Rear Shock Adjustment Sans Spanning Wrench

[buickyouth]

The manual calls for a spanning wrench from the toolkit to facilitate the adjustment of the rear shocks.

I don't have one of these.

Has anyone got a good workaround to be able to adjust them without the tool?

Thanks,
Ian

[CatatonicBug]

I use a large pair of Channel Locks and a rag (to protect the finish).

[crazy steve]

I use a large pair of Channel Locks and a rag (to protect the finish).

Yep, that's the best way. Most XS rear shocks I've seen have a hole in the adjuster that you're supposed to insert the spark plug wrench handle into to adjust. But this usually results in breaking off the piece welded to the adjuster, so I don't recommend that....

That 'spanner wrench' didn't come with the bike...

[CatatonicBug]

That 'spanner wrench' didn't come with the bike...

I've often wondered about that...

The "correct" tool looks something like this, but generally only single-sided:

[crazy steve]

Yeah, the owners manual mentions it, but that was an 'accessory' you had to buy separately. I'm not so sure you could have got into the pouch/toolbox anyway, as it is a very tight squeeze with the other tools, particularly if you own a standard and were trying to get the cable in there too....

Which is no doubt why the cables were the first to get lost...

[buickyouth]

Thanks guys.

Do I need to remove the rear wheel to make these adjustments or can I get away with center standing, gripping and twisting?

[GLoweVA]

I did mine on the centerstand. If those things are a bit rusty, I'd sugest some PB Blaster or WD40. Maybe backing off one notch then going back to original then tighter if that's the way you're going. (let the spring pressure work for you to loosen things up a bit before you go tighter)

[motoman]

I used to adjust mine with channel locks wrapping a heavy rag around the lower portion of shock so it would'nt scun thingsd up too bad............now, all these years later got the CORRECT adjuster. It was offered as a Yamaha accessory, and no it won't fit in the tool box. Mine is still in the original bag with pics and instructions. The one like showed in the above thread may or may not work, depends on the curvature. The OEM one has an arm attached that swings and has a round stub on the end to fit the the round recess. Works perfect, just wish I knew it was available back in the day. On occassion one can be had on the Bay, usually under NOS parts.

[jetmechmarty]

The spanner is available from Mike's XS. It fits the stock shocks, and Progressive shocks, Hagons, and I'm sure, several others.

[Eveready1100]

Have you got a photo, Motoman?

[GLoweVA]

Here's the link to mikeXS' wrench: http://www.mikesxs.net/search.html?q=Shock+Ring+Wrench

[motoman]

Eveready, see if I can't get a pic up for ya later.