85 VF500F shock adjustment

Greetings folks!

I'd like to check the adjustments on the rear shock on my 85 VF500F. I don't have an owners manual and am unsure how to figure it out. Even SEEING the shock seems to be a job.

Can anyone give me some tips:

1. How do I get at the shock?
2. What are the adjustments (aka which way to turn for which adjustment)?
3. What tool is needed to make the adjustments?

As always any help is most appreciated.

On a side note, I received and installed the right switch cluster (engine cut off and start button) I purchased on eBay. It was from an 84 Magna and took a little modification. The channel the throttle turned in had a plastic section that I had to remove to allow the grip to turn far enough to idle.

 

Could be time for shock upgrade. The stock shocks are not show winners by any stretch!

On this note - if you are planning on keeping your VF500F I would really recommend that you pick up a original copy of the Factory Shop Manual. This is a must have reference for your library shelf. Lightly used copies (in the great looking OEM binder) can often be found on eBay for around $15 + shipping.

 

Sounds like a good idea. Any suggestions on where I can find a replacement shock? Any good web stores?

I'll look into finding the factory shop manual. Thanks for the suggestion!

 

Check out:

Daugherty Motorsports - Motorcycle Suspension Performance and Modification

 

Cool, thanks!

 

Yeah, the OEM shocks were marginal when new and by now are probably in a condition where they barely function. On the OEM unit there is really only one adjustment and that is for damping. It didn't really do much other than going from "spongy" to "not so spongy". The air preload was something that many people liked to play with. That was good at blowing out seals! Adding air pressure just makes the shock harsh, so it's best to just leave it at zero pressure.

If you need help with a replacement shock, let me know!

 

Mine must be set to spongy! My bike handles pretty well, it just gets a bit bouncy-ish feeling when hard into a curve. I really need to check everything out before I ride it hard on the twistys again, probably not again this year, I'll just have to beat up on the Ninja 250.

 

Thanks kindly! I'll be sending an email shortly.