So I was just look through my owners manual about the factory setting for the 9er, And, I've come tot he conclusion that I don't know what rebound and damping actually do. So, please pardon my ignorance, but could someone explain it to me? I know when I carry a passenger to adjust the spring rate, but aside from that, I'm clueless.

when adjusting preload for carrying a passenger, or any other reason, you are increasing initial spring force but not actually increasing spring rate.

rebound damping controls how fast your spring will return/extend after being compressed. and conversely, compression damping (which Hornets do not have any adjustability of) controls how quickly a spring is allowed to compress.

These articles from Sportrider have more technical info:

Technicalities: Spring Rate and Preload (http://www.sportrider.com/tech/146_9510_tech/index.html)

Technicalities: Rebound Damping (http://www.sportrider.com/tech/146_9604_tech/index.html)

Technicalities: Compression Damping (http://www.sportrider.com/tech/146_9608_tech/index.html)

http://www.motorcycleinfo.co.uk/index.cfm?fa=contentGeneric.peqehomhihbyduvj&pageId=97391

These last two posts should be stickies, if they aren already. Damn good info in there, whether you're a noob or veteran. :thumbsup