Advice for newbie re rear Preload

[mcfroyce44]

Bike is 08 model. I've only had it for a short time and due to other commitments have only put about 300 miles on it.
I'd like to adjust the rear Preload to suit my weight (about 90 kg) so would appreciate any thoughts on what members of similar weight have found suitable. I know the manual says 12 clicks for 150lb rider but am wondering roughly how much more is needed for me solo with empty panniers.
Also,  although the adjuster turns freely I'm not hearing any audible clicks. How many clicks should I expect per 360 degree turn?
If there's a sticky here somewhere I've missed it and a search hasn't found what I need so I'm sorry if I'm asking something I should have found easily.

[Robbieben]

TBH preload is a personal preference in that there are recommendations to follow regarding static sag etc but then you can tailor the feel to suit you. Ball park figures from shock or fork fully extended, ie. wheel off the floor, measure shock/fork length at 2 fixed points, I use bottom of chrome fork stantion to edge of scraper seal on front forks and centre rear hub to pannier mount at the rear. Once you lower your bike each end should compress about 10mm front, 8 mm rear, then you sit on the bike in full riding gear and get a friend to measure these same points again. You should now see 20-25 mm at the front and 15-20mm at the rear, any less and you have too much preload, any more and you don't have enough. Though as the GTR rear spring is essentially designed for 2 up with full luggage even with no preload on the rear I only get 16 mm at 120Kg in my gear. At this setting I add 6 clicks of rear preload for 2 up touring with full luggage and top box for me and the wife and find the bike handles very well for it's size loaded up.

Can't speak for the 08 rear preload adjuster clicking as you adjust it but on my 17 GTR I have definate audible clicks as I rotate the preload adjuster.

[mcfroyce44]

Very many thanks for taking the time to reply. Your info is appreciated. Previous bikes I've owned were more complicated to adjust and I always assumed previous owners probably left them standard. This one having the knob for rear Preload just invites fiddling.

Had another look at it today. Wound the adjuster fully clockwise. No clicks. But when I wound it out there are definite clicks winding it anti clockwise. Have left it at 8 clicks from max as starting point. Weather forecast isn't great so will have to wait to try it on the road. Will do the thing correctly with a mate for next season come springtime.

Once again,  thank you.

[pross]

Hi and welcome.
I am sure I read in the manual you turn it all the way and then count the clicks I had the 09 bike and as you say very faint you have to listen carefully and on mine your could jest feel it lock on the clicks.
Enjoy your bike