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How do I adjust my rear shocks?

  • Thread starter Thread starter fyarl666
  • Start date Start date
F

fyarl666

Guest
I have an 81 400L, and it sits kinda high. I think the previous owner rode with a passenger, so he had the rear shocks adjusted for maximum weight. I'd like to drop the rear end down a bit so my feet are flat on the ground when I come to a stop, but I'm not exactly sure how this is done.

I have a service manual, but it doesn't give any info to adjust the back shocks.
I've looked around on YouTube and such, but I'm not finding any tutorials related to the style of shocks on my bike. I'm only seeing adjustments for newer stuff, and I don't think the mechanics of the shocks are the same.

Any info is appreciated.
 
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Rear shocks.

Rear shocks.

As far as i can tell your shocks are not height adjustable.They should be pre-load Adjustable,meaning that the pre-load tension on the springs can be adjusted for stiffness. They should have rotatable collars at the bottom that will cam up or down depending on the direction you turn them. Lowering them will soften your suspension and could somewhat achieve the desired effect,but it will not change the height of your shocks at full extension.
 
Some will switch out shocks for a shorter length.
Usually adjust the front also to even out the geometry.
Geometry will change your handling possibly even if done properly.
There would be a formula for the best changes.
I do not know it.
I know I have seen it on the net not sure if here or not.
Weight height and riding style should be considered too.
I know I have seen posts where people have ran out of room in what they think they can lower the front.
I have seen risers made that come towards the rear of the bike to stop interference from the handlebars.
From what I have read here you should show proper caution when changing these things.
Make sure that if you do go this route you def take the bike through trial and error runs to determine the bikes and your reaction.
I am of the thought that if the changes are not radical it shouldn't be much different then the difference in handling of another brand bike of the same era.
But even getting on a new bike you should give it and yourself a good moderate workout and learn it!
 
Dj66 said:
As far as i can tell your shocks are not height adjustable.They should be pre-load Adjustable,meaning that the pre-load tension on the springs can be adjusted for stiffness. They should have rotatable collars at the bottom that will cam up or down depending on the direction you turn them. Lowering them will soften your suspension and could somewhat achieve the desired effect,but it will not change the height of your shocks at full extension.
Click to expand...


I meant more along the lines of allowing the bike to sit lower when I'm sitting in it. When I'm riding and I stop at a light, I'm kinda tippy-toeing the ground. I feel like u should be able to adjust the shocks enough that my weight will allow the back end to sit a bit closer to the ground.

I know there is a collar on the bottom if the shocks that you rotate to make the adjustments, but us it as simple as just rotating them in either direction? Is there any special tools needed to do it?
 
Dj66 said:
As far as i can tell your shocks are not height adjustable.They should be pre-load Adjustable, ...
Click to expand...
Believe it or not, those are the same thing. :eek:
icon_shrug.gif


The adjustment collar that is on most shocks will compress the spring a bit. The range of adjustment is usually less than an inch. If you sit on the bike and the shocks compress two inches, you can adjust the collars to raise yourself back up one of those inches. The springs will still be compressed two inches, but you have only used one inch of travel.

Those adjustment collars don't do anything to enable the bike to handle the extra weight of a passenger, either. The springs will still be compressed the same amount, the collars will only raise the ride height by about an inch. :o

.
 
Steve said:
Believe it or not, those are the same thing. :eek:
icon_shrug.gif


Those adjustment collars don't do anything to enable the bike to handle the extra weight of a passenger, either. The springs will still be compressed the same amount, the collars will only raise the ride height by about an inch. :o

.
Click to expand...


That's really all I'm looking for is to lower the ride height if the bike an inch or so. I just want to rest my feet flat on the ground while sitting on the seat.

Is it just a rotation if that collar at the bottom of the shock to compress the spring? Special tools required?
 
There are different tools for different models. Some use any round rod, some use a special hook shaped wrench, some shocks have a lever built in, there are others. Show up a picture of your shock.
 
Shock News

Shock News

tkent02 said:
There are different tools for different models. Some use any round rod, some use a special hook shaped wrench, some shocks have a lever built in, there are others. Show up a picture of your shock.
Click to expand...

Yep, yep. I have that special tool to adjust my new Progressive Rear Shocks. When I first purchased them, Rob from Z1 asked if I was going to ride with a passenger. Then he asked me how much I weighed.

Based on this information, he issued me a nice set of Progressive Shocks!

I have no problems with the shocks being on the lowest settings. Depending on my riding style, I can tighten the shocks with the special tool that came with the shocks.



Ed
 
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Regardless of the "special tool" that might be necessary, I have found that a large pair of Channel-lock pliers works well, too. :D

.
 
Steve has the right answers..the "pre load" only raises the shock inside the spring a tad to prevent a rider from compressing so far that the fender rubs the tire..nothing more. Channel Locks are great. Also if you have an old Phillips screw driver you dont mind bending, you can heat one up and bend yourself a spanner wrench. Chunk of rod from Home Depot that fits into the adjusters hole will also make a dandy spanner.
 
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Whatever works

Whatever works

Steve said:
Regardless of the "special tool" that might be necessary, I have found that a large pair of Channel-lock pliers works well, too. :D

.
Click to expand...

I've got your "special tool" right here Steve! :D

Don't make me post a picture and brag about my special adjusting tool for my new Progressive Rear Shocks.:eek:


chuck hahn said:
Steve has the right answers..the "pre load" only raises the shock 9inside the spring a tad to prevent a rider from compressing so far that the fender rubs the tire..nothing more. Channel Locks are great. Also if you have an old Phillips screw driver you dont mind bending, you can heat one up and bend yourself a spanner wrench. Chunk of rod from Home derpot that fits into the adjusters hole will also make a dandy spanner.
Click to expand...

You too chuck...I got your "spanner" right here! :D



Ed
 
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Steve said:
Believe it or not, those are the same thing. :eek:
icon_shrug.gif


The adjustment collar that is on most shocks will compress the spring a bit. The range of adjustment is usually less than an inch. If you sit on the bike and the shocks compress two inches, you can adjust the collars to raise yourself back up one of those inches. The springs will still be compressed two inches, but you have only used one inch of travel.

Those adjustment collars don't do anything to enable the bike to handle the extra weight of a passenger, either. The springs will still be compressed the same amount, the collars will only raise the ride height by about an inch. :o

.
Click to expand...
Changing the pre-load can change RIDE height,sitting at a stop light you are not at ride height,some of your weight is on (not to mention in) your legs. On my Buell the adjustment collar changed ride height,not pre-load, I imagine many modern bikes are like that. Ours are not.
 
Dj66 said:
Changing the pre-load can change RIDE height,sitting at a stop light you are not at ride height,some of your weight is on (not to mention in) your legs. On my Buell the adjustment collar changed ride height,not pre-load, I imagine many modern bikes are like that. Ours are not.
Click to expand...

Well call it what you want to, when you tighten the preload the bike gets taller. When you loosen the preload the bike gets shorter. It's been that way since shocks with adjustable were invented.
 
Not true,the point is the maximum shock extension stays the same,so it is not height adjustable.
 
Maximum shock extension only happens when it's on the centerstand or flying off a jump.

Going down a road it adjusts the ride height, or sitting at a light it adjusts the seat height.

He was talking about seat height sitting on the bike while stopped, not flying off jumps or on the centerstand. Changing the preload does this perfectly.
 
Hmmm...learning about rear shocks as I sip on a Guinness. Thanks guys.


Ed
 
Guinness! Num Num Num.
That was a much better thread!
Had a few myself!
Did not learn a ---- thing!
 
Steve said:
Grab another beverage, it works on the front forks, too. :D

.
Click to expand...

Thx Steve. It's refreshing to get a response. I keep forgetting not everyone was raised like me with manners.

Is it too much to ask for a response even if ONE doesn't know an individual? It really says alot about an individual who ignores someone talking to them.


Ed
 
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