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Main Area => General GS500 Discussion => Topic started by: mdbHokie on October 23, 2006, 06:13:26 AM

Title: Rear shock adjustment
Post by: mdbHokie on October 23, 2006, 06:13:26 AM
I've searched and read posts about the rear shock adjustment.  However, I still can't figure out what mine is currently set to. 

There are some pics in this post: http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=11410.0

I see the numbers on the preload collar.  I just don't know what to line these numbers up with to determine what the current setting is.

Thanks,

Mike
Title: Re: Rear shock adjustment
Post by: ajaxgs on October 23, 2006, 07:21:04 AM
the number should be facing you under the dog bone
Title: Re: Rear shock adjustment
Post by: mdbHokie on October 23, 2006, 07:42:14 AM
So it should be facing the right side of the bike?  Perpendicular?
Title: Re: Rear shock adjustment
Post by: ajaxgs on October 23, 2006, 08:52:07 AM
from the left side should be perpendicular
Title: Re: Rear shock adjustment
Post by: Killermarmot on October 23, 2006, 01:44:33 PM
The numbers are on both sides at the bottom of that little slotted collar, probably covered in grime and stuff. Just wipe em off and the one facing perpandicular to the bike is the setting you're on.
I'll post a picture when I get back home :thumb:
Title: Re: Rear shock adjustment
Post by: Killermarmot on October 23, 2006, 03:48:40 PM
Ok this is pretty crude but its hard to get a good picture of it. getting the wrench in there, then the little pipe handle is a tight fit and then you basicly just give it a good crank and it will click over, it feels sorta spring loaded (clockwise to go to a higher setting)
(http://flyingmarmot.com/barf/IMG_0012.bmp)
Title: Re: Rear shock adjustment
Post by: mdbHokie on October 23, 2006, 04:13:14 PM
Got it, thanks!  Mine has been set on 3.  I'm 6'5" and 210 lbs... so I set it to 7.  It feels much firmer now.
Title: Re: Rear shock adjustment
Post by: Killermarmot on October 23, 2006, 04:20:07 PM
Quote from: mdbHokie on October 23, 2006, 04:13:14 PM
Got it, thanks!  Mine has been set on 3.  I'm 6'5" and 210 lbs... so I set it to 7.  It feels much firmer now.
:thumb: Same here mine was set at 3 and I'm 6'4 195. Have you done your front springs? Just did mine and well worth it.  :cheers:
Title: Re: Rear shock adjustment
Post by: mdbHokie on October 23, 2006, 04:56:12 PM
Quote from: Killermarmot on October 23, 2006, 04:20:07 PM
Quote from: mdbHokie on October 23, 2006, 04:13:14 PM
Got it, thanks!  Mine has been set on 3.  I'm 6'5" and 210 lbs... so I set it to 7.  It feels much firmer now.
:thumb: Same here mine was set at 3 and I'm 6'4 195. Have you done your front springs? Just did mine and well worth it.  :cheers:

I haven't done my fronts.  What is involved?  Easy DIY?
Title: Re: Rear shock adjustment
Post by: Killermarmot on October 23, 2006, 05:11:32 PM
There's a great tutorial on here
http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=25706.0

It's basicly just wheel off, loosen triple tree, forks out, open em out, dump out oil and pull spring, replace, seal em up, reatatch everything. Took me and a buddy around an hour or two and he did most of the work by himself while I was doing an oil change and changing a gasket.

I went with these guys http://www.racetech.com/ but sonic springs are also out there and I've heard they're virtually the same but I can't vouche for it. So just go through this thing http://www.racetech.com/evalving/menu/searchstreet.asp Then there's a cool calculator for your weight, the bike, riding style tells you what spring rate and oil you should use. They come with a thorough set of instructions of their own and off you go. 

It's like riding a diferent bike (especially for those of us that weigh significantly more then Suzuki set the bike up for) :cheers: I'm happy to answer any questions about my swap too, everyone should have this mod.