Although a Suzuki Katana 750 does not offer as comprehensive a range of suspension settings as a GSX-R, the front fork and shock absorber can be adjusted to compensate for conditions found on real roads. Rebound damping--the speed the suspension extends after hitting a bump--can be adjusted on both the front fork and the rear shock absorber. Spring pre-load and compression damping settings, the preset amount of spring compression and the speed the suspension compresses, is only adjustable on the rear shock absorber. Finding the right settings will take time, but yields tremendous benefits.

  • Although a Suzuki Katana 750 does not offer as comprehensive a range of suspension settings as a GSX-R, the front fork and shock absorber can be adjusted to compensate for conditions found on real roads.
  • Spring pre-load and compression damping settings, the preset amount of spring compression and the speed the suspension compresses, is only adjustable on the rear shock absorber.

Check the front fork's rebound damping settings, using the adjuster knobs on the tops of both fork tubes on the upper steering clamp. Turn the left adjusting knob clockwise, using a flat screwdriver, counting the amount of clicks until the knob cannot be turned further. This is the current rebound setting. Turn the rebound knob counterclockwise the same number of clicks to reset the rebound setting. Repeat on the right adjusting knob to ensure that both fork legs are set equally.

Adjust the forks' rebound settings to compensate for changing road conditions, using the adjusting knobs. Increase the amount of damping--making the fork extend more slowly after compressing--by turning the adjustment knob clockwise, using a flat screwdriver. Turn the adjustment knob counterclockwise to decrease the rebound damping, allowing the fork to extend more quickly. Set the opposite fork leg's rebound setting to match.

Adjust the rear shock absorber's rebound damping setting, using the adjustment knob on the bottom of the shock absorber. Turn the adjustment knob clockwise until it cannot be turned further, using a flat screwdriver. Count the number of clicks heard until the knob stops. This is the shock absorber's current rebound setting. Turn the adjustment knob counterclockwise the same number of clicks to reset the rebound settings.

  • Adjust the forks' rebound settings to compensate for changing road conditions, using the adjusting knobs.
  • Turn the adjustment knob counterclockwise the same number of clicks to reset the rebound settings.

Adjust the shock absorber's rebound settings using the adjusting knobs. Increase the amount of rebound damping by turning the adjustment knob clockwise, using a flat screwdriver. Turn the adjustment knob counterclockwise to decrease rebound damping.

Set the shock absorber's pre-load setting, using the adjuster nut above the shock absorber's spring. Loosen the spring's locknut with a wrench. Turn the adjuster nut clockwise, using a hooked spanner wrench, to increase the spring's pre-load and raise the motorcycle's rear end. Turn the adjuster nut counterclockwise to decrease the pre-load and to lower the motorcycle's rear end. Tighten the locknut with a wrench.

  • Adjust the shock absorber's rebound settings using the adjusting knobs.
  • Turn the adjuster nut clockwise, using a hooked spanner wrench, to increase the spring's pre-load and raise the motorcycle's rear end.

Set the shock absorber's compression damping setting, using the adjuster knob on the top of the shock absorber's remote reservoir under the rider's seat. Unlock and remove the seat, using the ignition key, to access the reservoir. Turn the adjustment knob a one-quarter turn at a time with a flat screwdriver to adjust the compression setting. Turn the knob clockwise to increase compression damping, counterclockwise to decrease compression damping. Lock the seat into place.

  • Set the shock absorber's compression damping setting, using the adjuster knob on the top of the shock absorber's remote reservoir under the rider's seat.

Test-ride the motorcycle. Readjust the fork and shock absorber's settings as needed until the motorcycle's suspension provides the desired response.

TIP

Use a softer damping setting for high-speed riding.

WARNING

Don't force the adjuster knobs into place. Excessive force will permanently damage the front fork or shock absorber. Don't set the rebound damping knobs between clicks. Turn the knob one full click at a time.