Adjusting the shocks

[2manycars]

I bought a motorcycle lift so I could adjust the shocks. I increased them to four, but want to go to five. The issue I have is using the wrench they provide. I was a major pain trying to get the provided wrench to stay in the "notch" as I increased the tension. I might have given up, but since I managed to get one from 3-5 I had to match it with the other side

Am I doing something wrong (which is very likely), or is there a different wrench available to do the job.

 

[jvicker]

Had the same problem with my stock RS shocks. Got one from 3 to 5 but the other side I could only get to 4. Dropped the other down to 4 for a while and then swapped them for RT shocks.:bowdown:

If you haven't, WD-40 the snot out of them.:thumbup:

 

[Bob Denman]

Those wrenches seem to be more than just a bit "soft"; let them slip once and they're pretty much rounded off and history! :gaah:
If it gets to that point; there's always the "big hammer and flat-bladed screwdriver" method... :shocked: nojoke

 

[Jeriatric]

I bought a motorcycle lift so I could adjust the shocks. I increased them to four, but want to go to five. The issue I have is using the wrench they provide. I was a major pain trying to get the provided wrench to stay in the "notch" as I increased the tension. I might have given up, but since I managed to get one from 3-5 I had to match it with the other side

Am I doing something wrong (which is very likely), or is there a different wrench available to do the job.

Because the wrench is so thin it's critical you pay attention to its alignment with the shock adjuster flange. If you have rounded the end of the wrench a bit - take a file to it - it should be salvageable.

 

[steve635]

When I had the stock shocks, I changed from 3 - 5 with no problem with bike on the ground. I wonder if lifting it is actually hindering your effort?

 

[ultra93]

adjusting shocks

I use a large pair of channel lock pliers (Home Depot) with a rag in the jaws to protect the shocks. Extremely easy with the bike up or down.

 

[arntufun]

Get the wrench on there and slide a 12" pipe over the handle for leverage. You will kick yourself in the azz for ever doing it the harder and not smarter way.

 

[JJW SpyderRider]

Get the wrench on there and slide a 12" pipe over the handle for leverage. You will kick yourself in the azz for ever doing it the harder and not smarter way.

:agree: Makes the change smooth. The old stock shocks had a weak adjuster ring that can break if the Spyder is not lifted.

 

[2manycars]

As always thanks

Thanks for all the advice once again.

 

[tweeder]

Or take the shock out and adjust them on the bench. I did that before I put in my replacement shocks.

 

[Kinderhook]

Adjustment

I broke the adjustment ring on my original equipment 2009 RS shocks by not jacking up first. The good news? I replaced the original shocks with a pair of RT shocks that had in turn been replaced by an owner switching to Elkas. The RT shocks are much stiffer an greatly improved cornering-a lucky break, no pun intended.