Adjust Stock Rear Suspension Preload

[Navytallguy]

I'm trying to adjust the rear shocks from 3 to 4/5, and I can't seem to move anything. Is it really that difficult or am I missing something? If someone can explain in an idiot-proof way, that'd be great. I'm bottoming out with a passenger and just want to get by until I get some replacements picked out.

 

[NativeOne]

They should continue moving in the same direction you moved them from the original setting. Perhaps spray some lubricant on the shock housing where it turns, WD 40, and then try it again.

native One

 

[Navytallguy]

Thanks for the quick response... problem is, I've never moved them, I assume the previous owner must have. Plus, I wouldn't even know where to spray the lubricant since I'm not even sure what exactly moves. I'm going out to look at the bike now... I've got to be missing something.

 

[NativeOne]

There is a shock tool in the tool kit that came with your bike, it should be in the battery cover if you have a R III. The shock adjuster tool is in there. Spray the lubricant, if needed, on the area where the adjuster fits!

Native One

 

[Navytallguy]

It was on 1, now on 3... I can't even explain where I was going wrong, maybe I was just tired the first time I looked at it. I had to assume something that barely got any coverage in the manual and had never been written about on the forum isn't that hard, and it's not. Thanks again and hopefully you don't hold this pointless question against me in the future. =)

 

[NativeOne]

LMAO, don't go back and read some of my pointless questions! No question is pointless! Glad to help. These guys on here help me all the time! A great bunch of people!

native One

 

[Blastedbones]

rear suspension

For me (110kg approx) I've found setting 2 is best for distance touring, soaks up the bumps nicely, but setting 1 ( softest) best for hard cornering.
My theory is: the stiffer the springs are set, the harder they are to compress.Therefore when you try leaning hard into a corner( peg scraper) a stiff spring is resisting you, in the same way frount braking in a corner stands the bike up straight.Least ways thats how it feels.

 

[Barbary Coast rider]

The best adjustment for the stock shock..get rid of the ****s and go Progressive 440...

 

[Navigator]

It was on 1, now on 3... I can't even explain where I was going wrong, maybe I was just tired the first time I looked at it. I had to assume something that barely got any coverage in the manual and had never been written about on the forum isn't that hard, and it's not. Thanks again and hopefully you don't hold this pointless question against me in the future. =)

No, it is not like other shocks that use the half moon wrench, such as a Koni. I went through the same head scratching drill but I was up in the mountains and needed badly to stiffen them up. I finally figured it out and then felt a bit lame. Simple, wasn't it.