How to Set Up a Fox Shock

A Fox shock will stabilize a motorcycle.

Setting up a Fox shock on your motorcycle requires exact measurements to avoid potential dangers. Once you install a Fox shock on your motorcycle, you need to adjust the shock to ensure proper operation. You can damage a newly installed shock if it overextends or bottoms out while driving your motorcycle. This creates a dangerous situation. Setting the static and rider sag precisely eliminates shock overextension, increasing the life of the shock and the stability of your motorcycle.

Things You'll Need

• Motorcycle stand
• Socket set
• 3/8-inch ratchet handle
• Steel rule

Instructions

1. Set the back of the motorcycle on a motorcycle stand. Make sure the back tire of the motorcycle does not touch the ground.

2. Remove the stock shock. Match a socket from a socket set to the nut holding the current shock in place. Place the socket on a 3/8-inch ratchet handle. Turn the nut holding the shock in place counterclockwise to loosen the shock. Lift the rear tire slightly to remove pressure from the shock. Slide the shock from its mount.

3. Adjust the length of the Fox shock. Set the stock shock on a work table. Place the two shocks side by side. Adjust the length of the Fox shock to match the stock shock if the Fox shock has a length adjustment.

4. Install the Fox shock. Slide the Fox shock onto the shock mount. Tighten the mounting bolt with a socket attached to a 3/8-inch ratchet handle. Measure the distance between the wheel mounting bolt and a location on the bike with a steel rule. Remove the motorcycle stand. Sit on the motorcycle. Have a helper measure the distance between the wheel mounting bolt and the same point on the motorcycle with a steel rule.

5. Adjust the pre-load adjustment screws with the provided C-wrench. Push down on the back of the motorcycle several times to allow the shock to set. Measure the distance between the wheel mounting bolt and the motorcycle with a steel rule. Adjust the Fox shock as necessary to obtain the travel distance recommended in the installation instructions.

References

• Catfish Racing: Fox Racing Shox Setup Manual