Hi all,

Have had my XT660Z for a few months now and have been thoroughly enjoying taking it on trails and trying it out. I have found it to be a little soft at the back but the front has had the cartridge emulators fitted and that feels fine. On Boxing Day I went for a ride with a mate and hit an erosion channel quite hard, as it turns out I smashed the rear number plate and indicator structure doing so.

I've decided to look at the preload and found that it was on the lowest setting #1. I'm 115 kgs (250 lbs). I've taken it all the way to #7 leaving #8 and #9 to go.

I'm going to try it tomorrow but wondered whether anyone had any suggestions??

I was contemplating an Ohlins shocker in the rear but have also been told that all they need is a bit of a rebuild??

cheers

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2010 XT660Z
Suzuki DRZ400E
Suzuki PE175Z

The OE shock is not rebuildable as such. However, you can change the spring for a stiffer, or progressive one such those offered by Hyperpro, Yacugar etc. This will make a big difference for a small outlay (around �100 or so).

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to give you an idea , I also run a full ohlins rear shock and ohlins front fork springs
I also broke my license plate holder and the entire back support ,
have to say that I was with a hepco n becker top case with quite some gear in , and this driving through the spain desert

anyway , I also have a full ohlins rear shock and this still happened.

I fitted a OTR rising kit of 35MM and this makes the rear stand up much higher , don't think it will happen again now

Very interesting. I was led to believe that the Ohlins would solve everything. I'll check out the rebuild thing too - I may have been misled by a shock engineer over here.....maybe he hasn't worked on the Tenere gear before. Maybe some more research required.

Thanks guys.

cheers

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2010 XT660Z
Suzuki DRZ400E
Suzuki PE175Z

but don't get me wrong , the ohlins is a very very very good upgrade ,
bike handles sooo much better , on road , but especially off road , every bump is much better handled ..., I don't regret spending 850 euros on a rear shock

I really appreciate the input. Given the option, would you take the Ohlins or a steering dampener??

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2010 XT660Z
Suzuki DRZ400E
Suzuki PE175Z

Hey Trev. I am gonna get mine rebuilt by teknik in NSW. Trail boss from Old Bull trail riders forum recommends it. Will cost $500 including the respring. I'm about to whip the front and rear suspension out and send it off. Should be $1000 for front and rear respring, shock rebuild and front emulators fitted.
Just need to find some help as my wing is in a sling from a shoulder recon last week.

I'm all ears Matt, I'll wait to see what you think......

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2010 XT660Z
Suzuki DRZ400E
Suzuki PE175Z

Also interessted in the sollution from Technic... Please give us a detailed update soon :-)

Like I said guys, only 1 week out from a shoulder recon, so need to get some strength back, or con someone in to helping me drop the suspension out.
Just on that, what is the best plan of attack to getting the shock out?