Harsh Rear Ride and Hard-to-Reach Rear Preload
Owner/reviewer report (not Voge-verified). On the delivery settings the rear can feel harsh over sharp bumps. Backing off rear compression and adding rebound improved the ride on a Bennetts test bike.
Source: owner/reviewer reports. The reported symptoms, explanations and proposed fixes below are not Voge-verified guidance. Any fix-available label refers to a reported workaround, not a manufacturer-verified remedy. Official manual passages are identified separately.
Symptoms
Bennetts' second tester found the rear very harsh over motorway bumps, to the point where it felt as if the rear suspension was bottoming out. The main Bennetts review describes the ride as occasionally harsh over sharper bumps, and MCN calls it firm.
The rear shock adjusters
The KYB rear shock is adjustable for preload, rebound and compression. The owner's manual p. 43 p. 44 gives these settings:
| Load | Preload (adjuster 1) | Rebound (adjuster 2) | Compression (adjuster 3) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rider only (delivery setting) | As delivered | 10 positions from fully anti-clockwise | 10 positions from fully anti-clockwise |
| Rider and 3 cases | 2 turns clockwise | 8 positions (±1) | 8 positions |
| Rider, passenger and 3 cases | 3 turns clockwise | 6 positions (±1) | 6 positions |
Turning an adjuster clockwise makes the setting harder. The manual does not say that the shock has to be removed to change preload. Bennetts' tester reported the opposite: the preload adjuster could not be reached with the shock fitted. If you cannot reach it on your bike, preload becomes a job for the dealer or for someone comfortable removing the shock.
What helped on the test bike
Bennetts' tester backed off the rear compression and added a little rebound, which made a noticeable difference. The aim was for the front and rear to compress and return at a similar rate. Rebound and compression can be reached with the shock in place.
2027 model
UK dealer listings for the 2027 DS625X describe electronic KYB suspension at both ends. They do not say which rear settings are electronic, but if preload is one of them, it can be changed without getting to the shock. See 2027 DS900X, DS800X Rally and DS625X updates appear in UK dealer listings.
Sources
- Bennetts BikeSocial review: harsh rear, bottoming feel, preload access, damping changes.
- MCN review: firm ride.
- DS625X owner's manual (English), PDF pages 43 and 44: rear shock adjustment.
- MotoGB listing for the 2027 DS625X: electronic suspension on the 2027 model.
Riding a DS625X with this issue? Send your settings and impressions so we can add owner data.