I just bought this bike and noticed the center screws of the fork adjustments are uneven. One side is screwed way down, while the other is sticking way out. Could this mean one shock is better condition than the other and the previous owner tried to compensate?
I wanted to bring them back to factory setting as they're a big soft, but I'm afraid they'll go out of "sync" (if the setting was on purpose).
Unless I take off the rim and somehow measure each shock in a machine or something.

 

How the previous owner set them is irrelevant. Those settings should be set for you and where and how you ride. Just set them to factory settings and go from there.

 

I "think" I know what you are referring to but a pic would be helpful! If I am clear on what you are describing though, both sides should be the same...

 

What I meant is, what if the two shock are in very different condition (perhaps one was replaced with an old/faulty/worn one)?
It seems strange left and right rebound are so different set? Unless he adjusted it on purpose to compensate?

If I go back to factory settings, and one is really poor. How will I detect it, since they're both connected to the same axle?

 

I'm not with the bike now. But see this: I'm talking about the brass colored screw in the center

 

Agree with 74Demon. Set them to factory and then adjust accordingly. That is where you will find out if one is failing.

 

Okay, that is what I was thinking you meant!

Now, I can see absolutely no reason why anyone would replace the components on only one fork and not the other BUT I've also learned to not be surprised at how stupid people can be! Lol!

The only way I can think of to tell would be to set them evenly and go for a ride. Start off with some gentle braking and cornering and see how it feels. Gradually up the pace and braking force to see if you can detect any "weirdness" in the handling. Or just pull the forks and take them to someone more experienced. Sorry I can't be of more help but I'm still a bit of a noob myself!

 

Thanks. I'll do that. Factory setting and test.

 

You're probably going to want to rebuild them anyway as it's an older bike. Some new springs that are for your weight, new seals, clean fork oil, and all set up will work wonders for the ride and handling.

 

I just set front and rear to standard settings (they were quite spot on already). Suspension is still very soft. Think I need to rebuild. It's an old bike. Any experience with cheap aliexpress gaskets
Weird thing is, after fully turning in the both left and right rebound damper adjusters, they are still way different. One side is far "inside", while the other is sticking out. Is something wrong inside the damper?