Rear Shock Adjustment

[crimsonspirit]

I have a 2009 Honda Spirit and it has the adjustable read shock. The settings are 1-5 and the default setting is 2. What exactly does this setting do? I was wondering if, since I'm probably bigger than the "default" size (I'm 240), should I adjust the shock to 3, or maybe 4? And what kind of tool do you need to adjust it? Doesn't look like a normal wrench. Any suggestions for a noobie?

Thanks,
T

[MidnightToker]

http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com...FQ0_agodOEjY5Q

["Captain D"]

I`ve been lucky in that I`ve been able to grab aholdt of the adjuster and doit by hand, no tool required...
I do have the spanner wrench in my tool kit though...

[mr hammond]

my stock tool pouch has the spanner wrench that is needed...i have mine set on 1

[ms21117]

I use large plyers w/ a cloth on the teeth- very easy- only move it one click at a time to avoid damage...min's on 2 (I'm 220) and I move it to 3 if I'm carryin a load...

[Eldorado]

Check with your local dealer and see if they have any, they are not that expensive and you save s/h charges, I would also try #3 setting and see how that works, I'm only 180 and keep mine on 3, if two up and gear I go to 5, just remember that you always go "up the numbers and if you want to go to lower numbers just keep going, never go backwards"....

[crimsonspirit]

Originally Posted by Eldorado

just remember that you always go "up the numbers and if you want to go to lower numbers just keep going, never go backwards"....

That is a new one, I have not heard that before. Thanks.

I don't know if I didn't get the spanner tool, or left if lying around after I had the tool kit out one time. I'll have to see if I can either do it by hand or get a new tool. If I try to make an adjustment, say to 3, what am I looking for to know whether it is better or not? I know that sounds like a simple question, and maybe it is, but I'm curious.

Thanks for the responses!

[garyinvb]

Let me just add that if your looking for new shocks, I put the progressive 412's on mine, and on setting 1 (I'm 180) its like gliding on air... they are excellent...

["Captain D"]

Well now!!!!
Contradicty to the "Always forward";
READ YOUR MOM before making this adjustment from 5 to 1...(Motorcycle Owners Manual)
I`ve learned from experience of others...
If you take that "BIG STEP" from 5-1 ~ it could snap off the stop on the shock, then you`ll be upgrading to new shocks anyhow...
There is quite a bit of force when the spring releases its energy, and that little tab is only held on by a very small spotweld...
Yeah, I`m a "worry wort" some one once posted this comment before...
BUT I`ve seen the results!!!

[O'Larry]

YUP, like Cpt'n D says, NEVER let the shocks go from 5 to 1, ALWAYS, back the shocks down in the reverse order that you took them UP. "It aint rocket science"!