For a more “soft” ride how would the bottom rear shock screw adjustment be? More Damping (clockwise) or Less Damping (counterclockwise)?
You weigh 150? That might be a first for a c14. Funny thing , the bike comes with the suspension set
for a rider weighing 150.
Hopefully, while max' tries to figure out what you're asking, and I make ill informed guesses to the answer, a real suspension guru will come along and give you the answer you seek. Good luck.
In spite of what the Owners Manual says, the C14 suspension is actually set up for two 150 lb riders. The suspension has excess compression damping on both ends and if 150 lb rider wants a plush ride than both ends of the suspension need to be revalved and the front springs need to be replaced.
I replaced the shock with a Penske and installed ZX-14 forks with 1.0 kg springs to soften the ride and I weigh 225 lbs.
FYI the preload adjustment is a ride height adjustment and a back door way to have consistent steering geometry with different rider weights. It does not make the ride softer or firmer, nor does it change the portion of the spring actually used when riding.
To answer the question that was originally asked, you would turn the shock damping counter-clockwise to decrease damping. That screw actually changes both rebound and compression damping but not in the same proportions. The problem is that if you turn the screw too much trying to reduce compression damping you will run out of rebound damping and that creates more problems than it solves. The only real solution is an aftermarket shock with independent adjustments.