I took my exhaust off yesterday to adjust the rear shocks, (you can't get to the right hand one without doing this unfortunately), and whilst I was at it I gave a good look over and was pleasantly surprised to see that there is not an ounce of rust on it anywhere. I also noticed how blooming heavy it is; I can barely lift it off the ground with one hand, which was a surprise.
Anyway, once I'd done this and put it back together again, (without having any bits left over), I took it for a test ride, and found it to be a different bike altogether. I immediately notice how low it now sits even though the difference is only about 3/8", and it feels event more planted than it did before.
The more I own it the better it gets...

what did you set the shocks to, I have set mine on the hardest setting 5 and I am very pleased with the ride and comfort. pain you had to take the exhaust off to adjust them

Doesn't the harder setting give you a harder ride? (or am I missing something here ) or are you saying the 'harder' ride is more comfortable for you?

On the harder setting the shock travels less and therefore less shock waves travel up through the bike and you. Give it a try, it certainly improves handling

I did it because I'm no lightweight and they recommend 3 for normal, up to 5 for pillion and/or luggage, so I set it on 5.
I've been meaning to do it for some time now because the roads around my way are atrocious and it felt a little soft.
All it does is compress the springs a little more, and I'm surprised it makes that much difference to the feel of the thing to be honest, but it does.
The side effect, of course, is that because the spring is effectively shorter, the back of the seat is slightly lower.

If the ride height has lowered, you have reduced the spring preload and softened the suspension.

gn2 wrote:If the ride height has lowered, you have reduced the spring preload and softened the suspension.

agreed it should raise the rear and plant the front more