Hi, I have a CBR 1000FM and have owned this bike for around 12mths. The previous owner had done a lot of work on this bike to put it through its MOT including, as he told me, a new rear shock. I had no reason to doubt him as the bike handled fine on my test ride with no problems. The problem has now surfaced as I am using the bike as my main tourer. Two up with the givi boxes on, the rear end seems very low and quite often grounds out at speed on uneven roads. Ive adjusted the pre-load with no effect. When I had a close look at the shock it had obviously been fitted second hand so it is possible that it is faulty. The shock is a showa off an 88 model ( mine is a 92). Are they the same? Is this a common problem on CBR1000s?
I have also found an adjuster on the left side of the bike on the top of the shock. What does this do? It seems to have 3 positions and is currently on No 3.
Sorry to have gone on a bit but I would be grateful of any advice you could give me.

 

if it's anything like mine, the adjuster changes shock damping, with one end adjusting compression, and the other rebound. i think preload is the answer, but you say you've already adjusted it. is the bike lowered? how much do you weigh? is the only problem that the rear wheel bottoms out?

 

My wieght isnt a prob, Im only just over 9 stone dripping wet lol. The prob arises when I am loaded for touring. I have my partner on plus full givi luggage. Since posting on here a friend and I have examined the shock and have noticed that the pre load adj screw seems to have a lot of play in it. This suggests to me that is is worn out and prob isnt doing the job it was designed for. I have got another shock which is off the earlier 88 model and is in excellent condition , it does seem to be the same size etc so I will fit it over the weekend and see if this solves the problem.
Thanks for your reply and I,ll let you know how I get on.

Mick