Rear pre load adjustment problem - can't turn the collar?!

[Boris]

Hi

A few weeks back I moved the pre load clockwise to make the ride stiffer. I'd moved it back to standard and had no problem doing this using the Honda C spanner..

Over the last couple of days I've been trying to move the pre load back to the hard position (clockwise) and for the life of me I can't move it. Is it possible that it is seized somehow? I have tried so many times to move it and it ain't budging.

Any advice out there please?

Cheers

Boris

[TroggysRevenge]

the preload adjuster is a big pain.  Check that you haven't rounded the tip off your c-spanner.  If you have, then it won't grip the collar properly and will just slip off - I've done it to mine 

I've got an aftermarket spanner now, but I haven't tried it yet to see if it's any better than the original one.

[Boris]

Hi, it looks ok but as it's not getting a grip it could well be that is what has happened. A trip to the dealer then by the looks of it...

Cheers

[Boris]

Mechanic at dealer told me the Honda c spanner is s*** and not fit for purpose! He got the collar turned for me and now it feels spot on..

[TroggysRevenge]

Good to hear.  I've yet to try my new spanner to see if it's any better - haven't carried a pillion yet. 

[Boris]

Originally Posted by TroggysRevenge

Good to hear.  I've yet to try my new spanner to see if it's any better - haven't carried a pillion yet. 

Which one did you go for? I'll be replacing mine...

[TroggysRevenge]

I tried using the aftermarket one - it's no good.  The crossrunner spanner is designed to cover only about 1/8th of the collar to fit through the narrow gap - the new one is a full 180 degrees and I can't get around the back of the collar to get it on properly.  I'll go back to the shop to see if there's anything better, but let me know if there's anything that works for you!

[TroggysRevenge]

I've managed to adjust the spring with the new tool I bought.  It didn't come with any brand name or product ID so I've taken a photo to give you an idea of what you need.  I have a chat with the mechanic too, he said that the Honda tool wasn't hardened, so it wasn't going to last forever with a lot of use.  He also said to prevent it from happening again, you should get all the weight off the back wheel by lifting it if possible (centre stand?), or at least removing the top box and unnecessary accessories and getting someone else to provide some lift!

Honda Tool (showing the rounded tip)


I've included a shot of the generic tool that won't work.  Because you can't see what you're doing around the back of the spring it's impossible to get a grip, and the thick handle prevents it from turning when you do:
generic tool (won't work)


The below tool is what worked for me (it doesn't have a brand name).  The right-hand (smaller) end was easiest, and the thinner handle meant more angle for turning.
Hardened tool

[Boris]

Groggy, you star. These pics are really helpful. I had bought one of the 'won't work' tools (just arrived) but not tried it yet. I can see now why it won't. I'll find one of the generic ones on line and go for that.

Such a shame that Honda did away with the easy to work adjusting knob. This way of adjusting is pretty primitive in comparison, especially when the tool they provide is so poor!

Thanks for taking the time to take those pictures.

Boris

[54K+]

Having had the seized remote adjusting knob on the rear shock of my VFR1200 and the fact this seems to be a serious problem from the amount of others I have seen on forums. It is little surprise that Big H have struck with the direct adjustment using a C spanner for the C.R. It is a shame their tools appear to be made out of chocolate though!