Title: Setting pre-load to maximum for rear suspension???
Post by: GSJames on September 06, 2005, 01:00:34 PM
Post by: GSJames on September 06, 2005, 01:00:34 PM
Hey all,
So I want to perform an adjustment to the rear suspension (set it to 7 I think, which would be firmest) because the passenger brackets I had installed bottom out on the swingarm whenever I have a passenger on the bike and go over a "moderate" bump.
This is what I'm dealing with (as viewed from the right side):
(http://jayee.dyndns.org/remoteimages/rearadjust.jpg)
I'm clueless about this, what is it set at right now? Do I push a metal bar into those holes and turn the whole thing clockwise (when viewed from the bottom)? I tried to insert something, but bent the metal (as shown in blue).
I have read posts before on this, and heard someone was successful and found it easier using a long screwdriver to adjust it, rather than a special tool? Does it need to be long enough that it goes in one hole on one side and out another hole on the other side? Do I need to loosen anything or do anything else first, or should I just start tugging away?
So I want to perform an adjustment to the rear suspension (set it to 7 I think, which would be firmest) because the passenger brackets I had installed bottom out on the swingarm whenever I have a passenger on the bike and go over a "moderate" bump.
This is what I'm dealing with (as viewed from the right side):
(http://jayee.dyndns.org/remoteimages/rearadjust.jpg)
I'm clueless about this, what is it set at right now? Do I push a metal bar into those holes and turn the whole thing clockwise (when viewed from the bottom)? I tried to insert something, but bent the metal (as shown in blue).
I have read posts before on this, and heard someone was successful and found it easier using a long screwdriver to adjust it, rather than a special tool? Does it need to be long enough that it goes in one hole on one side and out another hole on the other side? Do I need to loosen anything or do anything else first, or should I just start tugging away?
Title: Setting pre-load to maximum for rear suspension???
Post by: RVertigo on September 06, 2005, 01:15:15 PM
Post by: RVertigo on September 06, 2005, 01:15:15 PM
I used the tool in the GS toolkit... I just cranked until I could crank any more. And it was really damn hard to find a place to put the tool and get the thing turning.
It's way better than it was set at... 3?... ... The rear shock still sucks though. :dunno:
As for where the setting is measured... :dunno: I could hardly see the numbers anyway.
It's way better than it was set at... 3?... ... The rear shock still sucks though. :dunno:
As for where the setting is measured... :dunno: I could hardly see the numbers anyway.
Title: Setting pre-load to maximum for rear suspension???
Post by: GSJames on September 06, 2005, 01:16:55 PM
Post by: GSJames on September 06, 2005, 01:16:55 PM
So what is mine set at right now? Do you have to go to Suzuki to get the tool?
Title: Davipu
Post by: The Buddha on September 06, 2005, 01:22:31 PM
Post by: The Buddha on September 06, 2005, 01:22:31 PM
Hey just do what davipu siggested a few months ago ... set it to Katana or GSXR ... problem solved ... or yea set it to like 38 in that 1 to 7 scale ... :lol:
Cool.
Srinath.
Cool.
Srinath.
Title: Setting pre-load to maximum for rear suspension???
Post by: RVertigo on September 06, 2005, 01:28:42 PM
Post by: RVertigo on September 06, 2005, 01:28:42 PM
Quote from: GSJamesSo what is mine set at right now?:dunno:
QuoteThe rear shock absorber is adjustable for spring pre-load. Place the machine on its centre stand when making adjustments.
Adjustment is made using a suitable Cspanner (one is provided in the toolkit) to tum the spring seat on the bottom of the shock absorber. There are seven positions. Position 1 is the softest setting, position 7 is the hardest. Align the setting number required with the adjustment stopper. Position 4 is the standard setting.
To increase the pre-load, turn the spring seat clockwise. To decrease the pre-load, tum the spring seat anti-clockwise.
Quote from: GSJamesDo you have to go to Suzuki to get the tool?It comes in the GS toolkit... So, if you don't have a toolkit under your seat, then you may have to go to Suzuki for it... I think there are a few threads about replacing parts in the toolkit and the rear-shock adjustment tool...
Title: Re: Davipu
Post by: GSJames on September 06, 2005, 01:44:25 PM
Post by: GSJames on September 06, 2005, 01:44:25 PM
Quote from: seshadri_srinathHey just do what davipu siggested a few months ago ... set it to Katana or GSXR ... problem solved ... or yea set it to like 38 in that 1 to 7 scale ... :lol:
Cool.
Srinath.
So you're saying even I bother there will be no difference
Title: Band aid
Post by: The Buddha on September 06, 2005, 01:56:05 PM
Post by: The Buddha on September 06, 2005, 01:56:05 PM
Yea its just a band aid any way ... unless you're super light ... under 150-160 lbs ...
Cool.
Srinath.
Cool.
Srinath.
Title: Band aid
Post by: The Buddha on September 06, 2005, 01:56:48 PM
Post by: The Buddha on September 06, 2005, 01:56:48 PM
Yea its just a band aid any way ... unless you're super light ... under 150-160 lbs ...
Cool.
Srinath.
Cool.
Srinath.
Title: Setting pre-load to maximum for rear suspension???
Post by: GSJames on September 06, 2005, 02:01:40 PM
Post by: GSJames on September 06, 2005, 02:01:40 PM
Any idea what it looks like it's set at right now? If it looks like it's at 1 it might make a slight difference
Title: Setting pre-load to maximum for rear suspension???
Post by: Jake D on September 06, 2005, 02:07:47 PM
Post by: Jake D on September 06, 2005, 02:07:47 PM
Yeah, that picture isn't working at all both times I've looked at this thread.
I say run a long screwdriver through there and set it at the highest setting. Then try it with your GF on back. Then get on e-bay and look for Katana or GSX-R shocks (my bike has an SV shock on it). See Pantablo's website for more info on shock swapping.
I am not sure we can tell what it is set on, but then again, I still havenn't seen the darn picture.
I say run a long screwdriver through there and set it at the highest setting. Then try it with your GF on back. Then get on e-bay and look for Katana or GSX-R shocks (my bike has an SV shock on it). See Pantablo's website for more info on shock swapping.
I am not sure we can tell what it is set on, but then again, I still havenn't seen the darn picture.
Title: Setting pre-load to maximum for rear suspension???
Post by: GSJames on September 06, 2005, 02:15:32 PM
Post by: GSJames on September 06, 2005, 02:15:32 PM
Sorry about the pic... It's hosted on my computer, and the internet connection is being intermittent. Damn, sorry. If you retry it a couple times it should eventually come through:
http://jayee.dyndns.org/remoteimages/rearadjust.jpg (try it in a separate window)
Oh, and of course, thanks for the advice :cheers:
http://jayee.dyndns.org/remoteimages/rearadjust.jpg (try it in a separate window)
Oh, and of course, thanks for the advice :cheers:
Title: Setting pre-load to maximum for rear suspension???
Post by: RVertigo on September 06, 2005, 02:21:14 PM
Post by: RVertigo on September 06, 2005, 02:21:14 PM
You should put it up on photobucket.com
Easy, free, fast. :thumb:
Easy, free, fast. :thumb:
Title: Setting pre-load to maximum for rear suspension???
Post by: Jake D on September 06, 2005, 02:32:45 PM
Post by: Jake D on September 06, 2005, 02:32:45 PM
It is working now. I can't really tell what it is set at.
Title: Re: Band aid
Post by: Roadstergal on September 06, 2005, 02:38:49 PM
Post by: Roadstergal on September 06, 2005, 02:38:49 PM
Quote from: seshadri_srinathYea its just a band aid any way ... unless you're super light ... under 150-160 lbs ...
Title: Setting pre-load to maximum for rear suspension???
Post by: scratch on September 06, 2005, 02:45:25 PM
Post by: scratch on September 06, 2005, 02:45:25 PM
You're currently on 5. Since you are tightening, I would also suggest you put the bike on the centerstand so you are not fighting the weight of the bike while you are tightening the spring preload.
Title: Setting pre-load to maximum for rear suspension???
Post by: GSJames on September 06, 2005, 02:45:40 PM
Post by: GSJames on September 06, 2005, 02:45:40 PM
OK I'm back after the adjustment. I assumed that the number that directly faces you from either side is what it is set to. I also looked at what way the bottom "appears" to go, up or down given an adjustment in either direction.
Anyway, it's set to 7. Going to pick up the GF, go for a ride, and make a review.
BTW what's so funny????
Anyway, it's set to 7. Going to pick up the GF, go for a ride, and make a review.
BTW what's so funny????
Title: Setting pre-load to maximum for rear suspension???
Post by: RVertigo on September 06, 2005, 02:46:54 PM
Post by: RVertigo on September 06, 2005, 02:46:54 PM
Set your rear tire pressure too... :thumb:
Title: Setting pre-load to maximum for rear suspension???
Post by: Chuck on September 06, 2005, 02:48:38 PM
Post by: Chuck on September 06, 2005, 02:48:38 PM
Quote from: GSJamesBTW what's so funny????
I think the idea that a 160lb person is "super light." I guess that means at 175lbs, I'm just regular light. :roll:
Title: Setting pre-load to maximum for rear suspension???
Post by: RVertigo on September 06, 2005, 02:50:36 PM
Post by: RVertigo on September 06, 2005, 02:50:36 PM
Well, if you look at national (US) statistics... I'm sure 160 is probably on the light side.
On the rear-shock vs weight topic... I'm 165 and the 7 setting is still kinda squishy. :dunno:
On the rear-shock vs weight topic... I'm 165 and the 7 setting is still kinda squishy. :dunno:
Title: Setting pre-load to maximum for rear suspension???
Post by: GSJames on September 06, 2005, 02:53:02 PM
Post by: GSJames on September 06, 2005, 02:53:02 PM
Oh also guys, on your GSes, since you've got stock peg brackets for the passenger and everything - does the rear suspension ever cause you to bottom out on anything with a passenger going over a slight bump?
If in general no, I should investigate bowing out my brackets more so they clear the swingarm... More work! :(
If in general no, I should investigate bowing out my brackets more so they clear the swingarm... More work! :(
Title: Setting pre-load to maximum for rear suspension???
Post by: RVertigo on September 06, 2005, 02:54:33 PM
Post by: RVertigo on September 06, 2005, 02:54:33 PM
I bottom-out the front end all the time (damn Georgetown potholes!)... But, I've never bottomed-out the rear end.
You may just want to look into a better shock... :dunno:
You may just want to look into a better shock... :dunno:
Title: Setting pre-load to maximum for rear suspension???
Post by: GSJames on September 06, 2005, 05:27:26 PM
Post by: GSJames on September 06, 2005, 05:27:26 PM
I hear you man, the Katana shock will be much firmer I'm sure.
But even still, there might be too much travel that my fabricated passenger brackets hit it anyway. And if I can get by just bowing them out (that is if this 7-setting doesn't work) then I'll probably go that route.
But :cheers:
But even still, there might be too much travel that my fabricated passenger brackets hit it anyway. And if I can get by just bowing them out (that is if this 7-setting doesn't work) then I'll probably go that route.
But :cheers:
Title: Re: Setting pre-load to maximum for rear suspension???
Post by: gs500fu_2006 on July 23, 2006, 08:19:26 PM
Post by: gs500fu_2006 on July 23, 2006, 08:19:26 PM
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.
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.
Title: Re: Setting pre-load to maximum for rear suspension???
Post by: annguyen1981 on July 23, 2006, 08:23:21 PM
Post by: annguyen1981 on July 23, 2006, 08:23:21 PM
Spanner tool worked fine for me... I'm downloading the file as we speak, but basically, you have to be on the chain side. insert tool into holes (not that hole you butt-head) from the rear. Then you pull the tool towards the front (again from the chain side).