How do I adjust the Suspension on my Vulcan 800?

[stacra]

I have read through the posts here and all I have found on how to do this is with a hammer and long bar of some sort. Is there any easier way to adjust the rear suspension? the ride is way to soft and when I have a passenger its even worse.

[antiq]

Put it up on the center stand. That will get the weight off the shocks. Use a bar such as the "T" handle from a 1/4" socket set or a long bolt that fits in the hole and turn the cam to the half setting and see if that's where you want it. Set both shocks to the same cam setting.

[stacra]

That would work wonders were it not that the VN800-A6 has the "Mono" Shock system somewhat hidden under the seat and tank. This is my first ride with this style of suspension so is somewhat baffling to understand the engineering behind it. I do have to admit the handling far exceeds the conventional outboard mounted suspension though. i called the dealer and they said it could take a couple hours and about 100 bucks to do which is a extravegant i think.

[antiq]

Oops didn't realize it was a mono-shock set up. Ouch! Cheaper to get a book.

[stacra]

yep bidding on one on ebay as i type this so hopefully I'll be smart enough to at least figure out how to dial 911 after the bike falls on me and breaks all my brittle old bones LOL

[antiq]

Where are you?

[stacra]

I am up in the frigid northland, i live in St. Cloud MN.

[antiq]

That's just a bit too distant for me to come over to help puzzle it out. Hopefully someone with better knowledge of your bike will be along soon.

[stacra]

I'm sure they will this forum hasn't failed me yet.

[antiq]

Check out this thread.
http://www.kawasakimotorcycle.org/fo...an-150lbs.html

[stacra]

cool don't know how i missed that one, that makes it sound a lillte more sane. Thanks for all your help.

[rustygunner]

Originally Posted by stacra

I have read through the posts here and all I have found on how to do this is with a hammer and long bar of some sort. Is there any easier way to adjust the rear suspension? the ride is way to soft and when I have a passenger its even worse.

Easy... take you less than 5 minutes. (Don't use the by the book method either, that is dumb.)
You will need to get the rear tire off the ground and get the bike stable as well. All you need to do is take the right side cover off, then remove the plastic crap that is behind it. (Like 5 or 6 small bolts or screws, I forgot) You should now see the mono shock. Get a long screwdriver or whatever and a LARGE (5lbs.+) hammer. There is an adjusting ring toward the top of the shock that looks like a castle or whatever. You need to turn it counter-clockwise I THINK... just look it should be obvious. Have to whack it pretty good, but it will move. Yours should be on 2nd notch from the factory. I would go to 5th or 6th notch and try that.

I know some have used a long bar and a hammer and accessed the shock from the right rear, next to the tire. Actually, the local Kaw dealer I have seen do that, yikes! But take 5 minutes to remove the side you have so much better access and less chance of damaging something IMHO.

Don't have a jack? Me either...
http://www.kawasakimotorcycle.org/fo...d=12121501 88

[stacra]

Thanks, I like the jack I'll have to make one lord knows I have plenty of scrap lumber laying around (been gutting and remodeling my house)

[rustygunner]

Originally Posted by stacra

Thanks, I like the jack I'll have to make one lord knows I have plenty of scrap lumber laying around (been gutting and remodeling my house)

Hey, it works =P
Just watch out for your spedo cable... almost smashed mine. I bent the metal ring a bit so it is off to the side now.

[antiq]

Seems like the solution is found. I like the homemade jack too.