Topic: Adjusting Rear Suspension

[Telorand]

Hello all!

So, I was wanting to adjust the rear suspension down to the lowest setting, since I hear that will drop the back end a little when you sit on it (I'm only 5' 3" and I'm usually on tiptoes).  I bought my '74 CB350F used from some guy, who bought it from some guy, etc., and the toolkit was lost somewhere amongst the many transactions.  Therefore, I have no suspension wrench.  I'd rather not buy this uni-tasker tool if I don't have to, so anyone know some other methods of adjustment, and are said methods reversible so that I can have a passenger?

~Telorand

[bollingball]

You can turn the adj. with a pair of slip joint pliers or channel locks and yes you can put it back by turning the other way.
 But I don't think this will lower the bike.

[socalenduro]

its just a pretty basic lockring spanner....
once the bike is up on the center stand it doesnt take much to turn the collar

[Coyote13]

I adjusted mine two clicks firmer with my bare hands.  Put that guy on the center stand and give it a go.  Adjusting it down should be much easier than adjusting up.  Watch your fingers!

[gnarlycharlie4u]

But I don't think this will lower the bike.

it won't, that adjuster just changes the spring preload not the ride height.

[Duke McDukiedook]

But I don't think this will lower the bike.

it won't, that adjuster just changes the spring preload not the ride height.

+2, You might want to look into some shorter length shocks, a lowering adapter or a modified seat to accommodate your inseam.

[Telorand]

Thanks for all the advice!  I figured I might have to get shorter shocks or make some sort of modification to the lower mounting point to get any substantial height difference.  My hope with all this was that it would sit down just a little bit more with my own weight.

[Coyote13]

Not sure what the mounting point looks like on your bike, but you may look into some lowering blocks.  Cheap, easy solution I've seen used on many, many bikes. My .02

[socalenduro]

the softest preload setting probably will lower the ride height some (less preload will let the bike settle further into the travel with your body weight)...but not the standover height....

you can also just shave some of the seat foam down if all your looking to do is lower standover

[gnarlycharlie4u]

the softest preload setting probably will lower the ride height some (less preload will let the bike settle further into the travel with your body weight)...but not the standover height....

this make sense in theory, but my bike ride height doesn't change from full to no preload.