Help with my tool

The 2007 "Tool Kit" consists of a vinyl bag, a handle, and a "?" question marked shaped stamped steel piece with two bumps on the inside curve of the ?. The handle slips over the bottom dot of the ?

So I was going to add some preload to the rear spring with my Honda "Tool Kit" and was outsmarted by the tool on how to use to move the preload ring. The tool seemed worthless. I couldn't get it to grab, pry, or bang the preload collar around the shock. :frusty:

I got a pair of channel locks, grabbed the collar and turned it. CINCNozzleHOUSE did not bounce off the back on my trip on a beautiful day.

I can use the "Tool Kit" to move the chain adjustment, hold up the gas tank and even bang on parts of the bike to make them move, but was unable to see how to use the tool for its intended purpose. I've either used channel locks or a remote adjustment.

Anyone have a good picture or diagram so I can see how to get the thing hooked right? I hate being outsmarted by a tool kit.

 

The ? shaped tool is for adjusting the chain. I thought there was also one in there to adjust the spring preload as well. Honda kinda skimped on the tool kit in later years. My tool kit for my 93 had all kinds of stuff.

 

The '07's do not come with the spanner wrench to fit the rear shock. Picked one up at the dealer for $14.

 

Stuka... I had to throw a softball out there for you to try to hit. :smile: I think you made good contact, but without the requisite smart-ass-smilie :wink: , you hit a foul ball. :caked:

 

i used channel locks at my shop. was dumbfounded also till i read the owners manual then felt like a real dumb!@# :biggrin:

 

Just for posterities sake, and everyone with a SSSA- Don't use a screwdriver and a hammer to adjust your chain. use your tool. I have read too many threads from my RVF/VFR 400 forum about people who have nothing left to adjust your chains with, from using the hammer method.

As for the tool kit debacle, it's one of Honda's ways to save money. Sadly they have done what car manufacturers should have done along time ago: take something that always comes standard that a large majority never uses, and make it an option. in this reference I would be talking about turn signals for cars. no one seems to use them. I use the tool kit from my 954- it seems to have allot of the same stuff, but I have yet to try and use it to undo the chain tension bolt.