Shock Preload adjustment

[air charlie_imp]

I would like to try adjusting the preload on my shocks but Honda didn't provide the tool to adjust them with the bike. I am wondering if I need to buy the tool from Honda or if there are other options out there. I don't have any specific complaints about the stock setup, but I weigh 215 and am thinking more preload might be justified.

[the Ferret]

Well, its either buy from Honda, buy aftermarket, or find a motorcycle junk yard and buy a tool pouch out of an older bike.

[Deanohh_imp]

Any bike shop would have some kind of shock spanner that would work. Also screw down the front preload adjusters another 1 to 1-1/2 marks and see how you like it. I'm 230 and my fronts are down to no rings showing. Try one step more on the rears.

[Hawk52_imp]

Increased preload on rear from 1st to 3rd setting, increased front from 2nd to 4th setting. Handling is much lighter and Fun!!! What part of Iowa are you from air Charlie????

[air charlie_imp]

Thanks for the info. I am from the Iowa City area. I bought it up in Cedar Rapids. I might just ride up there and see if they will let me borrow a wrench. I did find the Honda wrench available from Motosport Outlet for $16 and a similair tool made by tusk racing from Rocky Mountain atv for $8. To me it seems like that tool should have came with the bike, but hard to complain when I am spending $$ just to buy matching side panels.

The suspension feels pretty good stock, but I want to make it as good as it can be.

[AzBob_imp]

You can adjust the rear preload with an appropriately sized pair of channellocks pretty easily, no special tool required.

[Joola_imp]

I never had an issue with the stock preload but decided to try out adjusting the preload per many of the discussions here. I found it to adversly affect the ride quality compared to the stock preload and I adjusted back after one ride.

I'm 6' and 160 pounds and felt like I was about to get launched into orbit on a few bumps I've hit comfortably before. I'll try playing around some more and see if anything sits better with me.

[The Spaceman_imp]

Thanks for the info. I am from the Iowa City area. I bought it up in Cedar Rapids. I might just ride up there and see if they will let me borrow a wrench. I did find the Honda wrench available from Motosport Outlet for $16 and a similair tool made by tusk racing from Rocky Mountain atv for $8. To me it seems like that tool should have came with the bike, but hard to complain when I am spending $$ just to buy matching side panels.

The suspension feels pretty good stock, but I want to make it as good as it can be.

Apparently the tool is included in some markets (like Japan). The owner's manual mentions the shock spanner and couple of other tools that weren't in my kit.

[SanPete_imp]

I used the one from my 1984 VF700C Magna.

[AzBob_imp]

I never had an issue with the stock preload but decided to try out adjusting the preload per many of the discussions here. I found it to adversly affect the ride quality compared to the stock preload and I adjusted back after one ride.

I'm 6' and 160 pounds and felt like I was about to get launched into orbit on a few bumps I've hit comfortably before. I'll try playing around some more and see if anything sits better with me.

The reason is because Japanese bikes are generally set up by default for 160lbs people. Which is why the stock adjustments don't work for your average 'merican. :-) (me included)