Setting factory rear shock on '05

[thorin]

hey all,
was wanting to doublecheck settings on my rear shocks. adjustments are available from 1 to 5. 1 should be used for a single rider. when i look at the shock, the "1" is facing outward from the side, "3" is facing backward. the adjustment hole is at the "3 " position.
my question is, "am i set at the #1 setting?".
owner's manual shows how to adjust using a specific tool but not which way the default position is.
also, do i need the specific tool and can i use something else?
thanks!

 

[AndrewK]

I was just fiddling with my shocks yesterday. I thought I had mine set at 3 after turning them a few times, and the having the shocks go from 5-1 unexpectedly, I realized they were actually on 1 or 2. So what I did is turn both side until they snapped back to 1 then turned another 4 times. As for the tool, I used the one in tool kit that came with bike. It looks like an Allen wrench except it's round, and it fits in the screwdriver handle.

 

[thorin]

thx for your response! how do i know when im set at #1?

 

[AndrewK]

The springs will slam from 5 to 1, plus you should be able to tell by watching the height of the adjustable piece. As for just looking at it and knowing what setting it's on, I still don't know.

 

[sonny]

The best way to adjust the stock shocks is to remove them and replace with a good aftermarket pair. The difference is amazing.