I've had my GS for nearly a year now and I'm kinda curious about the rear shock. How exactly do you adjust it with the special tool. I tried today and couldn't do it. I'm kind of a heavy guy (200) and would maybe like to try to stiffen up the rear shock and raise the back end up a little. Any suggestions?
i just took a flat head screw driver and hammer and a couple of taps plus its hard to get the tool in place and risk busting your knuckels
This is a perennial problem. The short answer is it's a PITA.
I found the easiest way was to put the bike on the centrestand and approach from the right. You'll only get half the distance from one notch to the next in the space available, so you have to hold the collar and reposition the spanner for a second bite.
I junked mine (from my '01) after 12,000 km and replaced it with a Hagon. Preload collar is on the top of the shock and is really easy to get to. It also has damping adjustment.