Now that we have a source for springs (Thanks to NMK and Bandit Suspension), I wanted to talk about the clickers.  For some this is old news and you already have the knowledge.  However, there are a lot of folks that have no idea what to do with these little red thumb screws.  What does Fast mean?  What does slow mean?  What is a click?  Why do I need to know?

I have been doing suspension for forty years, mostly dirt bikes from Motocross to desert racing to the guy that just wants a smoother ride.  Bike profile or race sag is the first thing I would look at.  Then spring rate.  Then its about the internals (shim stacks, oil viscosity, bleed holes, etc.). After all that is done, clicker settings.

A clicker is simply a bypass hole that the internal oil passes through rather then being forced through the shim stack or valving.  With each click of the thumb screw a needle goes in or out of the hole to block oil or to let more come through.  Picture a sharp pencil going into a straw.  When the clicker is turned all the way slow, the pencil completely fills the straw, blocking all the oil that may want to come through it.  When the clicker is opened up a few clicks, the pencil (or needle) is backed out of the hole (straw), letting some oil pass through.  The more clicks out, or in the fast direction, the more oil flows out.  The more oil that flows out (or bypasses the shim stack or valving), the easier it is for the suspension to move.

When I got my 2018 CFMoto ZForce 800 Trail, I checked the clickers and found them turned 5 clicks out from all the way closed or slow.  After reading the board, I found a lot of statements like, "I can jump on the hitch and it doesn't even move."  I jumped on my hitch and it didn't move, much.  So, I began to let out the clickers and it started to move.

Each ride I adjust the clickers as needed and have come to the following adjustments for the front and rear:

Front: 9 out compression (top) and 9 out rebound (bottom).
Rear: 15 out on compression

Out means I have turned the clicker all the way closed or slow (don't go tight after the last click.  Just turn the clicker until it stops.  Don't force it) and then turned it out, counting the clicks as I turn.  As you turn you will feel (and hear) the clicks.  From all the way closed, each click is counted, even the first one that is just barely a movement pasted all the way closed.  Turn them out until you reach my set up or where you think they should be.  Clicks are always counted from all the way closed and then how many clicks open you have counted to the point where your ride feels and preforms best.

What you want to achieve is a smooth ride where the suspension is absorbing the small bumps and still has enough left to take the big hit.  If the front seems to be bottoming out, slow the top or compression adjuster.  If it feels like it's hopping off jumps, bumps, or divots, slow down the rebound (or turn it in a few clicks).  On the rear there is only compression on mine.  If it feels like your ass is banging the ground hard on each pot hole or dip, turn it in a few clicks, adding compression and helping ease up on the back-breaking ride.

Again, springs are a real key here and I think NMK has a good solution.  Add to it a bit of time on the clickers and I see real possibilities.  But for those of us who can't or not into it, just the clickers alone can help.  It sure made mine a much better beast to ride.

I am still going with the springs when i can get some extra cash but it was a good improvement.  Worth the effort.

i will try your settings this weekend and let you know. I adjusted from factory default...or is that the dealers default settings?!!? I like to set, forget and ride!!!

Question: what are your spring measurements (distance from bolt to compression ring)?

Tried your settings yesterday and Moto still seems stiff.

Anybody else have any suggestions on clicker settings?

.....or should we start a thread to see what riders are setting there shock clickers at?

I really dont want to spend the money to replace shock at this time.

[2015 Z Force 800 53/Trail EPS]

Tried your settings yesterday and Moto still seems stiff.

Anybody else have any suggestions on clicker settings?

.....or should we start a thread to see what riders are setting there shock clickers at?

I really dont want to spend the money to replace shock at this time.

Well, if you have the compression set all the way to the "FAST" or in other words have the needle valve wide open, that's as soft as it gets. If you still have a problem bouncing it by jumping on the hitch, Jack the wheels off the ground and grease all the a-arm zerks. Then try bouncing it again. If it is easier after greasing, and you have the soft yellow a-arm bushings, consider replacement with the harder, self lubricating Delrin bushings. This is what I had to do to mine to gain smooth, fluid movement of the suspension. And now with the new springs it's like driving on pillows....like having "real" suspension....on a Tail version.

Just in case anyone is interested in where I have mine set, as the rears don't have compression their rebound is set three clicks to the slower from center as is the front. The front's compression is set two clicks to the faster from the center position. That will probably change with the new front springs. 

What is center? adjusting from fully soft or fast?

What is center? adjusting from fully soft or fast?

On suspension, soft and fast are the same thing.  You can start at either end (fully open or fast/soft or fully closed or slow/stiff)  I always go full closed.  Then I count out until I get to where it feels better.

[2015 Z Force 800 53/Trail EPS]

What is center? adjusting from fully soft or fast?

Center means half way between open and closed on the valve. Close it, then count the clicks to fully open. Then close it half the way. For example if there is 30 clicks to full open (or FAST), 15 clicks from closed is center or half way. Now some don't have that many clicks...only like 6 or 8. In that case still find the center then only go one click at a time either way. Or..do it like cr2crf does just remember to do both the same..in either case.

What is center? adjusting from fully soft or fast?

Center means half way between open and closed on the valve. Close it, then count the clicks to fully open. Then close it half the way. For example if there is 30 clicks to full open (or FAST), 15 clicks from closed is center or half way. Now some don't have that many clicks...only like 6 or 8. In that case still find the center then only go one click at a time either way. Or..do it like cr2crf does just remember to do both the same..in either case.

LOL, my bad...What i meant was what is the center of the Moto shocks? how many clicks total?....or in other words, how many clicks from slow to fast total? now im confussed!!!

[2015 Z Force 800 53/Trail EPS]

What is center? adjusting from fully soft or fast?

Center means half way between open and closed on the valve. Close it, then count the clicks to fully open. Then close it half the way. For example if there is 30 clicks to full open (or FAST), 15 clicks from closed is center or half way. Now some don't have that many clicks...only like 6 or 8. In that case still find the center then only go one click at a time either way. Or..do it like cr2crf does just remember to do both the same..in either case.

LOL, my bad...What i meant was what is the center of the Moto shocks? how many clicks total?....or in other words, how many clicks from slow to fast total? now im confussed!!!

Just count yours. Like I said some of the new ones have far less then the older ones.