Voyager kit preload question

[krazybob]

I bought a '07 Kawasaki 1500 Vulcan with a Voyager kit installed. I'm trying my best to understand what the preload is all about. I saw one post that recommended 1/2" preload, then I found a post where the rider had his set at 1.5" preload using a 2x4 to set it. I don't have a clue as to what preload I have on this kit. Anyway to tell ? There is allot of difference between the 1/2 " and 1.5" and wonder what the difference would be in the handling of the trike between the two ? It sure would be good to find a video showing exactley how to go about setting the preload on this Voyager kit. I checked YouTube but found nothing:Shrug: My Voyager manual does tell how to set it, but a video would surely help clarify the adjustment setting in my mind

 

[steamer]

try Home of Motorcycle Jeff the "Trike Man". you will find a how to vidio. it will show you how to set the preload. around 1/2" works pretty good on most bikes.

 

[Duffy]

It's pretty simple to adjust/set. I just got done installing a Voyager on my 05 1500 Classic this weekend. Simply run your bikes rear tire up on a piece of material (the manual says 1/2" for the Classic), I used a piece of 5/4" cedar decking (a bit over 1") on the advice I found here and another site. The kit won't bounce as bad with the higher pre-load. After getting the bike on the rear tire loosen all 8 of the U-bolt nuts and remove the top shock bolts (older type suspension I'm not sure about the newer one). Let all the air out of your bikes air shocks also. If you have the older suspension you also have to loosen the two lock bolts on the bottom. Once everything is loosened re-tighten the bolts, re-connect the shocks, air the bikes shocks to 3/4 of max and set the re-bound at 3/4 of max also. You now have the pre-load set.

Tire pressures are also pretty critical. Kit tires at 20psi, and bike tires at close to max sidewall pressure (that's what I ran all the time).

 

[krazybob]

It's pretty simple to adjust/set. I just got done installing a Voyager on my 05 1500 Classic this weekend. Simply run your bikes rear tire up on a piece of material (the manual says 1/2" for the Classic), I used a piece of 5/4" cedar decking (a bit over 1") on the advice I found here and another site. The kit won't bounce as bad with the higher pre-load. After getting the bike on the rear tire loosen all 8 of the U-bolt nuts and remove the top shock bolts (older type suspension I'm not sure about the newer one). Let all the air out of your bikes air shocks also. If you have the older suspension you also have to loosen the two lock bolts on the bottom. Once everything is loosened re-tighten the bolts, re-connect the shocks, air the bikes shocks to 3/4 of max and set the re-bound at 3/4 of max also. You now have the pre-load set.

Tire pressures are also pretty critical. Kit tires at 20psi, and bike tires at close to max sidewall pressure (that's what I ran all the time).

<Let all the air out of your bikes air shocks also.>

The Voyager manual that came with the bike, said on the preload instuctions to have the bikes shocks set at 80% of max. Is this something new ?

 

[krazybob]

I bought a '07 Kawasaki 1500 Vulcan with a Voyager kit installed. I'm trying my best to understand what the preload is all about. I saw one post that recommended 1/2" preload, then I found a post where the rider had his set at 1.5" preload using a 2x4 to set it. I don't have a clue as to what preload I have on this kit. Anyway to tell ? There is allot of difference between the 1/2 " and 1.5" and wonder what the difference would be in the handling of the trike between the two ? It sure would be good to find a video showing exactley how to go about setting the preload on this Voyager kit. I checked YouTube but found nothing:Shrug: My Voyager manual does tell how to set it, but a video would surely help clarify the adjustment setting in my mind

Well,,, taking in all the advice on setting the preload, I undertook the job today. Set my preload at 1", and the job wasn't that big of a job. Breaking loose the nuts on the U bolts and the upper shock bolts was the only tough thing. The original owner must have cranked on those nuts, much more than the recommended 35 ft lbs that Voyager recommends Tomorrow is supposed to be a fairly nice day in the upper 60's or low 70's and will give me a chance to see if the handling is any different than what it was before I changed it. :Shrug:

 

[Duffy]

<Let all the air out of your bikes air shocks also.>

The Voyager manual that came with the bike, said on the preload instuctions to have the bikes shocks set at 80% of max. Is this something new ?

I don't recall where I read that the air shocks should be set to 3/4 of max "after" the pre-load was set. My install manual doesn't say anything about air shocks at all. Not even recommended re-bound setting.

 

[ronchi]

may have to adjust several times to get it just right for YOUR RIDING preference. but when you do , you will roll up the miles. ride safe- be safe

 

[paddlefish1]

voyager preload

Hi,

Just got a voyager, had a roadsmith but needed the money for dental work. I dont understand that i need to set preload at 1/2 inches? how do i know it isnt that far out of adjustment? the handlebars vibrate badly and the tire comes up is frightening but it is to be expected on the voyager. Plus i have to turn around at a speed bump

If anyone out there has preloaded the gl1800 and it cured the vibration and wheel coming up let me know. My technician has never seen a voyager and thought the wheel vibration when letting go at 5 mph was from front wheel bearings or the tire. we were both wrong and they have the parts. HELP!

 

[Bwchase]

In a previous thread I outlined several problems, including pre load.

If you can move your bike by pushing side to side and the outrigger wheels come off the ground, your preload is not set correctly. Bike should be solid and stable.

Mine is an old softail, that was frightening when I first tried to ride it out of the owners driveway.

Have added a bit more preload for the country roads around here with wheel ruts and raised center.

The voyager is a good solid platform when properly set up, you should not have to fight it.

Good luck.

 

[baba67]

Voyager

This is a older reply I gave on this subject.

But it all is still relevant to this question.

• or this post
  
  
  
  
  
• 06-19-2020, 11:31 AM
  #4​
  
  
  
  baba67
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  preload preferance
  
  
  [I know people will say "that's TOO Much"
  
  After having my voyager on my 1500 for quite some time now.
  
  And pretty much ride 2 up 90% of the time, We have done some experimenting with rattles and ride "feel"
  
  We have items that stay in in saddle bags 100% of the time,along with tools etc.
  
  I am about 185-190 lbs (depending how often and where we stop to grab a bite)
  
  Jeannie is not much over 100 lbs....
  
  I have found it is all related to the preload setting.
  
  I just removed my voyager kit to replace my rear wheel and tire and installed new progressive shocks in the rear.
  
  I decided to go "darkside" and I love it.
  
  But that's another thread.
  
  I have been setting my preload by setting my bike tire on a section of 2 by 4 set on it's side.
  
  I guess that would be about 1 3/4 inches of preload and it works perfectly for me.
  
  The rattles are minimal and the ride is smooth and lean is reduced and feels very stable.
  
  The only complaint I can have at this point in time is I no longer want to ride on two wheels...LOL
  
  It definitely is great not having to hold up this very heavy GoldWing.
  
  Someone mentioned the fact that rear wheel contact is decreased in reaction to the increase in preload.
  
  It is relevant and requires some experimenting with your bikes total weight.
  
  I have found my "Sweet Spot" and with the contact patch of my rear tire it all works perfectly for me.
  
  NOTE:
  
  If you have an "older" voyager with the "lock bar" setup, order the newer "lock Blocks" , remove the lock bar and install the blocks.
  
  They are worth the investment.
  
  Having to frequently reset preload is no longer required.
  
  ​