Parts

Talon Preload Tuner - Dirt Rider Magazine

November 12, 2009

OK, this is one of those products that is not a must-have. Seriously, the stock preload adjuster rings usually work fine, even if they are time-consuming and a bit of a pain at times. This is one of those products that is really nice to have. The Talon preload tuner replaces the stock preload rings. The top ring locks in place, and the lower ring will move freely but is limited by five detents. A rod (supplied with the kit) inserts into holes machined around the perimeter of the rings. Rotate the ring one click-stop, and you get 1.5mm of preload, or the equivalent of one turn off a normal preload ring.We installed the tuner on a Yamaha YZ450F, and for a test bike it made perfect sense. Adjusting for different riders was literally a snap that took only seconds. If you ride varying conditions, have tracks that are muddy in the morning (the bike would be heavier in the first moto) or like to fine-tune your suspension, the preload tuner is a great tool. Likewise if you share a bike with a father or brother and you are different weights. Even if you are just tired of hammering away at preload rings, the tuner makes plenty of sense. It is still in the nice-but-not-a-necessity column, but it is really nice. The preload tuner is available for Showa, KYB, Öhlins and WP shocks for $179.95. -Karel Kramer