Spanner Wrench

[chucksuki]

Go around them?

[chucksuki]

You could always use channel locks, you know. Just get a piece of rubber to put between the teeth and chrome/paint if you don't want to scratch them up.

[tatu]

Yeah, I didn't even know the term until a month ago. I can't see a model number on the shock otherwise I would have never started this thread. I don't like the idea of other people doing my homework, but there are 2 speed bumps on the way to my house.

Slow down?

[chucksuki]

Slow down?

Blasphemy!

[Kiwi Canuck]

Could this type fit, looks like you measure the outside diameter of the collar and that's your size.

http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/5006/i/motion-pro-shock-wrench

[Big T]

Yeah, I didn't even know the term until a month ago. I can't see a model number on the shock otherwise I would have never started this thread. I don't like the idea of other people doing my homework, but there are 2 speed bumps on the way to my house.

By the way, it's helpful if you go to your profile and add your location and your bike, like mine does

We're here to help, just don't assume we know (exactly) what you're asking!

[bwringer]

I know on most models you're supposed to stick the shaft of the tool kit's screwdriver into a round boss on the preload collar, and use that to rotate the collar.

Here's the owner's manual for the '82 650G showing this -- page 49:

http://www.mtsac.edu/~cliff/storage/gs/1982_Suzuki_GS650G_Owners_Manual.pdf

I checked several other manuals (couldn't find one specifically for the '81 650GL), and they showed the same thing. So no, there's most likely no spanner.

Not that it makes much difference -- 34 year shocks are going to suck no matter how you twiddle the adjustments. Order up some Hagons and toss the old junk ASAP -- you'll be much happier and safer.

[81prekat]

Oooohhhh nice, that's why I can't find the right spanner wrench lol. Yeah, I'm imagining that I will have lots of parts to sell in a couple weeks.

[BigD_83]

If you are running Showas, the preload adjuster is likely not the same size/shape as the stock shocks. If so, then Kiwi Canuck's advice is the way to go.

Do you have any indications of a model number printed on them?

[81prekat]

If you are running Showas, the preload adjuster is likely not the same size/shape as the stock shocks. If so, then Kiwi Canuck's advice is the way to go.

Do you have any indications of a model number printed on them?

I would show you but apparently, I can only add one pic per post.

[81prekat]

My old age is really taking a toll on my abilites lol

[BigD_83]

iPhones and the forum don't get along sometimes. The attach image thing is very limiting. You can post more than one image (and full size) if you use a photohost like Photobucket, ImageShack, etc, but I know they are also not the most user friendly with mobile devices.

That doesn't look too different from the stock shock, actually. Unfortunately, the preload is not the issue with their feel or bottoming out. That's more about ride height.

I don't see a hole for a screwdriver in those shocks. I vote for a slightly padded channel lock to turn them so you don't mark them up.

In the long run, if money is not a huge issue, I'd upgrade the shocks.

[Scout]

My old age is really taking a toll on my abilites lol

Get that pin out of there and get a 12¢ proper cotter pin in there.

[Chris G]

Looks to me you require what I would call a C spanner as stated by kiwi Canuck link, these would normally come with the shocks when new, you may be able to fabric such a thing yourself, if all else fails and you can get to it try using a drift and give it a smack, from the pic looks like it's on its lowest pre load shouldn't be too hard to move up a few notches

[sealpup]

Ditto on the C-spanner terminology, though I've got no idea how their size is measured. With the back wheel off the ground, you might be able to turn the shocks by hand.
I've just bought Hagon shocks and they came with a C-spanner. It turns a castellated pre-load collar rather then the old round hole style collar. Same principle though.

A pin punch in the preload collar hole will easily turn it. A screwdriver will do the same thing, but may bend in the process.