shock adjustment

[geol]

I have a 2006 GL1800 Roadsmith conversion. I can change the loading on my shocks using an up or down button while observing the information screen on my dash; give a number.

My BIL just bought a 2004 GL1800 Roadsmith conversion that original owner bought from a trike converter/seller. The shock adjustment doesn't work at all. The PO told me that the "system" wasn't hooked up when he bought it. I am not sure how the shock adjusting system works so be kind and if you help with some advice, please feel free. TIA.

 

[GoldWingrGreg]

It might help to know some history. In 2001, when Honda introduced the 5th gen Wing, trike manufactures scrabbled to be the first on the market with their new kit. Often that means most improvments will be done later, such as being able to use the Honda suspension switch to raise/lower the rear suspension. Thus, many trike manufatures at didn't have that figured out yet, and yours might be one of those.

Some trikes with air shocks, have an air valve, like a tire has, and are pump up manually, and checked with a tire air gauge. There are a couple of ways to know if yours is one of those. First is to verify if your trike really has air shocks. To tell, see if your shocks have an air line going to it. If so, see where that airline routes to. Another, is to look on the outside of your trikes trunk and look for an air valve ... it can be virtually anywhere. However, usually they are found up high in the trikes trunk ... so you might want to inspect inside there first. Another is to look in the trikes Owner's Manual. Often they'll show the air nipple location and recommendations on air pressures which depends on passenger weight and load.

 

[Marc H]

From my understanding the ability to use the preload with buttons is an option on Roadsmith trikes.

 

[Donncat1]

SPRINGS

I have found the Roadsmith springs that came in the kit are so firm that I have to keep it in Single rider all the tile and I'm 2up most of the time. It's as if they think everyone is going to pull a trailer and we miss the gentle ride in the back half.

 

[geol]

I have owned 3 Roadsmith conversions and all have had the preload adjust connected. I also owned a Champion conversion (2008) and the shock preload worked fine. (and a Can-Am Spyder my wife didn't like). This is a 2001 GL1800 but the conversion was likely done in 2015.

 

[Wingrider55]

I have owned 3 Roadsmith conversions and all have had the preload adjust connected. I also owned a Champion conversion (2008) and the shock preload worked fine. (and a Can-Am Spyder my wife didn't like). This is a 2001 GL1800 but the conversion was likely done in 2015.

To try and answer your question Roadsmith has 3 levels of suspension. Level 1 has adjustable shocks but does not use the Honda preload. Level 2 uses the Honda preload adjuster, and level 3 is Roadsmith's acccuride that automatically adjust the ride. To find out what you have you can call Roadsmith with the serial number of the trike kit and they should be able to tell you what level of suspension you have.