Adjusting Shock Absorber

tomartomau

I would like to adjust the shock absorber (dampening, I think) but I cannot find where to access the adjustment. I have looked under the seat and to no avail. I have looked in the Honda Service Manual but it does not have a section for adjustment, only removal and instalation.

Also the bike is an ex police bike (ST1100) (has a blue shock and has only been retired about a year, if that.

Any suggestions

Regards Tony
 
IIRC, there's a stepped ring towards the lower end of the shock that is rotated to make adjustments. Also, a screw facing outboard at the top of the shock for dampening (if police model is same as civilian models, there's a rectangular access hole for the dampening screw)?
 
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On the right side of the bike towards the lower end of the shock you will see a small hole put a screwdriver in there and you can adjust the dampening the knob on the left side is for pre load:03biker:
 
If it's the stock shock, I recommend maxing out the preload and setting the rebound damping at 3/4 to 7/8 of full on. (CW rotation)

How many miles does the shock have? Most, if not all the stock shocks are getting old at 25,000 and at 35,000 to 40,000 they're history.
 
The shock is three years old, but apparently the police used a non OEM shock, (this is what i have been told) it is a vibrant blue in colour!

Many thanks for the replies

Regards Tony
 
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The standard springs came in a variety of colours, and blue was one of them. The only suspension difference with the police model is that one grade heavier fork oil is specified. Sorry for the bad news, but I was disappointed as well. The wiring is the only real difference between the civilian and police models (ok, single seat and the handlebar risers are slighty taller), mechanically they are the same. On the pre 40amp models the VRR was heavier duty on police models.
 
Ok thanks,
I will have a go at adjusting the rear suspension next weekend and report as to the differences.

Tony
 
Tony, as you are in Brisbane RAD shocks up there does rebuilds of standard shocks and can fit the right spring for your weight. A full rebuild with spring is around $200, without spring probably a lot less. They use better parts and oil for the rebuild. I have a standard shock that a few people have borrowed when getting their shocks done. On mine the damping was on the way out, the spring rate was ok (I am 75kgs). Max preload would have been far too stiff for me unless I had the bike fully loaded up. I did have rebound damping set at max and it was barely adequate on typical Australian roads. I did replace the fork springs, well worthwhile to get better front end performance and ground clearance.
 
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