Need help with rear shock adjustment!

[dschmitta]

Hey everyone,

Having trouble 1. finding rear shock spanner or "ring wrench" for rear shock adjustment. Does anyone know anyone who may have one they would be willing to part with? Actually, I would like to find anyone who may have whole tool kit who would sell. 2. any way to adjust bottom of shock without spanner wrench without beating up bike? 3. having trouble finding correct adjustment with top and bottom adjustments on rear(top number dial) and bottom slot adjustment. 4. mine is a '80g, does it have front air shock adjustment and if so, how the heck do I adjust front and rear to work well together? Seems like I have slot of movement up front when braking(Does have front fairing and I go almost 315 lbs.) Any help very much appreciated. Thanks. Dave

[slow mo]

hi dschmitta

mikes xs sells those wrenches for 3.09 here in Canada and usually delivers within a few days take care and ride safe ,,slow mo!

[DGXSER]

First, if you do not have one, get a manual. IT describes the "Start point" settings for air in the front forks and top and bottom set points for shocks in rear based upon weight. If you need one, look for member Catatonic Bug, he has a website in his signature where he host the manuals.

As to the forks, look at the top of the forks under the handlebars. You should see a metal cap, similar to one on your tires. Pull that off and you should see the air valve to use for adjusting air pressure. You should also check fork oil, you may want to drain it and refill with a 15W oil instead of the ten for the weight your describing.

Another option for the forks is to "upgrade" to Progressive springs. Most folks who do, never use air in the forks afterwards.

[webbcraft2150]

If you dont have the right "wrench", this will work. First, subtle squirt of WD40 around the base of the springs, wipe drips off. Find a big pair of channel locks, wrap in a sutiable rag and adjust away. Even though I have the "right tool", I find it quicker than pulling the OEM tool kit out of the tiny little compartment that only the factory could get the tool kit to fit in.

[CatatonicBug]

If you dont have the right "wrench", this will work. First, subtle squirt of WD40 around the base of the springs, wipe drips off. Find a big pair of channel locks, wrap in a sutiable rag and adjust away. Even though I have the "right tool", I find it quicker than pulling the OEM tool kit out of the tiny little compartment that only the factory could get the tool kit to fit in.

Yeah, that's what I do. My giant channel locks work great for that.

[dschmitta]

Thanks for info everyone. Will definately get on Catonic's site and d/load manuals.

[mack]

Two Things

Put the bike on the center stand to take the load off the rears before you try to adjust the positions. Before you check the air pressure in the forks, either block up the front end or have someone sit on the back to raise the weight off the front wheel. This pressure should be checked and adjusted with no weight on the front tire. Ensure you use a hand pump NOT a compressor. It doesn't take much air and will blow your seals out if your not careful.

[dschmitta]

Put the bike on the center stand to take the load off the rears before you try to adjust the positions. Before you check the air pressure in the forks, either block up the front end or have someone sit on the back to raise the weight off the front wheel. This pressure should be checked and adjusted with no weight on the front tire. Ensure you use a hand pump NOT a compressor. It doesn't take much air and will blow your seals out if your not careful.

thanks for the info.