VF500 F2 Rear Wheel Impossible!

Good deal! I'm glad to read that the front fork rebuild worked out okay.

A thought on the rear shock - perhaps you could locate copy of a CBR600F2 Owner's Manual (either print or digital). This should have detailed photos/drawings with descriptions and should help to clarify your questions. I'm always a fan of drawings and photos in conjunction with written descriptions - less chance of misinterpretation.

 

Good idea.

I'll look for one. Thanks!

 

I'm not sure that I would describe the action of the stock damping rod forks that way, but it's good to know they are working better for you.


The Honda Owner's Manuals are pretty much worthless when it comes to stuff like suspension adjustments. Do a Google search for "motorcycle suspension tuning" and use the description I gave above as a guide to adjustment locations. Sag is the most scientific of all the adjustments. Ultimately the damping will be set to suit the rider's desires.

 

The Honda manual was pretty worthless.....Jamie was right.


Jamie....anyide what size Spanner wrench I need to get? I can't find any locally so I'm going to have to order one.

68mm? 87mm?

 

These local (Mississauga/Brampton) guys should have adjustable spanners


Products | Fastenal

https://www.acklandsgrainger.com/AG...QXNNrpYyyrk1GljdqnnCyvz8XgjGLxyQ16D!559540586

KBC Tools & Machinery

 

You can order the tool from Parts Unlimited at your local dealer. The one I use is an adjustable type and it works well. They aren't very expensive either.

 

There are just so many types....adjustable with different pin sizes etc

I don't want to order it from somewhere and find out it doesn't fit when I get home.

There isn't alot of room in there to work.

 

Moose....you are all kinds of Helpful. :-D

I went to Fastenal (15 minutes from my work) and they had one. 2-4 3/4 Adjustable Pin Spanner Wrench.

$40 unfortunately. :-(

I tested it in the parking lot on my bike and it fits but it is so hard to get a wrench in there. (Where the shock is)

So Jamie,

I just use the Spanner wrench to twist the collar to a higher number?

 

No Worires - I am a tool geek _ i know were the tools I want or need can be found : )

Yes - you use the Wrench to rotate the collar so that the pointer on the Shock body lines up with a higher number - this increases the preload.


Moose

 

Here is the tool that I use:

Progressive Suspension Shock Spanner Wrench - DennisKirk.com

Given the constraints inside the VF, this one might be a better choice:

http://www.denniskirk.com/jsp/produ...re=&catId=&productId=p28351&leafCatId=&mmyId=

 

I'm at a point where it feels like the ring won't turn anymore. I can't get too much room to work due to this box that comes down and right next to the shock.




It's at that setting (5) and cannot be turned anymore.

Does it usually take alot of effort to turn?

Should I take weight off of the rear tire?

 

It does take quite a bit of effot to turn the collar.

From what I can tell in the photo the shock is on setting 1 or 2. There is an oval piece that you can see through the 'windows' of the collar - this is the part that rides up and down the ramps. It is located perpendicular to the way you are looking in the photo. If the shock is still the way I sent it to you it's on #1.

 

In a previous post you said you preset the spring to a value that should be close.....so is 1 close to what I need?

and if it's at level 1 and I can't turn it at all....could be possible I'm turning it the wrong way?

 

The spring rate and installed height are set to get you in the ballpark - riding the bike as it is would be ok and not dangerous at all. Normally I set the spring at setting #1 (for early VF's that is, later model bikes are different). Turning the collar clockwise as looking down from the top will increase the spring preload.

 

Thanks Jamie.

I'll try again.

 

So setting the preload while the shock is on the bike is a HUGE pita.



As you can see in the picture there isn't much room to get a wrench in there. That box to the right of it stops you from getting in there.


The box is item 18 in the following diagram.
1986 Honda VF500F OEM Parts, 1986 Honda VF500F OEM Motorcycle Parts - BikeBandit.com

My wrench is impeded by the rear tire and the box mention above so adjusting the shock becomes a very big pita. You could solve the problem with a wrench with a shorter handle but then you won't be able to turn the collar with the reduced leverage.

I was able to turn it a bit by struggling to get the wrench on the collar and then attaching a 2 foot pipe to the end of the wrench handle in order to turn the collar. It was incredible hard to turn.

I know many of you have said it can be adjusted on the bike, but I am telling you the F2 rear shock is a huge pain in the ass to adjust when it's already installed.

 

The shock cant be adjusted OFF the bike. Pull the battery box. R/R, and coolant overflow and see if that doesnt make it easier..

 

How would removing these make a difference?

The collar is down by the swing arm. The only thing impeding the Wrench is the box to the right and the rear tire.

 

right, I was upside down. the principal remains the same...the box and the rear wheel are both easy enough to remove. Certainly easier than removing the shock...besides, you cant test your adjustments with the shock in a vise.

 

oh yeah, some PB blaster on the threads wouldn't hurt either...