Hey dankelly64,
I'm still trying to figure out the manual's reference to rear spring preload adjustment, too. I agree that the fully seated position (clockwise) would be the strongest, not weakest, position.
Has anyone clarified this yet?
I have the Service Manual and it seems to explain this better (ie correctly). It states
"The standard setting for an average-build rider of 68 kg (150 lb) with no passenger and no accessories is the 12th click from the 1st click of the fully counterclockwise position."
It also has a chart that states as the number of clicks increases, the suspension gets stronger/harder and is better for heavier loads.
This would confirm that fully counterclockwise is the weakest postion.
I think the info in the owner's manual was not translated correctly or is just wrong.
It's also interesting that the Service Manual shows 23 as the highest number of clicks. I have seen charts and adjustments going up to 28 from full counterclockwise/out/soft.