Does the rear shock have to be removed to adjust pre-load on the 800?

kfoster · July 06, 2014, 20:50:25 PM

I am fairly familiar with adjusting shocks in general. My ZRX is three way adjustable, Compression - Rebound - and preload both at the front and rear ends.

My EX 500 has a Works Performance remotely three way adjustable rear shock and is set up with progressive springs on the front end.

This Drifter works pretty well as-is for relaxed riding. I just need to do a few weekend two-up jaunts.

CDNRatMan · July 06, 2014, 14:52:29 PM

Quote
the rear shock to adjust pre-load. Wow.....I've never had a bike where suspension adjustment was remotely as difficult as all of this! Please tell me that I have this wrong!

preload is different then what you are adjusting here, here it is the dampening. It will be a really easy job KF when you decide to replace the rear shock. I will make sure I am around to help you.....

kfoster · July 06, 2014, 13:17:17 PM

Thanks!!! I found it. Sure glad that I was mistaken!

CDNRatMan · July 06, 2014, 09:21:35 AM

kw here is the thread I posted to

http://www.vulcandrifterriders.com/forum/index.php?topic=23613.msg48594#msg48594

kfoster · July 06, 2014, 08:23:47 AM

Quote from: greenbarn on July 06, 2014, 08:15:08 AM
No, it can be done on the bike. Not sure which manual you have - I clipped the section from my electronic version...

It can be done in about 5 minutes, including figuring out what to do.

Ratman did put a post on here a while back with pictures, very helpful.

Thanks! That makes perfect sense. Just like my old KLR! Just more stuff around the adjusting nut.

greenbarn · July 06, 2014, 08:15:08 AM

No, it can be done on the bike. Not sure which manual you have - I clipped the section from my electronic version...

It can be done in about 5 minutes, including figuring out what to do.

Ratman did put a post on here a while back with pictures, very helpful.

Troll · July 06, 2014, 08:12:17 AM

Ratman knows all about it...

kfoster · July 06, 2014, 07:50:45 AM

I don't have the Drifter shop manual yet. (Just got the bike last week). I downloaded a standard Vulcan 800 manual. It describes removing the rear shock to adjust pre-load. Wow.....I've never had a bike where suspension adjustment was remotely as difficult as all of this! Please tell me that I have this wrong!