Anyone have any good directions for adjusting the rear suspension of my 800a. Ummm, it was not made for a gent my size, at least on the factory setting. I read that they are usually set for a 165# person.....I'm 280# and the have to fix it! I have heard it's a pain to adjust, but I need to....
Anyway to do anything with the front forks? I know the sport bike guys change the oil etc, is that even possible on a Vulcan without a complete teardown of the forks?


I know the easy answer, but one is going to take more will power, and the other, more money. But, maybe by next spring, I'll be lighter and I'll buy a bigger bike.

TB adjusting the rear shock is easy . First take a flashlight an look behind the side covers for the shock. It's not that easy to see an I've adjusted mine twice once from each side . Then take a BFSD or rod (at least 12" to 14" long) an a pretty good size hammer around a 2 lb. You'll see the adjustment ring on the top of the shock along with the notches for the preload. For youor size I'd take it up to 6 at least. One other thing rasie the back of the bike it will make it alot easier. Now for the front, swap out the springs with progressive an go to 15 wt. oil ,you'll notice a difference in the stopping (nose dive will be reduced in half) an you'll get a firmer feel in the curve's. After you do both mod's ,take the bike out an hit the twisties then come back an give the rest of the 800 guys a report about how much better it is. You'll like the difference I guarantee it. If you dicide to swap out the front springs I'll tell you a couple of ways to drain the old oil out later.

 

Wow! Thanks for such a detailed answer! Sounds like it might be a bit frustrating, but the hammer may help that! I will work on the shock Saturday for sure.
I'll look into the progressive springs as well. We have arguably the worst roads in the country, potholes, joints, you name it. Our winters wreak havock on them. Finding a smooth road thats been refinnished for more than a couple of years is difficult at best so I think suspension mods are probably my priority. Good handling does wonders for ones confidence.
Thanks again!

 

I did mine from the left side after removing the side cover and sprocket cover. I didn't raise the rear wheel, so I had to hit it like I live. Bent the adjusting lugs a little, but I got it adjusted. Like Woody said, lifting the rear wheel will make it easier.

 

Ok, another dumb question. I can't seem to see any numbers on mine so do I beat it clockwise to make it stiffer or counterclockwise? It seems I can get to it pretty easy below the back head pipe and above the coolant filler.

 

Ok, another dumb question. I can't seem to see any numbers on mine so do I beat it clockwise to make it stiffer or counterclockwise? It seems I can get to it pretty easy below the back head pipe and above the coolant filler.

I don't really remember which way . You just need it to climb up the ring which will make it stiffer. If you haven't ever adjusted it its probably set on one so go up from there.

 

Mine was set on one so there was only one way to go with the adjustment. It is a pain at first but once you do it, you get the hang of it , you really have to slam it pretty hard to get it moving. I used the handle off my hydraulic jack, fit right in there.

 

Ok, another dumb question. I can't seem to see any numbers on mine so do I beat it clockwise to make it stiffer or counterclockwise? It seems I can get to it pretty easy below the back head pipe and above the coolant filler.

There are no numbers on the collar just count the steps on the ring.I would try a 6 first.I am 250 lbs. and and I like the 5 setting.One being the lowest and 7 the highest.

 

I had mine set on 6 and it made all the difference and I weigh about the same as you. I just got them to do it at the dealer at the same time as my first service.