BannedCR500Riders.com

how the hell do you adjust the rear spring? i have about 1.5" of extra travel i can use and i dont know what tool to use or where to get it

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<----this guys stupid.


i thought about that but was sure it was way to easy and HAD to be more complicated than that

I perfer the hammer and oversize punch method.

But first you have to get the correct spring rate for your weight with gear on. Then use the above to correctly set the Sag for the type of riding thats done. See the manual for Sag how to.

bigjay wrote:
i thought about that but was sure it was way to easy and HAD to be more complicated than that

It is.....


Step #1

CONFIRM ALL YOUR SUSPENSION / SHOCK BEARINGS ARE GOOD, AND WELL GREASED!!

Then, place the bike on a stand, making sure that the rear suspension is fully extended, rear tire not touching anything but air. Measure with a tape measure vertically from the axle to a point on the frame or fender. Mark the point . (I use a felt tip pen).


Step #2

Take the machine off the stand, and stand/or sit in your NORMAL riding position. Either on the pegs or sitting towards the front of the seat.

This is where helpers come in to balance the bike and take measurements. (you need to be on the bike) Measure as you did before. The difference between these two measurements should be 1/3 of the bikes travel. A bike like a CR500 with 12 inches of travel should have a measurement of 4 inches. . If it is not, you will need to adjust the spring adjuster nut (this is called setting PRELOAD) Get off the bike, and place it back on the stand.



Step #3

Before adjusting preload, make sure the bike is on the stand securely, and swingarm is again fully extended. Adjust the preload ring (also called the adjuster) as need to achieve the recommended sag. Turing the nut clockwise will decrease sag, turning the nut counter clock wise will increase sag.



CHECK FREE SAG

Holding the motorcycle next to you, lift the rear to full extension. Let go and allow the bike to settle under its own weight. (no rider, off the stand.) Measure as you did before. The measurement should be between 3/4" to 1 1/4". If it is, tighten down the locking collar, and your done!

If Free sag is less than 3/4", chances are your spring is too soft. (you need a stiffer spring since there is too much preload holding the bike up.)

Sag really effects how the bike turns..... get it right!

And actually, one of these works much better than the ole' hammer and a screwdriver:

AlisoBob wrote:

bigjay wrote:
i thought about that but was sure it was way to easy and HAD to be more complicated than that

It is.....


Step #1

CONFIRM ALL YOUR SUSPENSION / SHOCK BEARINGS ARE GOOD, AND WELL GREASED!!

Then, place the bike on a stand, making sure that the rear suspension is fully extended, rear tire not touching anything but air. Measure with a tape measure vertically from the axle to a point on the frame or fender. Mark the point . (I use a felt tip pen).


Step #2

Take the machine off the stand, and stand/or sit in your NORMAL riding position. Either on the pegs or sitting towards the front of the seat.

This is where helpers come in to balance the bike and take measurements. (you need to be on the bike) Measure as you did before. The difference between these two measurements should be 1/3 of the bikes travel. A bike like a CR500 with 12 inches of travel should have a measurement of 4 inches. . If it is not, you will need to adjust the spring adjuster nut (this is called setting PRELOAD) Get off the bike, and place it back on the stand.



Step #3

Before adjusting preload, make sure the bike is on the stand securely, and swingarm is again fully extended. Adjust the preload ring (also called the adjuster) as need to achieve the recommended sag. Turing the nut clockwise will decrease sag, turning the nut counter clock wise will increase sag.



CHECK FREE SAG

Holding the motorcycle next to you, lift the rear to full extension. Let go and allow the bike to settle under its own weight. (no rider, off the stand.) Measure as you did before. The measurement should be between 3/4" to 1 1/4". If it is, tighten down the locking collar, and your done!

If Free sag is less than 3/4", chances are your spring is too soft. (you need a stiffer spring since there is too much preload holding the bike up.)

Sag really effects how the bike turns..... get it right!

You skipped all the "Beer" steps Bob...

MojoScojo wrote:
You skipped all the "Beer" steps Bob...

britincali wrote:

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No wonder shits constantly falling off on the trail

Yant yousin a big nuff ammer!

Can you fit the spanner with the subframe/air box installed?

Anyone have any tips to adding some preload? I know about the hammer and screw driver.

Once the top ring is loose, you can usually spin the spring to the desired setting. One full rotation is about equal to 3/4 - 1mm.

Mad Dog wrote:Once the top ring is loose, you can usually spin the spring to the desired setting. One full rotation is about equal to 3/4 - 1mm.

Yeah. I tried that, couldn't get it to budge. I was wondering about a strap wrench around the spring, but it just slips between the windings.

You can even tack weld the lower ring the the spring in 3 places, and spin it like M/D said.

Try some WD 40 or something on the threads.

Yeah...I said screw it and just pulled the subframe off. Got the sag right but the rebounds a touch on the fast side one click from full. It will get worse when the oil heats too

I may back the preload down to get the rebound in a better range. That might be the bandaid until I can send it off for a respring and revalve.

Mad dog, thanks for the tips!

robfromga wrote:

Mad Dog wrote:Once the top ring is loose, you can usually spin the spring to the desired setting. One full rotation is about equal to 3/4 - 1mm.

Yeah. I tried that, couldn't get it to budge. I was wondering about a strap wrench around the spring, but it just slips between the windings.

clean threads on the shock body do wonders.

Those spanner wrenchs are great when you have the subframe off, still can't figure out how to sit on the bike with the subframe off though........

I got a little tool from tucker rocky that will take a socket extension to turn it. It didn't work to well, a big straight screw driver with a little bend near the end about 2 or 3"s from the end works nice.

Noleen makes a nice punch for this too, kinda spendy though.