I recently bought a 2008 GS500f but it didn't come with the included tools. I'm wondering what would work as a replacement for the tool meant for adjusting the rear suspension. Would a tire iron work, or a crowbar? Can anybody recommend something that has worked for them?
You can buy a tool from a Suzuki dealership. My bike didn't come with one either but I've never worried about adjusting it. I do sometimes wonder what the difference is between the lowest and highest setting.
You could buy the tool kit.
http://shop.ebay.com/?_from=R40&_trksid=p3984.m570.l1313&_nkw=gs500+tool+kit&_sacat=See-All-Categories
I've bought from powersportsnation. They're pretty good but their kit is incomplete.
Tampa Chop Shop I've dealt with. Their kit looks complete. They have "Make Offer"
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2002-GS500-GS-500-TOOL-KIT-AND-POUCH-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem2eacb4fae2QQitemZ200466037474QQptZMotorcyclesQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories
Pinwall is also excellent. They don't show the tools so I'd ask if complete. Never been unhappy with any purchase from them.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/08-Suzuki-GS500F-GS500-500-TOOL-POUCH-W-TOOLS-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem2eb3081310QQitemZ200572146448QQptZMotorcyclesQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories
maybe someone who has parted a bike has an extra tool kit for cheap to help him out? I don't have one in my magical box-o-parts.
Dealer price and part number:
TOOL ASSY ()
09800-21017 (replaces 09800C99027JF00) 1 $48.26
I have used a crowbar to turn the ring....and i think a monkey wrench the last time i did it.
I used a set of channel lock pliers...but the adjuster collar felt pretty thin...aluminum? I don't think I would do that again...but I think you can get a universal adjuster for around $10 at a bike shop...the one I saw was an attachment for a socket wrench...
Later.
I didn't want to buy the tool kit cause I plan on buying a set of wrenches anyway. Most of the items in the took kit look like cheap wrenches so I won't be needing that stuff. I think I'll try using a tire iron when I buy one, and if that doesn't work, a crow bar. Thanks for the tips. I'm hoping adjusting the suspension will keep the back up a bit more when I'm riding with a passenger :icon_mrgreen:
Another poster put up some pics of what happened when he used a large screwdriver in place of the "official" tool; wasn't pretty...
The official tool is a pain to work with, though.
And I did notice an improvement when I kicked it up one setting to take a passenger. Less bounce-and-clash, much more smooth.