Quote from: CndnMax^^^ this tool is very easy to use. first go on the left side of the bike and lay down, then unscrew the left screw off that lower mudflap and turn it out of the way, then place tool on shock and pull towards you- very easy.

I thought that sounded like a good idea! But I popped the bike up on the centerstand this afternoon, and that mudflap isn't in the way at all. The frame crossmember that mudflap is mounted to is what's in the way. As well as all this other crap. ANYWAY, I realized I could get it engaged from the right side. Of course, then I couldn't pull hard enough on it. A custom made, or lucky fitting perfect extension would have got it done, but I couldn't find anything. Suggestions to bang on the ring with a screwdriver or punch and hammer also did not work for me, but did a good job of nicking the ring up.

I see other threads about this, so here's a few pics to help others out who want to tighten this rear adjuster. You just need a big crowbar. I got this one at Sears a while ago for $12ish?

 

The adjuster just fits in this location, here it is halfway engaged:



Get it on there, engage crowbar, and the tab the centerstand is mounted too makes a perfect fulcrum. Luckily the crowbar JUST fit in between the frame and exhaust:



DONE!

having it on the sidestand might have gave you the small amount of clearance u needed, thats the only reason i can think of since it worked like a charm for me.

Quote from: ecpreston on October 08, 2007, 04:51:53 PM
A custom made, or lucky fitting perfect extension would have got it done, but I couldn't find anything.

Is your stock complete?  The unit just to the right of the "C spanner" in THIS PHOTO from JohNLA's tripod.com website is designed to serve as an extension for all three of the flat-handled wrenches next to it.  Perhaps that part is missing from your kit?

heh, yes, looks like it is missing! Oh well.