sdr rear supspension preload

the manual says: (for sdr 2007) rear pre load is 5


5 What??? how and where is this measured?
sag?
and what is the length of visible thread on the rear shock at that setting?

surely somebody knows this here...

the manual doesn't....

greetings from the Netherlands

just had my suspensions set up by my mechanic. I asked him the same

question and here is what he told me.

Apparently you have to turn the adjusting nut until it barely touches the

spring. This is then considered the fully unloaded point. Pre-load 5 means

5 full turns of the adjusting nut (compressing the spring again).

I'm not sure if it's correct, but he's an official dealer and from my

experience a good mechanic as well

Dont worry about the mm of thread showing on your shock body set up your sag to these instructions for both front and rear.

These are a good base line and it has been a good start point for me on my bikes GSXR1000, YZF 1000, Husqvarna SM610 and SD.
First follow what is shown in the diagram for sag its a good read so read all of it don't skim.
Best if you get a mate that can read a ruler and lift a bike.
Then start playing with your rebound and compression.
Start at the KTM recommended settings that suit you from the manual.
Remember the spring supports the load and the dampening controls the spring on rebound and controls both the spring and load on compression.
If the preload is increased to get the sag correct reduce compression and increase the rebound.
If the preload is reduced to get the sag correct reduce the rebound and increase the compression .
Small adjustments to the clickers with warmed up suspension, tyre pressures set and test ride the same peice of road.

Good luck it is worth the time to set it up.
Ronnie Q

Unless WP have changed a whole lot since my 05 SD, those sag settings ARE incorrect. But otherwise it's another helpful guide.

Front 35-50mm
Rear 30-40mm

...with rider. Low values for track, high for street.