Changing the suspension preload

[looksfast04]

Hi, I'm new here but I've been looking around for a little while.  A few weeks ago i bought a 2004 gs500f and so far it's been great.  But my question is, how do you change the preload setting on the rear suspension? I've done searches and read a bunch of articles on this site and I understand what it does and all that stuff, but I just can't figure out how to use the tool.  Any help is greatly appreciated, and pictures would be great. Thanks

[Lukewarm Wilson]

it is a pain in the ass
first place the GS on its centre stand grab your little U shape spanner from your tool kit stand on the left hand side of your bike drop to you knees pray that it wont be that awkward, look at the base of your shock you will see a silver collar with oval type holes in it get your little spanner and try to thread the points of the spanner into the holes, best to try from the front of the shock by memory, now depeding if you want to soften or firm it up by memory as im at work, turn clockwise to firm it up anti to soften it, you may need to find a small bit of pipe to put on the end of the spanner for extra leverage and you wont have much room to swing it about. Sometimes I have to attack it from the other side as well as i can only move it so far before the pipe and spanner gets caught. With a little practise you will get it right but took me about 15-20 mins the first time now about 5 mins. Also dont be afraid to use a little OMPH with it A. you wont break anything and they are pretty tight to move.
Hope that helps reminds me I have to do mine for my camping trip this weekend.
All the Best hope it goes well  

[MarlboroMan]

Question:

What if you bought the bike used, and don't have the suzuki-provided spanner?

[TheGoodGuy]

Question:

What if you bought the bike used, and don't have the suzuki-provided spanner?

check www.motorcycle-superstore.com ... they sell it. its a generic peice.

[gs500fu_2006]

Here's a video I made on how to adjust the rear suspension
http://www.sharebigfile.com/file/13827/GS500F-AdjRearSusp-23Jul06.avi.html
I read a ton of posts after having my own trouble with the spanner tool.  The trick here is not to use the spanner tool and instead use a crowbar.  DO NOT USE A PHILLIPS HEAD SCREWDRIVER.