showa shock adjustmant

[Doc Sawdust]

First time on so forgive if done wrong.
Mine is a 98 and has Showa shocks, chrome, arrow up to rear of shock and no numbers. Wife complains that bumps in road jar her badly. Please advise as to likely cause and how to fix.
Thanks.
Victor
Houston, MS

[DFragn]

They could be set too soft and your bottoming out.

If the increment markings are missing you'll have to go thru the setup and mark it out yourself or make a note.

1 - 5 reads left to right. You'll have to find the 1 position. If you rotate to the right and get a good pop you'll know you've come around to the 1st. position [it'll pop pretty good when it jumps from 5 to 1].

Hey all, if I have that backwards would someone correct me.

[Doc Sawdust]

thanks, it has maybe 12 holes around the shock. where do I get wrench to turn or is there something in tool bax I can use to turn it...

[DFragn]

thanks, it has maybe 12 holes around the shock. where do I get wrench to turn or is there something in tool bax I can use to turn it...

The holes are for the adjuster tool w/hollow flat bar. If your tool kit's complete it should be in there. Otherwise a strap wrench will work [not so easy]. It would be easier if you can get the rear wheel off the ground with a bike lift w/adapter or a centerstand.

[Doc Sawdust]

one more time, looking down on the shock from above, which way do I turn it? clockwise or counter clockwise

and again many thanks

[DFragn]

one more time, looking down on the shock from above, which way do I turn it? clockwise or counter clockwise

and again many thanks

If the ride is harsh because your bottoming out turn clockwise to increase spring tension it might be on the #1 position.

If you think it's not actually bottoming out it may be on #5 and needs to be reduced counterclockwise.

Only you can judge why it's harsh. If it's bottoming it will jar you a bit on compression.

[JetDriver]

http://www.mid-ohio.com/fiche_section_detail.asp?section=148835&category=MOTORCYCLES&make=HONDA&year=1998&fveh=3477

Item #4 is your shock adjusting tool.

[1FAST6]

I don't have the standard shocks anymore, but I believe you turn them clockwise to increase the tension.  When you go past #5, you will hear a pop as it drops back to #1.  If I recall correctly, you should not turn them backwards to reduce the tension, you just go all the way around.  I tried to loosen mine and the weld broke at the bottom of the shock.  Therefore, I got a new set of Progressive 440s!   

[Larry]

Doc, when adjusting you can turn clockwise OR counterclockwise as long as you are on the smaller 1-5 adjustment notches. You cannot turn them backwards from 1 to 5 as the jump is too big. I don't like rotating from 5 down to 1 as I think it jars the innards too much. The wrench is a hook like affair that you combine with the spark plug wrench for leverage to adjust the shock. It's a pain with saddlebags as there is not a lot of wiggle room and then there is the exhaust cover if it's hot, ouch!    Also, at my petite 280 and my wife on I ride on #5, solo I'm on #4. I like a firmer ride.