Dumb question: rear shock adjustment

[jay98014]

I'm a big guy compared to the PO;  my 2001 standard bottoms out in the rear when going over bumps & holes.     This happens a lot since after leaving the house, I have to traverse several miles of gravel road before hitting pavement.    So I want to increase the resistance on the rears.

I bought the service manual and have been looking for instructions on the rear shock preload adjustment procedure.   Have not found it...perhaps it is considered so self-evident that no explanation is necessary.   The shocks have a "Showza" (?) brand name on them, and a series of small holes around the (approx) midsection with #'s.    I have seen conversations on here about settings 1 through 5 - can someone please hit me with the clue bat, and tell me what the right adjustment procedure is?  Any tools needed?  Do I have to pull the shocks to adjust them?

With 61k miles, I am already wondering if shock replacements are in order, but want to continue testing the current ones before throwing more money at it.

thx,
Jay

[Patrick]

The original shocks have adjustment ranging from 1[soft] to 5 [hard]. There should be a spanner to turn the shock [without removal]. They should be turned from low to high or high to low, not 1 directly to 5 to 5 directly to 1. Taking some weight off the rear [shocks] will help with adjusting.

[jay98014]

Thanks Patrick!

"Should be a spanner" -> in the on-bike tool pouch?    Is this a special tool or just a wrench by any other name?   

[Michvalk]

It's a special tool that comes in the tool kit. I bought one frome a dirt bike shop. Kind of "C" shaped with a nub for the holes in the shock, and a handle on the other end.

[Bone]

Here is the tool kit that came in my 98 Tourer.

#4 is the spanner for the shock.

[YoungPUP]

Number 4 in the tool kit inserted into #18. Watch yer knuckles. It smarts if ya slip! 

[gordonv]

if you can get someone to lift the rear at the same time, the shock is easier to raise.

[Farther]

My bike didn't come with a spanner, but they are available still. 

[jay98014]

Got home from work and checked the tool pouch - sure enough it had a spanner.  Then I couldn't figure out where the mark was that showed current position, so I just turned the shocks clockwise (looking from the top) until the big bang happened which I assume was the spring releasing on the transition from 5->1.  Hopefully no permanent damage.   Then four more clicks\turns to get to 5.  I could tell the shocks were higher (from the newly exposed dust ring at the bottom of the shock - can't believe the PO didn't disassemble the shocks at every cleaning  ).    Thanks all!   Looking forward to the next ride to check this out.

[Brian]

Jay,
There should be a strip with numbers around the bottom of the middle section. This is the section of the shock turns with the spanner. There should then be an arrow pointing up on the stationary bottom that attaches to the swing arm or pumpkin. This will tell you exactly what setting you are on. Sounds like the PO removed them or something. I feel these should be embossed into the metal as mine have started to come loose too.

If you have the Clymer shop manual the section on lubrication, maintenance and tune up (section 3) has the shock adjustment info.

Make sure both shocks are set the same.

[Chiefy]

Don't make a habit of the "big bang."

[Messy69]

Is there a set number you should have the shocks set to depending on your weight.  Mine are set at four but wondering if I should go to 3.  I'm 5' 11", 185 lbs. 

[Patrick]

Use whatever setting you like. Some like it soft, some like it hard.

[R J]

Is there a set number you should have the shocks set to depending on your weight.  Mine are set at four but wondering if I should go to 3.  I'm 5' 11", 185 lbs. 

3 or 4 should handle YOU a OK.

I'm 253, and I had mine set at 5, after about 60K those stock shocks were toast.

I bought a pair of Progressives, don't remember the #, think it was 412 or something along that line, they were set at 3 before I triked MGM out.   That setting would handle a shade over 500 #'s.   Me & my son.


Where do you live, if close, I might make ya deal on these shocks.

PM me.   I'll find out the exact # on them......

[Quicksilver]

I found the big bang you mention occurs when you reach the max adjustment and it drops down to bottom again. If that is the case you were at max to start with and need to upgrade shocks. I was riding 2 up and found I was bottoming out, switched to  13 " progressive 440hd shocks and since then have been comfortable with a mid range adjustment. The progressives have a screw type adjustment.

[Earl in Pensacola]

Besides comfort at whatever setting you like, there is one other "benefit" of using one of the higher shock setting numbers. That being that the higher number you use, the greater "lean-clearance" you'll have for those turns, at least for me at 190 and 5'9".

By-the-way, if you happen to have a center stand, put the bike up on it and the shock adjustments are easy.