rear suspension on my xl600 lm

[oldbanger]

I have a xl600 lm one of the problems i have with this bike is the rear shock is sagging to much now it could be worn but it my be more than this, not knowing much about its history it looks as if it may have the wrong shock fitted as it often strikes the rear mudguard. I'm a about 14 stone though. Dose anyone know the static sag settings i should be looking for on this bike? I have noticed from pictures on the web that other bikes of this model have a higher angled s/arm mine looks parallel to he road when parked is this a problem.?
Any knowledgeable help is appreciated.

[Stormforce8]

Can't help with the static sag measurements but I can give you this from the Honda XL600LM Workshop Manual

Rear Spring - free length - STANDARD 268.5mm.
Rear Spring - free length - SERVICE LIMIT 265.5mm.

Damper Compression Force:
Place the damper rod on a scale and measure the force required to compress the damper by 10mm

Compression Force 28.5Kg

If the force required is less than 23.5kg gas is leaking (or has leaked).

[oldbanger]

Thanks thats useful info stormforce8, It's seen better days the shock that is. I will have to rebuild it or swap it at some point. I think the spring needs replacing for one that is a higher rate. Its a pain not having ride hight adjustment on this bike.
The quick fix is to grind the spring it's sounds strange but this has the effect of upping the spring rate, reckon I should aim for around 100mm of rider sag.
I have around 150mm at present, Not good.:(

By the way thats a Beautiful Africa twin I'm jealous:mrgreen:

[meljordan]

Also if its the origional spring i think they were all blue,but the measurement will give you an idea

[oldbanger]

Had the shock off the bike Mel and the spring is blue and so was the air trying to get it apart, finely managed it and replaced with new oil works fine now but not an easy thing to work on, if anything it's a little to firm now must have a twiddle when i have more time.:)