adjusting standard rear shock

[lumpyv]

as above , I am attempting to release the pre load on my rear suspension.

my suspension consultant (jamoi) advised me at the weekend that its set up for someone a lot heavier than me. (he said about 30 stone).

anyway, is it possible to do it with the Honda c spanner that is provided in the kit ? or is there something better available?.

due to access limitations I can only get it on in one place on the adjuster and as soon as I lean on it a bit it just slips.

is it best to go in from the right hand side, just in front of the rear brake reservoir or from the left?

any thoughts would be appreciated before I break something (my thumb?/the reservoir )

cheers

[TravisZack]

When I'm adjusting it up a notch, I move it most of the way by going in from the right-hand side, then go round to the left just to click it into place.
Going back down again I think I go in from the left, and the tension clicks it back down into the groove without having to go round the other side. Just depends where you can get a good grip though!

This is using the Honda two-piece C-Spanner, I find it easier than using my larger one, where I have to unbolt the brake res to get a good angle on it.

[lumpyv]

thanks travis I reckon I may do better with the reservoir removed

[VTRDark]

+1 on what Travis said.

Jack the back up first to take the weight of the suspension as this helps. Also make sure your using the extension handle for the C Spanner. It's fiddly though and I ended up giving up and using an old 1/2 extension bar and a hammer. Also don't forget you also have a rebound adjuster on the bottom right of the shock near the linkages.

(:-})

[Jamoi]

Here's Rogers rear shock adjustment advice

Good luck with adjusting the ring.

It is important that the rear sag is 8mm. Measure from underside of rear subframe to wheel spindle
1) Take all the rebound off - adjuster at bottom of the shock.
2) Push firmly down on seat and allow to return. (Do not bounce) -- Measure
3) Hold rear subframe and lift to "top out" the shock -- Measure. This should be + 8mm greater than measurement 1)
4) Adjust until it is.
5) Set rebound to "fastest possible return, but under control"
6) If you have a STD shock use level 1 up to 80kg rider weight .
Level 2 for 80kg – 100kg and so on.

Lumpy, no.6 is the critical bit for you and your weight.

[sirch345]

The closest I could get to 8mm static sag with the standard Firestorm rear shock was with the preload set at the softest setting, although at the time the shock had done less than 10,000 miles.

I found putting a nut on it's flat (6mm in thickness at least) under the "C" spanner at the back end of the arc on the "C" spanner keeps the other end in the adjuster slot better, if you get what I mean
Use both sides of the bike for access.

**EDIT**
This might be clearer, put a nut on it's flat where the red arrow is pointing



Chris.

[lumpyv]

thanks for all that , looking at the c spanner I wondered if it would help to cut the little heel bit off it as this appears to be lifting it off the collar?



mines not the same as yours chris?? was yours out of the kit?

cheers

[lumpyv]

how come that image has disappeared? ?

it was there just now ?

has someone nicked it ??

[sirch345]

mines not the same as yours chris?? was yours out of the kit?

cheers

Oops I should have said that is just a random Google image I found just to help in showing where I put the nut, not my Firestorm "C" spanner.
I don't know what has happened to your image, have you removed it from where you hosted it?

Chris.

[VTRDark]

It doesn't look like the Honda toolkit spanner to me.



(:-})

[sirch345]

I guess that is a walnut Carl

Chris.

[VTRDark]

I couldn't resist when nut was mentioned.

Now here's some sensible advice for adjusting the shock. Where your bike gloves so when the C spanner slips off you don't bash your nuckles

(:-})

[lumpyv]

I couldn't resist when nut was mentioned.

Now here's some sensible advice for adjusting the shock. Where your bike gloves so when the C spanner slips off you don't bash your nuckles

(:-})

walnut or wingnut ??

the image I used was copied from an e mail I sent myself off the phone?

may attempt to shift it with a drift?

yes carl I have already bashed my knuckles

[lumpyv]

[VTRDark]

That image in on some kind of microsoft rubbish and requires a log in so wont work. Why don't you describe the picture, it may be easier

I've bashed my nuckles in the past as well. A word of warning using a drift as I suggested can dent the turrets (I think that a good description of them) that a c spanner fits around. Definitely jack the bike up to take the weight of the suspension if you gong to do this.

(:-})