stock shocks require no special tool, just a sturdy phillips screwdriver that will fit in the hole, then turn
G

 

Sure, your left or right hand. There is a tool, but it's not really necessary. Just grab and twist - that's how I do it. If you push up a little as you're twisting, it'll be easier.

 

The tool is attached under your fuse box. :hammer:

 

On 2007-05-10 12:12, lindsayt wrote:
Sure, your left or right hand. There is a tool, but it's not really necessary. Just grab and twist - that's how I do it. If you push up a little as you're twisting, it'll be easier.

+1

One smooth pull and twist when standing next to the bike is all it needs, and no risk of scratching anything

 

Yep I just use my hand.

 

There's an official tool, part number T2300995 but it's a very simple metal rod. A suitable tool can be made from an old driver with the tip ground off or even the allen key that we're given for seat removal will do it, or a 1/4" or 6mm drill bit (the blunt end) or a 6mm tent ground peg.

Is it possible that no modern manufacturer has seen fit to copy the old MZ's and BMW's built-in levers for no-tool, fast and convenient adjustment?:

 

A long 6mm bolt will do the job just fine..........I bought a long one and cut the threaded section off, dressed the cut edge and that was that. Very inexpensive.
Jim

 

I use the allen/hex key in the side airbox cover for unscrewing the seat. Just put it in and lift up on the rear with your other hand and its quite easy to move it around.

 

One reason I stuck Progressive 444s on my t100 was the appeal of the infinitely adjustable pre-load collar...it's so appealing...adjust by hand, although for the original shocks I'd only adjust for passengers using an appropriate allen wrench.

 

I have no idea how y'all are doing the rear shock adjustment with just your hand. Do we have the same shocks?? I have a completely stock 2010 Bonneville, and there's simply nowhere to grip these shocks to turn them. The coil winds around the outside of the shock, and turns independently of the tension adjustment. I can turn it all day long, and it just goes around and around. In order to turn the shock manually I'd have to get inside or below the coil, a gripping area that would require superhuman hand strength to manipulate without a tool.

That said, adjusting the shock with any of the aforementioned tools is easy.

 

do i need to use brute force ? or does it move easily ? I am planning to use the tool that came with the bonny (underneath the right panel)

 

I've been to Amazon and returned! Thinking a 6mm round post spanner would do the trick....WRONG!!
Searched Triumph sites to no avail. Then I remembered when I bought my America, I joined Triumph Rat!
Bingo solution solved, a free (found one in my save it I may need it someday collection bin) 6mm round tent ground peg works great! With a little length cut off on the short end of the peg and some lifting on the bottom shock collar that has the adjusting hole and of course extra elbow grease, it worked just fine!
Thanks, Forchetto