I'll start by mentioning that there is a REALLY useful wiki page about adjusting the rear preload value, at
http://wiki.gstwins.com/index.php?n=Upgrades.RearShock (http://wiki.gstwins.com/index.php?n=Upgrades.RearShock)
Unfortunately, it does not mention one particular thing:
How can you tell which value the preload is currently set to?
The manual claims that there is a little thingie that slots into a place right next to the number.
However, on my 2006, such a thing is not visible at all to me.
It looks pretty much like the picture on the wiki (although much much cleaner :-D )
Left side(clutch side) there will be a little mettal bump in the slot below the numbers.
The factory sets the rear shock preload to the 4th setting out of 7.
You can see in the 2nd picture in that link, the number 7 on the lower part of the preload ring, is facing the right of the bike, which indicates that the preload is set to #7.
erm... you nice fellas just said complete opposites of each other. one said "number's on the left", and other said "number's on the right".
more confused...
It's either one or the other. There's only two sides on a bike. 50/50 chance. If you can't find it on one side, try the other.
Discovery: turns out the numbers are on BOTH sides!
Directly across from each other, is a copy of the same number.
:thumb:
I put on a Kat 6 shock and I have no idea. I just adjusted the preload until the sag was about an inch. Now to play with the rebound dampening.
[POST HAS BEEN REMOVED BY USER]
Nrraagg.. I cant move it :(
the good news: I found the "little bump" inside the collar, at least. it's on the right side of the bike, on mine.
I have the original tool, plus the extender thingie.. but there's almost no room to work with the thing !
I was tempted to just unbolt the left-side footpeg bracket.. but even if I did that, the stupid diagonal bar would still be in the way :(
The more bad news: even after i squeezed the thing on there... it's way tight. I couldnt shift it myself :(
I've used a really long, thick shank screwdriver to pivot it around. I think I have a picture of me doing so here on GStwins.
If you're increasing preload, it's best to have the bike on the center stand.
Try more of a twisting motion with the shock spanner (with the extension thingy on the handle) rather than pulling to make it rotate. I know that probably doesn't make sense. When I adjust it, I can't do so with the spanner fully seated on the adjuster ring, it's more at an angle.
Get the spanner hooked in as deep as you can get it in there and then use whatever available space there is to apply torque to the adjuster ring.
Remove the lower mudflap on theswing arm and you can easily get to the shock. Center stand idea is a good one too.