue! At 160 lb you'll probably have to remove all preload and still it'll be too firm.
Thank you for the video, I like the idea of a measurement stick, I will be bringing up something more "dynamic" (using a plunger tube and a rubber O-ring) so I can measure sag and droop dynamically. I have a (new) 2022 Scout (ABS) and with 1,500 miles, I found the rear shocks were never going to work for my 195 lb size... and since they have no rebound adjustment, and can not be rebuilt (to change the oil and spring), I invested in the Indian/ FOX shock set-up and Oh YES!!! That's exactly what this model needs! I have had shops since the 1970's and factory-trained technician, and support some races at the local track (Sonoma Raceway) build Lotus 7's (from scratch), and have utilized some of the best suspension technology and work with industry experts and manufacturers, so I can safely say I know a little about suspension and design. One of the design handicaps is the extreme angle the shock is operating. This causes a dramatic need to increase spring tension (as opposed to having perpendicular-to-motion shock absorption.) Since we are mostly stuck with the design (and it does "look" cool), using progressive springs will help... but without any rebound adjustment you are only really impacting "ride height". By now you are aware that the "bobbers" are lower than the standard Scout (God knows why because it's already mini-bike sized), so you have even less travel. All my bikes have aftermarket (superior) shock and springs to match the type of riding. I just encourage you and the viewers to look into ANY shock that has the overall preload adjustability between 11"-12" WITH rebound adjustment. Changing the rear ride height also changes the fork rake (well, technically not the rake, the the point of contact for the front tire). To avoid getting deep into the technical issues, suffice it to say... stick with factory geometry (including tires!) but dam, install some dampeners with rebound adjustment, and ideally, more travel. Travel will be constrained by "spring bind" so progressive springs are very important. I wish I could have implemented a mono-shock of more upright rear suspension for this amazing bike, but that is why the FTR is designed the way it is, (and it WAY out handles the Scout), and notice that it comes with Ohlin racing dampeners! The fact that Indian has branded the FOX shock and provided it as a "factory performance upgrade" is a tell that they (like most all manufacturers) wanted to keep the MSRP price low, so the soft of the better shocks was a compromise. Proper dampening is more than comfort, it provides a much better "feel" of the road which in turn, provides a higher rider "confidence". The good news is that there is a heap of aftermarket options at various price points. If you think the Indian / FOX shocks are expensive... ha, it's less than half the cost for ONE shock for my BMW adventure bikes! but as you see, I suffered with 1,000+ miles of "shit" suspension, and now... the rest of the miles are WAY more fun!!! I hope this helps some people having back pain... the next big improvement is getting a modern "sticky" multi-silica tire setup!
Very good information, thank you!
@@Jimbobbington Yes, to make it "easy" i just cut and O-ring, slipped it in the shock piston shaft and then could measure doorp and sag, as well as travel when riding.
Good way to think outside the box and make your own jig. Cool idea! I think it would be interesting to see the swingarm in action to see if this setting smoothed it out any meaning a less harsh bump feel as well as more planted wheel. I did this on my progressive 444 video and was surprised at the difference.
I remember that video! I don't trust my wife to measure anything, so had to figure out how to do it alone lol
@@Jimbobbington I get it. I always seem to double check when I have someone measure something. I can be a bit of a "control enthusiast" at times.
I'm @ 7 threads shown, just before an 8th showing. There were 3 threads showing before i tightened it up. '19 Scout Bobber. I get a touch of feel of the cross road seams that are considered "to be expected", but I was going for no more ass slapping seat over bigger ones, works good for me, for now. I'm 6'3"and 250 lbs. I'd still like to ride a bobber with a set of Super Shox, I'd be willing to spend the $750 if it were more than words to convince me... Thanks for the video bro...
Supershox was my 2nd choice, but I didn't want the contrast cut look.
I prefer 9% so next to that this video was quite informative. Keep bobbin' and ride safe.
Thanks man, same to you!
"back the next day" yeah right 😂
Get My 2021 Bobber next month! Cant wait! thanks for all the videos totally going to use them!!! Keep up the great work!
Congrats! It's totally worth the wait! Thank you for the support!
Nice job, I like your approach. I see I'm missing a an important tool in my garage - the wood/screw meter :D
LOL @ your face after you take a sip of that beer. Love it
If you don't make that face, is it really worth drinking?
Nice job, greatly appreciated info
Thank you!
Love that exhaust. I'm going to give your way a try, thanks for the advise.
It's my favorite exhaust! Seeing the stock shocks this way is the best they'll ever get. Then you can start thinking about what to upgrade them to!
@@Jimbobbington what exhaust is that?
@@CaliforniaCarl Hacker Mayhem. Check out my channel, I have a full review and you can hear it in most of my riding videos.
love the bobbington vids. You have helped me out a lot on my 2019 bobber. I wonder what I need to adjust my shocks to weighing 220?
These socks are stiff AF, you might be surprised how little preload you need
Thanks for this. Will try it out for sure
You bet!
Merci beaucoup pour cette vidéo qui m a été très utile. Je trouvais la suspension extrêmement dure et je vais essayer tout de suite. 🙏🤘🤘
You are welcome!
Great video and content. And funny.
Thanks man!
Great vid Mate. Like your style buddy
Thank you!
Hi, an easier way to do this on your own, is to put a cable tie around the shaft of the shock. Sit on it . Then measure the distance the cable tie moves on the shaft.
Did you cut the camera, have another beer and came back “tomorrow?” 😂 great video, I have to adjust my scout.
I plead the 5th!
I just set it up as instructed. On Sunday I am doing the 300km + route so I will be able to check if there is any improvement. At this moment you can see that there is a much larger jump compared to the original setting
I hope it works great for you!
@@Jimbobbington I did not expect such a big improvement. I recommend to everyone
@@krystianbaazy6837 nice, that's great to hear!
I believe the preload isn't really adjusted only for the weight that will go on the bike. The reason I say that is because it may depend on how the shock is dampened from the factory if it has no dampening adjustability for compression. I believe all things work together on a shock. First you need enough travel. Then you need a spring wound properly and for the weight of the bike and rider and anything else that will go on it. Then, the best is when you have some adjustability for both compression and rebound dampening. I say that because I believe all these things work together and that not all bikes are loaded the same, with differences in rider and gear. That too affects everything in some way, for it seems that all those things work together, affecting one another.
If a shock is dampened on the hard side, I would expect the best ride to come when rebound is also set on the hard side and I suppose what would work the most beneficial then would be a spring that is also wound a bit on the hard side too, even though if the dampening could be set softer, a softer spring might work better for that situation, all other things being the same.
For such reasons, I wish bike manufacturers would provide a few spring options, shocks with plenty of travel, and adjustability for both compression and rebound. That way, everyone should get a fair chance of getting a decent ride, depending of course on the quality of all of that, working together as it should. If they did that, in the end, I think it would be a cost advantage to most if not all customers, though I suppose some might want the very best in quality and would opt for spend more to get a bit more.
Pretty sure indian had none of these things in mind when they put the rear shocks on. Haha.
I'm 175 so I probably need it slight looser at 2 threads. Go it. :D
Hey.. great video.. awesome concept.... I appreciate the honesty.. I got a 2022 Scout Bobber a few weeks ago and have been thinking and reviewing info regarding adjusting the preload.. My manual clearly states 278mm.. Looks like they may have updated the manual.. I'll make the adjustment and double check the measurements and let you know results.. I figure 278-275 MM is probably gonna be right on the mark
Thank you sir! Interesting that the number has changed again
Taking out a few PSI out of the tires will also help.
I can confirm this
Great info. Thanks
You are welcome!
Exactly the method I tried but does not work very well with the stock exhausts as the lower shock bolt is behind the upper exhaust pipe/muffler. Also, I would suggest putting a block under the kickstand so the bike is as upright as possible and sitting with your full weight on the bike (feet off the floor) while measuring.
Thanks
Thank you!
Just got my scout bobber a week ago and it was at 6 threads. Feels good to me but what do I know about diamonds. I'm a boxing promoter. 😎
Hand yeah it's hard to know what's supposed to be right, but I bet you'd enjoy that softened up quite a bit.
Great video dude! Would you recommend the same setting for someone who’s 210lbs? Or would you go down to 2 threads showing?
Probably very similar setting. Start firm and test, then slowly soften the preload
For the record, I have a 2023 Scout Rogue 60 and the manual states 278. I have not looked at the bike yet but I did ride it home the other day from the dealer and I thought I was riding a Hard Tail Harley. I think the biggest problem with these bikes is the geometry of the angle that the shock is sitting at. Shocks don't work well on a that steep of an angle. Bad design all the way around. Thanks for your Science....yes drink beer it helps with every project. Also your tire pressure is going to effect your preload too. What did you find yours set at? Factory or below? EDIT: I just checked the bike the dealer had mine set to 4 threads almost 5. I think I will bring it back in a bit.
Tire pressure is also very firm from the factory! Dropping the pressure just 1 psi in the front and 2 in the rear adds a bit more comfort to the ride.
Bon travail pour la science ;-)
Je vais suivre tes conseil pour le réglage👍🏻🤜🏻🤛🏻✌🏻
Love the cartoon eyes.
Thanks for this tip my guy! I desperately needed help with this lol. Do you have any videos on belt alignment by chance?
That is not something I've needed to do yet!
whrere did you get the key tool to adjust the shocks?
Those came with the bike when I bought it new. Spanner wrench I believe is what they are called.
Is it at 3 threads when you’re on or off the bike? I weigh the same and figure 3 is the right setting for me too.
Threads don't change if you sit on them!
Super great video sir. Thank you kindly. Just curious when you say 3 rings is that 3 rings showing or only 3 left before you can't turn no more?
3 threads showing above the locknuts at the top of the shock
Where did you get your exhaust?!!! Man that is the best looking exhaust I’ve seen.
Hey man, thanks! This is the Hacker Mayhem. One of the best sounding exhausts ever too imo!
@@Jimbobbington just watched some of your videos on it. My favorite exhaust. Been looking all week. Just bought my wife the new Scout Rogue. Was going to go with Vance & Hines but love the way the Hacker Mayhem looks and sounds. Thanks for the video.
@Bruce_zx6r it is loud but it's got an amazing sound. Beware it will reduce right lean angle though.
@@Jimbobbington ok thank you. That’s good to know. I like to lean. Lol. But my wife don’t ride like I do 💪🏻🏍️💨
@@Jeeper_zx6r I did do a review video you can find to get more info about it
Thanks for the video. Not sure if there is a difference but my 2020 manual says 275. Australian if that helps at all.
I feel like I'm the only one who had a misprinted manual!
I'm curious to know what pipes you have on your bike. Those are bad ass! I drink Stouts, BTW.
We need more white stouts for summer drinking! In this video I'm running the Hacker Mayhem with baffles.
Hi man, great vid, gonna definitely try to set mine too. Question: what tool do you use? Where did you order that from ?
It's called a spanner wrench and came with the bike when I bought it. You should be able to find a cheap one on Amazon, but not sure the exact size you need.
The 2023 scout bobber manual says 278mm
Interesting how this has changed over the years. Pretty sure the shocks are the same lol
Nice bike...btw, maybe I could also use my kids yardstick with mm increments to make the measurements
Of course! This was just the best way I could think of to get it done without having someone else measure for me
Hey man.. super appreciate the vid. However, in the end are you counting exposed threads? Like I think you are saying you added MORE preload, and that would mean you have EVEN MORE threads showing, correct? So when you say three threads, does that mean that idk, 16 threads were showing, and only three threads remained?
I am talking about the number of threads showing at the very top above the top adjustment nut. So if I say 3 threads, that means you have tightened it from as soft as it could possibly go (0 threads showing) until 3 threads are showing.
I made something similar but trying to incorporate magnets to hold it.
Oh nice, that's a good idea!
You know i saw this and went and checked mine as i never messed with it. Amazingly mine was at 275mm with me on it already. Just lucky?
Very lucky!
Was all set to try this… but noticed my stupid stock exhaust is in the way. Gonna have to get a caliper, or take it off.
Oh no. I didn't think about that, so the stick won't fit on the right side. I would go with just the measurements on the left side, and match the right side to the number of threads on the left side, adjust both sides a bit at a time to you get the measurement spot on
Where did you get that custom cover with the letter "C" and skyline in it?
Thanks for the informative video!
A fellow Facebook group member custom makes these: m.facebook.com/Davizmorales#_=_
@@Jimbobbington Thank you! 🇺🇸☺️🤙
I’d like opinion on removing the stock rubber bumper for extra travel without the bump. Iv been traveling the back road of Oklahoma, Iv noticed no difference when it comes to washboard roads.
Are you talking about on the shock itself?
@@Jimbobbington yes , inside the spring on the shaft. It does come right out with a sharp blade, but really seen no magic happen with the jarring ride . Oh well.
Great video, thanks for posting! Bought mine used with 6-7 threads showing. Now I’m going to have to rig up some nails and wood and adjust. I’m about your weight, so curious if I get similar setting on my bike. Then I’ll have to adjust for my winter bulk setting when I’m 15 lbs heavier lol
Thank you, glad you enjoyed it!
I finally got my spanner wrench from Polaris and set mine up. I’m about 180 lbs and I ended up exactly at 3 threads too.
@@demonaz9931 awesome! Does the ride feel a bit better?
@@Jimbobbington So it felt too bouncy at first, but I checked my tire pressures and they were getting low. After I put tires back to 40/36, it feels great. Definitely as good as it’s going to get with the stock shocks. I’ll eventually get the Progressive 444s based on your video.
@@demonaz9931 awesome, great to hear!
Odd. My 22 rogue says 278mm
I wonder if that's somehow due to a slightly different geometry with the larger front wheel?
@@Jimbobbington Overall tire diameter should be very similar. Very slight change to length of shock. I wonder if it's maybe just aimed at a more aggressive rider so the setup is a bit more firm?
@@Jimbobbington my 2022 ISB manual says 278mm as well.
@@joeberry1556 funny they publish a different number every time they print a manual lol. I'm glad I showed my manual as proof in this video so everyone believed me haha
Off subject, what brand is your exhaust? Those are bad ass.
Hacker Mayhem! I've got tons of videos on my channel where you can hear them in action.
What exhaust do you have on your bike and how is the sound ? Have the factory Stage 1 and looking for a bit more noise & throatiness but not obnoxiously loud. Thanks
It's the Hacker Mayhem, and it's pretty damn loud to be sure lol. Plenty of videos on my channel where you can hear it, but if you are looking for 'not obnoxious' this one probably isn't for you haha.
Geeze, I hardly seen any sag when you sat on them. You are at an immediate disadvantage with the forward leaning upper shock mounts as sharp bump, they have to not only push the swing arm up, but also stress the swing arm bushings backward to finally engage the action of the shock.. same issue with the Chief models.. that shock design and mount looks nice for a duel rear shock set-up, but not as functional as it could be.. they should have just went mono shock on the Scout and Chief models.
Agreed 💯
Never bothered with this, got the Indian Fox shocks and have been on multi-day 500-800 mile ride per day from South Florida to Colorado, stay a couple days and then went back, 6000+ mile trip in total. I would NEVER try that trip with stock shocks. Also, stock seat sucks as well, need the comfort seat or some kind of seat that works better for a trip like that. I did that Colorado trip with the stock seat ended up with sores. Just my two cents.
All true lol. But sometimes you gotta make do with what you got! I'm running progressive 444s now, but my build never really had comfort in mind 😆
Could you please give me an opinion on a 400 mile day on the 1920 seat? Thank you.
Oof lol. My longest ride was about 4 hours up to the top of Pike's Peak and back. I have back problems anyway but I could not wait to get home. Keep in mind I also have drag bars which puts you in an even less comfortable position.
@@Jimbobbington I did my Iron Butt at 60(1000 miles in 24 hours). My longest day was 650 from Winona mn to Rapid City SD. In the rain🤮
@@Jimbobbington That's a ride. Have you done Mt. Evans?
@@Jimbobbington I'm a 76 yo disabled Vietnam veteran. I'm sympathetic to back problems.
Great video :) just another question, what brand is the exhaust?
This is the Hacker Mayhem exhaust from Hacker Custom Exhaust
I would like to know where did you get your exhaust from?
This is the Mayhem from Hacker Custom Exhaust
@@Jimbobbington Cool thanks I’ll look into that I have the 2022 scout sixty and I can’t stand the the stock exhaust
@@willieavila6384 it sounds like a sewing machine lol
Yes it does and it thumps up on the Colo sticker
Was it the same on both sides?
I didn't bother measuring both sides, I just matched the amount of threads showing once I had the measurement accurate on one side
@@Jimbobbington thanks!
Would you need to change adjustment if you threw on a passenger? Or would 275mm suffice?
Technically you are supposed to sit on it with your passenger and readjust it to 275mm with both your weights. Once you do that, you can just remember how many threads are showing and easily recalibrate when necessary without measuring
@@Jimbobbington thanks
I need some help, i made some try and i dunno why, no metter if i screw the shock gear all the way up or all the way down the total distance doesn't move an inch, is always the same!! WHY??
Are you putting weight on it? You should be measuring it with your full body weight. After making some adjustments, you may need to take a quick spin around the block to make sure the shocks compress really well, then remeasure.
@@Jimbobbington even if i mount on it the length is the same more or less... I thought because I'm kinda light, 70kg. The total is something like 293 mm and it doesn't move anywhere
@@Jimbobbington newby question: by adding preload and stiffening the shock that eye-to-eye shock length should increase or decrease?
@@elite_eight4486 at 70kg, unfortunately I don't think you're going to make a difference. I would start by removing every bit of preload completely. I'm guessing this is why you don't see a difference. You are just too light, not the worst problem to have lol.
The shocks won't get any longer by adding preload. They are already fully extended when there is no load. Adding preload only reduces the amount they compress when weight is added.
@@Jimbobbington I see, thanks 👍🏻👍🏻
Ok this is way different then what I did 😆
Haha I got a little scientific about it!
I think you should measure without touching the ground or the weight would be off.
I only touched the ground enough to keep the bike upright. Didn't really have any weight on my feet.
That suspension barely moves at all! I bought one of these stiff bastards and to make matters worse I too got the solo seat (brick)
The 1920 can be brutal with the oem shocks lol