C Spanner - Rear Preload Adjustment

[jessie]

Not got a C spanner supplied with 2005 SV1000S...

mr and mrs suzuki do not include one in the tool kit!! :o
Even suggests that only Suzuki dealer adjust rear spring preload :(

anyone any idea what size it is? (so i can order one) Or know any sites where can get my hands on one??

suzuki bike dealer wanted 10 quid which sounds a bit dear if u ask me just for a C spanner!!

[MiniMatt]

Odd, there's definitely one in the 2005 650 toolkit :D

I'll measure mine tomorrow (the C-spanner that is), assuming it's the same as the thou.

Busters Accessories do a range, think they do an adjustable one too, but their mini one that fits onto a 3/8 ratchet fits my 650 just fine.

EDIT: I think the one from Busters was a fiver btw

[John 675]

Odd, there's definitely one in the 2005 650 toolkit :D

I'll measure mine tomorrow (the C-spanner that is), assuming it's the same as the thou.

Busters Accessories do a range, think they do an adjustable one too, but their mini one that fits onto a 3/8 ratchet fits my 650 just fine.

EDIT: I think the one from Busters was a fiver btw

yup i got one in mine too . . . i think you should be looking more along the lines of why you dont have one because i think you should of:smt108

[RhythmJunkie]

Preload? Aaaaaaaaaaargh run away very fast run away! :smt003

Yes I got one in my kit too....you want to ask where it is!
Only monkey-metal though!

[jessie]

Preload? Aaaaaaaaaaargh run away very fast run away! :smt003

Yes I got one in my kit too....you want to ask where it is!
Only monkey-metal though!

havent got one in my tool kit cos its a SV1000S and the toolkit is actually mounted onboard the bike, just behind the rear shock (in a plastic holder thingy). Am assuming its not included cos its too big to get in.
Actually states in owners manual spanner not included and DONT TOUCH the rear preload :o go see the Suzuki Dealer for adjustment (which really is crud):smt067

[RhythmJunkie]

Uh? Don't understand! My toolkit is in a plastic box thingy behind the rear shock too! In it is a C' spanner which the handbook says is for adjusting the rear suspension 'preload'!
Sounds like someone has half-inched your C'spanner mate! :(

I do wish people would stop mentioning SV1000's....it took me a whole month to talk myself out of buying one! :smt003

[Dan]

Uh? Don't understand! My toolkit is in a plastic box thingy behind the rear shock too! In it is a C' spanner which the handbook says is for adjusting the rear suspension 'preload'!
Sounds like someone has half-inched your C'spanner mate! :(

I do wish people would stop mentioning SV1000's....it took me a whole month to talk myself out of buying one! :smt003

I think it's pretty simple

SV650S - C Spanner included

SV1000S - C Spanner NOT included

[jessie]

apart from the C Spanner thing (no it definitely not included..just re read book again) and the bike runs hot (fully faired), cant fault mine..so much power on the right hand
Its a totally different animal than the 650. Had a 99 sv650sx and this bike is so different. Feels so more planted on the roads and on the high speed stuff feels so better and more stable than the 650. Huge amounts of engine braking too but it does eat rear tyres. Cant wait to start adding goodies like twin cans and TRE.

[RhythmJunkie]

SV1000S - C Spanner NOT included


Why? :? I mean why leave out one spanner when the bikes are so similar? Is the rear shock a beefier item on the thou?

[Dan]

Why? :? I mean why leave out one spanner when the bikes are so similar? Is the rear shock a beefier item on the thou?

Because the thou has fully adjustable suspension, so (although I haven't checked) probably has a proper preload ring on a thread. These are considerably more hassle to adjust than a notch by notch adjuster like the 650 has. Adjusting a preload ring requires much more movement of the C Spanner, and this results in much more likelihood of the spanner slipping and scratching swingarm, shock, frame, etc - or catching fingers or wrists in between spanner and metal. This can result in litigation, hence the statements in the handbook.

My assistant just bought a brand new ZX6-R and that too doesn't have a C Spanner provided. Kawasaki advised taking the bike to a dealer for shock to be dropped out and adjusted on the bench.

[jessie]

i dunno why no spanner...
especially since the SV1000 is more of a pillion bike, and if you are riding with a pillion, you should increase ur rear preload, right???
The SV1K shock has a remote damper, the rear compresion and rebound adjustment is on that. I beleive on the pre 2005 SV1000 the shock is different

You ever ridden an sv1000?

[Dan]

i dunno why no spanner...
especially since the SV1000 is more of a pillion bike, and if you are riding with a pillion, you should increase ur rear preload, right???
The SV1K shock has a remote damper, the rear compresion and rebound adjustment is on that. I beleive on the pre 2005 SV1000 the shock is different

You ever ridden an sv1000?

Does the shock have a threaded body and preload adjuster ring and locking ring?

[jessie]

Because the thou has fully adjustable suspension, so (although I haven't checked) probably has a proper preload ring on a thread. These are considerably more hassle to adjust than a notch by notch adjuster like the 650 has. Adjusting a preload ring requires much more movement of the C Spanner, and this results in much more likelihood of the spanner slipping and scratching swingarm, shock, frame, etc - or catching fingers or wrists in between spanner and metal. This can result in litigation, hence the statements in the handbook.

My assistant just bought a brand new ZX6-R and that too doesn't have a C Spanner provided. Kawasaki advised taking the bike to a dealer for shock to be dropped out and adjusted on the bench.

having no adjustment for preload seems a real backward step, but i suppose it stops the likes of us 'fiddling'. Isnt there a new beemer out with remote adjustment for the rear shock on the bars??? or did i just dream that??? :confused::confused::confused::confused:

[jessie]

Does the shock have a threaded body and preload adjuster ring and locking ring?

YUP..the Thou has two nut rings (and a strange alloy cup too where it mounts to the upper frame?? yet to investigate..will do when wheel comes off)
Problem i have is that i do not know what setting my bike rear spring preload is at!! It could be factory? i dont know...Theres nothing in the owners manual regarding number of threads or turns!???

[Dan]

having no adjustment for preload seems a real backward step, but i suppose it stops the likes of us 'fiddling'. Isnt there a new beemer out with remote adjustment for the rear shock on the bars??? or did i just dream that??? :confused::confused::confused::confused:

Possible - there's potentially hydraulically or gas-charged preload adjustment dependent on the suspension design. Plus, as I alluded to above, I suspect it's mainly a litigation avoidance tactic rather than to stop people adjusting suspension.

YUP..the Thou has two nut rings (and a strange alloy cup too where it mounts to the upper frame?? yet to investigate..will do when wheel comes off)
Problem i have is that i do not know what setting my bike rear spring preload is at!! It could be factory? i dont know...Theres nothing in the owners manual regarding number of threads or turns!???

Normally one turn is equivalent to about 1.5mm of adjustment - clockwise would thread the ring down the shock, increasing preload, anticlockwise decreasing.

Don't forget that increasing or decreasing preload affects sag, and therefore effectively ride height, which has a corresponding effect on steering rake, and therefore steering geometry and turn-in characteristics.

[jessie]

Possible - there's potentially hydraulically or gas-charger preload adjustment dependent on the suspension design. Plus, as I alluded to above, I suspect it's mainly a litigation avoidance tactic rather than to stop people adjusting suspension.



Normally one turn is equivalent to about 1.5mm of adjustment - clockwise would thread the ring down the shock, increasing preload, anticlockwise decreasing.

Don't forget that increasing or decreasing preload affects sag, and therefore effectively ride height, which has a corresponding effect on steering rake, and therefore steering geometry and turn-in characteristics.

Cheers for that mate...
i'm a bit new to tweaking bikes, and found some blurb in bike mag saying about increasing the bits and bobs on the bike for the SV1000S.
Ive increased preload, rebound and compression damping on front and the bike turns a bit quicker now. I have felt the back end 'squat' under hardish acceleration out of bends so have increased compression and rebound damping on back slightly too, but think i need to increase rear preload.
i do ride on all sorts of road surfaces, including rutted B roads so need to think about having sufficent damping.
The static ride height thing confused me a bit tho...

[RhythmJunkie]

Jessie...I always hankered after a big V-twin but back in the day all that was available was a Yamaha with a headlight that looked like it came off a vintage Bentley! Or Hahaharleys!
As the years rolled by Ducati's were the only real contenders but always too expensive, then all of a sudden everyone went loopy for V-twins.
I was very tempted for one of the limited ed SV's in slinky black. One of my fave motto's is "why pay more?" If you can do the same for less then go for it!
I've done 1800 miles on the 650 now and the rear tyre hardly looks worn at all! I'm impressed. If I had the thou the tyres would be shredded! I just wouldn't be able to deny myself the "twist of the wrist!"

I'm going to have to experience that raw energy from a thou V-twin. Its on my 'to do' list. I like this SV so much I think I'm in love! The Duke 1098 is beckoning....just let me wear this 650 out first and I'll get one!

Do Dukes come with C'spanners? Or do you have to send the whole bike off to Milano to be adjusted?? ;)

[jessie]

Jessie...I always hankered after a big V-twin but back in the day all that was available was a Yamaha with a headlight that looked like it came off a vintage Bentley! Or Hahaharleys!
As the years rolled by Ducati's were the only real contenders but always too expensive, then all of a sudden everyone went loopy for V-twins.
I was very tempted for one of the limited ed SV's in slinky black. One of my fave motto's is "why pay more?" If you can do the same for less then go for it!
I've done 1800 miles on the 650 now and the rear tyre hardly looks worn at all! I'm impressed. If I had the thou the tyres would be shredded! I just wouldn't be able to deny myself the "twist of the wrist!"

I'm going to have to experience that raw energy from a thou V-twin. Its on my 'to do' list. I like this SV so much I think I'm in love! The Duke 1098 is beckoning....just let me wear this 650 out first and I'll get one!

Do Dukes come with C'spanners? Or do you have to send the whole bike off to Milano to be adjusted?? ;)

The SV1000 wouldnt be my first choice if i didnt have to pay for it!! :o

Id be looking at a RSVMille or Duc749 (or if i was feeling really silly and could get one a KTM990 supermoto).

But for just less than 4k, i got a 1000 v twin, warrantied, 16 months old with 3000 miles on the clock...had double the national speed limit of of her already, and now have some new bt021 on, am totally addicted.

How much more do u need? She goes round corners well, not as good as a cbr600rr or gixer750, but good enough for me...
This bike is far faster than i ever can be.
I suppose it all relative..if i had a blade or a ducati, id probably think theSV is a bit of donkey.