Penske shock question from a suspension novice

[Spooler]

So, I am thinking about buying a penske shock for my Tiger. Unloaded I find the stock shock adequate, but I frequently ride two up with loaded panniers and trunk and the handling definitely suffers. And I find myself enjoying myself much less. I have a chance to buy a used penske 8983 with a 950 lb spring for what sounds like a decent price, but I kind of thought the triple clicker would be more what I needed with the preload adjustability. I understand the penske shocks are upgradable, can anyone shed a little light on that for me? Can I add a component to this shock to make it equivalent to the 8987? And am I correct in thinking that I'd want the preload adjustment sometimes riding solo, sometimes riding fully loaded? Suspension is not my strong suit, advice appreciated.

[OreoGaborio]

All penske shocks have preload adjustment. The difference triple vs double clicker comes in the form of high and low speed compression on the triple along with rebound and preload, whereas the double just has one compression setting, rebound & preload.

I would say the 8983 is an outstanding shock for the street. Many, many racers use them.




Now if you REALLY want a trick shock to make life easy, you'll find one with either hydraulic or some other kind of collar preload adjuster so you can skip the spanner wrenches all together.

Chances are you'll have a much tougher time finding one though.

[Spooler]

Ok, thanks. I saw preload adjustment listed in the specs of the 8987 and not the 8983. This will make my life easier. Does $500 sound reasonable for an 8983 with less than 1000 miles on it? Appreciate the input.

[OreoGaborio]

The difference may have been remote preload adjustment on the 8987.

500 bucks sounds pretty good to me.

[Spooler]

Awesome, thanks

[CBR929RE]

for $500 I'd say buy it and deal with having to use a wrench instead of having the convenience of a remote adjuster

[Spooler]

Sadly, I just missed out on a triple clicker for the same price... But it sounds like the 8983 will suit my needs well.

[nhbubba]

Remote preload adjustment is pretty handy on these larger adventure styled bikes. I don't know about your tiger, but on my 'strom the ABS control unit is up under there near the shock. This would make adjusting the preload from the collar a nightmare. Probably easier to pull the shock, adjust, and re-install.

That said, I positively never dick with the preload on mine. Once I got it set I have forgotten about it. But then I almost only ride 1-up.

[jasnmar]

If you switch a lot between 2up and single the remote preload is worth it.

Get it sprung correctly for your weight with almost no preload. Add preload for 2up.

[Garandman]

Not sure why but I found the stock shock on the Tiger 1050 miserable. I had PK install a Penske along with fork valves and springs appropriate for my immense mass. After discussion with Pete I went with the triple-adjustable.