Need a little guidance.  I want to adjust the spring preload for a slightly stiffer ride.  The owner's manual has instructions, and a diagram, which looks nothing like what I find on my bike (01 gs 500).
At the bottom of the spring/shock is a slotted housing, with numbers on it.  The tool in the toolkit designed to turn this housing fits on OK...but: 1. is this what I turn to stiffen the ride, I assume clockwise, and 2. is it OK to apply significant force to turn the housing...it was not moving under medium force this morning, and before I really give it a go, I want to be sure I'm not going to do damage.  Thank you.

1. Yes, but I can't remember if it's clockwise or counterclockwise.
2. Yes, I had to give it considerable force to move it. I think I may have even tapped it with a hammer. Be careful, the wrench slips easily and you could mash a finger.

BTW I tried mine with it on and off the center stand and had better luck with it off the stand.

is there any trick to getting the tool into the slots and finding a little more leverage and turning room, or do you just wiggle it in and do the best you can?  Thanks again

When I did it, I just got down on the floor and tried the tool from both sides until I could get it in the notches. It never fit flush, just well enough that I could turn the collar. I'd tap it a couple times, then have to reposition.

By the way, the extension is a must here. There is not enough leverage to do it without.

ahhhh great idea...thanks for the tips.

Quote from: dmp221 on June 28, 2003, 08:43:42 AM
Need a little guidance.  I want to adjust the spring preload for a slightly stiffer ride.  The owner's manual has instructions, and a diagram, which looks nothing like what I find on my bike (01 gs 500).
At the bottom of the spring/shock is a slotted housing, with numbers on it.  The tool in the toolkit designed to turn this housing fits on OK...but: 1. is this what I turn to stiffen the ride, I assume clockwise, and 2. is it OK to apply significant force to turn the housing...it was not moving under medium force this morning, and before I really give it a go, I want to be sure I'm not going to do damage.  Thank you.

i didn't get a tool kit with my bike as i bought it used. not sure if i can adjust the preload without that special tool.

Quote from: 905mike on October 24, 2008, 08:41:45 PM

Quote from: dmp221 on June 28, 2003, 08:43:42 AM
Need a little guidance.  I want to adjust the spring preload for a slightly stiffer ride.  The owner's manual has instructions, and a diagram, which looks nothing like what I find on my bike (01 gs 500).
At the bottom of the spring/shock is a slotted housing, with numbers on it.  The tool in the toolkit designed to turn this housing fits on OK...but: 1. is this what I turn to stiffen the ride, I assume clockwise, and 2. is it OK to apply significant force to turn the housing...it was not moving under medium force this morning, and before I really give it a go, I want to be sure I'm not going to do damage.  Thank you.

i didn't get a tool kit with my bike as i bought it used. not sure if i can adjust the preload without that special tool.

1) Get the biggest common head screw driver (that will fit the slot) you own/borrowed/stole.
2) On the left side of the bike, get down on all fours and make a honking sound. This is the sound gs's like before they get their "adjustment" for the day.
3) Insert the screwstick and move the screwstick from the forward part of the motorsicle to the rear. (on the LEFT side of the bike, if you were sitting on it)
4) I don't like the number four today, so there isn't one.
5) You'll hear it go ping, ping, ping POWWWWWW- ING ! and that last loud one means you're back at position number ONE. Do the math, and use the position you like for firmness. I use position 5 or 6 (i'm about 220lbs) or 7 when the wife rides (no mention of weight, she's still getting over our daughter's baby fat )

Side note: if you have a loooooong 1/4" socket extension, it fits the adjuster ring nicely also.

The tool provided to adjust preload just makes you look like well, a tool, should you try to use it with friends watching. Carry a biiiig screwstick, and taunt your friends with it if they question you about it.

Good luck, it's easy after the first time

GREAT info; but somehow I get the impression tequilla was involved in that description.       

prs

That worked great - I got a long handled slot screwdriver and gave it a few wallops with the old hammer in the right direction, and now my ride is stiffer. Cool ! And I didn't have to use any tequila, either