K11 Owners Group

[wuckfitracing]

As per title what do you find are the best settings for the rear spring and damper on a K1100 RS 1993. Also best tyre pressures whilst carrying a pillion.
Me 70 Kilos, my Mrs 70 Kilos.
Thanks in advance.
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K1100 RS 1993
Worksop Notts UK

[Scott_Anderson]

I wouldn't run the tire pressure any lower than the max pressure rating listed on the sidewall of the tire.
As far as the shock goes, set it where ever you are both comfortable yet don't bottom out if you hit a bump.
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Ride safe.



1995 K1100LT 0302044
1997 R1100RT ZC62149
2017 FLHTK Ultra Limited
Garmin StreetPilot 2820
Garmin Zumo 550
Garmin Zumo XT
"One who does not ask questions is ashamed to learn" Danish proverb
1997 K1100LT 0302488(R.I.P.)

[N41EF]

Radial or Bias tire? What size?
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2014 R1200RT Water Cooled
2001 R1100S Light
1993 K1100LT. Nissan Ice Blue.(Gone)

[Corkboy]

Also is it original shock or aftermarket? And if aftermarket, which one and how is it adjusted?
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'08 K1200GT
'87 K100RS 0140995 (Gone)
'97 K1100LT 0188024 (Gone)
'08 Transalp 700 (Gone)

[wuckfitracing]

Problem is I dont know what should feel right as Im a new rider and never ridden with my MRS on the back before. Untill yesterday, when I felt the front was a little light.
Original Shock with 1" lowering progressive spring fitted and adjusted to 3 clicks from the minimum height.
front Continental contimotion 120/70/17
rear michelin Road pilot 3 160/60/18
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K1100 RS 1993
Worksop Notts UK

[Corkboy]

Tyre pressures should be on a sticker under the saddle. IIRC they are in bar, not psi. In any event, here are the psi

Solo - Front 32 Rear 36
Rider + Pillion - Front 35 Rear 40
Rider + Pillion + Luggage - Front 40 Rear 42

Some people adjust these (normally upwards) by a few psi, but it's a good place to start.

As regards the shock, here's what I've done, when I got a replacement.

I tied a small piece of string to the post, inside the spring. I then adjusted the preload so that a third of it's travel was taken up when I sat on the bike. (on centerstand - slide string to top, ease bike off centerstand and sit on bike - lift feet up for a second - but no bouncing). I noted the settings for this.

I then did the same when myself and wife sat on the bike, and noted that setting.

Remember to sit lightly, i.e. don't bounce on the bike or you will get incorrect measurements.

I used this as a base, then for the first few rides, saw the furthest point the string had moved to, and as long as this was close to, but not bottoming out, then I knew that the spring/shock was doing it's job. If it didn't get near enough to full travel, i.e. there was more than an inch of travel left, then I slackened off the preload, and used this as the new setting.

A bit of trial and error is needed, as all factors like your/wifes weight and how bumpy the roads, are needs to be considered.

I don't remember if the original had rebound damping, but if it does, then you want the minimum amount of rebound damping. Again, so the shock is doing it's job of bouncing up and down, with the damping slowing it down enough, but not to the point that the shock doesn't fully extend again before the next bump.

(As you can tell, I did a lot of googling when I bought the new shock)

And if you find that you can't get enough rebound damping, then your shock is knackered and needs a rebuild/replacement.
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'08 K1200GT
'87 K100RS 0140995 (Gone)
'97 K1100LT 0188024 (Gone)
'08 Transalp 700 (Gone)

[Jim]

The tire pressure stickers on the bike are 23 years old - as is the tire pressure information in the Rider's Manual.

Tire technology has changed at least a bit in 23 years. I would go by the PSI - or Bar on the side of the tire. For 2 up I'd probably pick a starting point near the max, then if the bike doesn't handle well, or the ride is too stiff, back off a bit. You'll find the right pressure.

If you don't have enough air in that front tire, and hit debris in the road, the wheel can very easily be bent - the air in the tire protects the wheel - don't ask me how I know... I realize there are probably plenty of spares available out there somewhere - but best not to have to buy a spare, or send a wheel off to the straightener...
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Jim
1997 K1100LTSE 94,000 - has gremlins!
1995 R100RT Classic 16,650 crashed - repairing
1992 K75RTP 46,000
1992 R100R 24,000 - FOR SALE

"We shall not all die, but we shall all be changed."

[wuckfitracing]

Right ho chaps many thanks for the replys. I will use the string on the damper trick and have a look at the tyre pressures .
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K1100 RS 1993
Worksop Notts UK