[2015 Z Force 800 53/Trail EPS]

Stock settings always varied from the factory but in all cases the stock suspension always sucked especially on the trails. The best thing to do is go with a set of Elka or Bandit shocks. However you can set the OEs to get you by until then. Maybe not a "dreamy" ride but definitely short of a "nightmare".

A couple of points to remember are:1- all suspension works it best when set in the middle of it's travel, which we will call 50/50, that's half of it's total available travel going either way..to 60/40, that's 60% of it's travel toward the compression side (downward) and 40% on the rebound side(extend or upward). 2-Angle of attack or the difference between the front and rear which sets the caster angle.

First we set the ride height. We do that by first placing on a flat surface then jacking it up the rear until the shocks are fully extended and just start to raise the the tires. Measure from the bottom of the hitch to the ground and loosen the spring preload adjuster locks and mark the adjuster on the side with a sharpie, then back each way off counting the turns. Very important. Do each and write it down. Both must be exactly the same. Now let it down and load the rear with enough weight to just bottom out the shocks on the bumpers inside. Measure from the floor to the bottom of the hitch again. Find the halfway point between the two readings. From there to about an inch more is your target height. Now load the vehicle with all the weight it will normally carry in passengers and storage..front, back and cab. Jack the rear back up and start adjusting the preloads down checking every so often until you are in the range you want and give it a bounce or two to confirm, then lock the rings.
Now for the front. Measure from the rear of the skid plate as far rear and center as you can to the ground. Jack up the front, unlock and mark those and let it back down. Measure the very front center of the skid plate. Set the front height to be between level with the back to not more then 3/4" lower then the rear when done fully loaded. 1/2" is best.
OK, the hard part is now done.

Now to set the compression and I don't think the rears have this on the trails but it will be the upper knob, make sure it's clear of any dirt and turn them wide open or all the way to "fast" then one click toward the slow on all with compression. You can go all the way open but the shocks may..may bottom out on large impacts. Maybe not-can always try it.

Now to set the rebound. This is the lower knob. Make sure it too is clear of dirt and fully open it then close it counting the clicks. Find the center and click toward the "slow" position one click. If you still get some tire bounce, go one or two more toward the "Slow".

Now set your tire pressure between 8-10psi. I suggest 8-8.5.

Ok, you are done. Take it for a test ride and make whatever minor adjustments needed.

Your knowledge and experience is much appreciated NMK! I used your info when I installed Bandit heavy rate springs on the stock shocks. I was amazed at the instant increase in ground clearance just at baseline starting point.

[2015 Z Force 800 53/Trail EPS]

Your knowledge and experience is much appreciated NMK! I used your info when I installed Bandit heavy rate springs on the stock shocks. I was amazed at the instant increase in ground clearance just at baseline starting point.

I was surprised when I read you went with the heavy-rated springs but then I remembered I think you were the one rigging for cross-country/overland travels with lots to carry. Just glad I can be of some help to you guys.