Rear Suspension Adjustment - Can't get suspension spanner to grip

Hi guys, got a 2006 VFR800, I'm trying to adjust the rear suspension, but I can't get the suspension spanner to grip - what am I doing wrong?? The grip seems to be bigger than the teeth on the actual suspension.

Any help appreciated.

Andy

 

u sure your using the right spanner? i think theres two, one for the chain adjustment and one for the shock

 

This tool?

http://vfrworld.com/photos/data/503/IMG_8692.JPG

it's the tool on the bottom left??

 

i cant say for sure because i dont have that model, but i think thats the big one for adjusting the chain (at least it looks about the size of mine), there should be a smaller one also.

 

ahhh well - I got the bike 2nd hand so think it's gone missing will go and see Honda as soon as I can.

Cheers for your help

Andy

 

I went throught the same thing...I am looking to adjust mine as well...They do not have it at the Honda store and the wrench that came with the bike is strickly for the chain adjustment..I bought mine brand new and didnt get one...Ebay or find a buddy...GOod Luck

 

Try channel-lock pliers,and a shop rag. '06 did not come with a tool kit, just a spanner for the chain adjuster. Another method is a long handled screw driver and a mallet. Either way, put the bike on the center stand.

Mac

 

Yeah, I did the same thing on my 06, I thought I was doing something wrong. Our bikes did not come with one just the spanner for chain adjustment. Like Mac says just use a rag and channel locks, it works fine.

 

OMG...you guys are the best....and here I was tying to locate a spanner on EBAY...Thanks again...to bad you cant geive me advice like that for women!!

 

Another reason not to buy a 6th gen.....

 

Firearms, fishing poles, and motorcycles are not human, hence the problems that we experience with them can be readily remedied. The Lord gives me rest in these diversions.

Mac

 

Success!

I went for a ride-out on Sunday and met a true gentleman. Started talking about our bikes (my VFR800 and his CBF1000) and got onto the suspension setup, he'd bought a spanner online (and already had one in his toolkit) as he didn't know how to set it up, I helped him with his setup and he gave me his spare. Moral of the story - what goes around, comes around

Cheers for all your help guys!!

 

I ran into the same issue with my 2007. The only tool the bike ships with from Honda is the tool you mentioned. That one is for the chain adjustment. I purchased this combo wrench from Bike Bandit and it works great. It's long enough too so you don't have to have that extension bar either. Might as well use this one and throw the throw the factory tool away.

Motion Pro Shock Wrench at BikeBandit.com

 

yep you definately had a spanner missing, when i got mine i busted my knuckles up for a couple of minutes before i realised which spanner did which. I also found that even with the right spanner you had to make sure it had a good grip before you commited to turning it haha gotta learn somehow eh!

 

Mine didnt even come with any tools, all i had under the seat was a owners manual and 2 rear passenger grip delete filler panels.

 

As much as the combo tool is a good one for home use. You can order a shock spanner, one that fits in your bikes tool bag, from honda they're cheap(at least relatively), and is compatible with the tubular tool that should be in your bag now, with the chain spanner.

 

Where would I be without this forum? Yesterday I was completely befuddled trying to adjust the rear preload with the only spanner supplied in my '07 toolkit. As documented above by others, it was a complete failure. What the heck was Honda thinking?

Short term I'll use the rag/channel lock solution. Long term I'll pick up a correct spanner. Somehow I have to figure out how to send an uncomplementary letter to Honda about this.

Thanks to all in the above chain for the help! Ride safe; have fun.

 

I bought a 2007 VFR used; the previous owner was very generous - I not only got the Honda tools, but there was a Kawasaki hook spanner for the rear shock in the bag as well. Of course, I already had a couple of them in my toolbox! Glad you found a clever way to pick one up!

-VFRGeek