Adjusting Dominator rear shock preload

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Hey guys!

I've got a '96 dommie and a problem: I'm trying to raise the back end of the bike by adjusting the rear shock's preload (right now it's 3/4 down and the bike stands straight up while on the sidestand).

The adjustment is simple: turn two huge nuts (fixed on the top shaft of the shock) to adjust the spring's length. However these nuts are a pain to turn without stripping the entire back end of the bike.

One the left side, the exhaust is blocking direct access and on the right and rear side the top end of the shock is hidden by the airbox. On the front-right side there is little room to manuver because of the idle rpm adjustment nut.

Any of you guys every tried adjusting the suspension without removing half a bike? Any of you ever succeed? I'm looking for any pointers or advice!

Thanks!

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Nobody?

[KirriePete]

Lose the standard exhaust & fit a 2-1 like the Produro, it's lighter, stainless (no rust), sounds fruitier and gives slightly better access to the shock - it's still a bit of a knuckle skinner, but ....

Here's the left side of Miss Whiplash showing the vast acreage available:



You're welcome

[switch]

Thanks, but the exhaust is actually not getting in the way too much. It's the airbox-battery holder that's blocking half the shock.

[Rubberchicken]

You could try putting the bike up on a center stand (or beer case ) and undoing the top shock mount, this should give just a bit more clearance. Never tried it meself, though...

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Originally Posted by Rubberchicken

You could try putting the bike up on a center stand (or beer case ) and undoing the top shock mount, this should give just a bit more clearance. Never tried it meself, though...

That actually sounds simpler than trying to work around the installed parts... hmmm...