I read up and saw many posts on different forums on how easy it is to adjust ride height by adjusting the rear pre-load. I used the hammer and punch method for my 2006 KLX. I read some bikes have markings for the preload levels, however, didn't see any on my bike. Just a long thread and two collars. I am wanting to lower the ride height a little so my wife can ride bike as well. I easily got the two collars loose and moved up. However, I noticed right away that as soon as I moved them up a little, there was no spring tension anymore (at all). The spring not only turns freely it has no tension and bounces. So, for now, I just brought the two collars back down. Does this mean my pre-load was maxed out in this direction, or am I missing a step.

Thanks

 

I think you got it. Just thinking theoretically, you could leave those collars up high and it may let the bike set a little lower with a load on it. But there may be bad consequences for not putting some pressure on the spring. Sounds like you may need to consider some lowering links. There's some on ebay.

 

Lowering links and maybe a softer spring as well.