rear preload adjusting tool - urgent need to buy one that will work!

Discussion in 'Maintenance' started by edderby, Apr 14, 2016.

  1. edderby

    edderby Active Member

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    For the first time in 7 years ownership I have adjusted the rear suspension preload as I have just started to take my girlfriend out for short and slow trips on my RR8 Fireblade. I used the C spanner from the Honda tool kit, but I managed to scrape the underside of the soft alloy swingarm with the hard uncovered steel spanner.

    Can anyone recommend a better spanner to buy, or a clever trick with the Honda one that will help me avoid scraping the swing arm next time?

    Thanks for any useful advice,

    Ed
     
  2. sps170373

    sps170373 Moderator
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    Old bicycle inner tube stretched over the c spanner or gaffa/duck tape wrapped round it
     
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  3. tony lomas

    tony lomas Member

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    I'm the same as you c spanners are rubbish scratched my bike also lucky I don't adjust it often as the wife is always on the back now thinking of changing the rear shock and having it set up properly
     
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  4. edderby

    edderby Active Member

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    Thanks for such sensible advice! It's so obvious, I think I must have had brain fade earlier. I will do exactly as you say from now on when using the spanner.
     
  5. edderby

    edderby Active Member

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    Thanks Tony, girlfriend only goes on the bike every now and then, so I'll have to keep adjusting. Previous reply about wrapping wrench with inner tube makes good sense, just wish I'd thought of it earlier myself...
    Am also wondering about swapping for a VFR1200F maybe - heavy tourer, but at least I'd get to keep the girlfriend happy and continue to go on long european trips but with her with me.
     
  6. tony lomas

    tony lomas Member

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    Love my blade went to assen last year with friends all loaded up and the wife on the back .just back from Silverstone last week end can't wait for oulton park and the tt all with the wife great sat nav ha
     
  7. edderby

    edderby Active Member

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    Can anyone recommend a good C spanner to buy to adjust my preload on 2008 model? Have managed to bend the Honda one and it's no use anymore. Lots for sale online, but not sure what size or make to order.
    Grateful for any advice / recommendations!
     
  8. sps170373

    sps170373 Moderator
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    https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/401072574605
     
  9. edderby

    edderby Active Member

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  10. edderby

    edderby Active Member

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    Well that was a bit of a disaster! Spent £9.99 plus £1 to get it here quick, but the thing is flippin massive, so it's no use it's just way to big to use in the confined area around the shock.
    Anyone got any suggested preload adjusting tools that they know to work well on a CBR1000RR8?

    Picture shows size mismatch: ((bent) Honda one has rubber taped around it as per earlier helpfull advice received above)
    [​IMG]
     

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