Suspension Adjustment on Suzuki GS500 Motorcycle

[superjackhamm3]

i knew there was a simpler way than taking off the swing arm ....

which exactly why i left it lol

[Dayao12]

I just got this bike...

Does adjusting the suspension raise/lower the bike or does it adjust the "spring/bounciness" of the suspension?

Thanks a lot!

[lamb0176]

@Dayao12 bounciness

[ShadowCoAirsoft]

Nice bike I have a question though...I'm like 6'1 260lbs I was looking at a Kawasaki ninja 250 but i don't think that will work out well you think this bike can handle my size? I am a beginner so I'm a bit freaked out about learning on a 600cc bike though those could handle my size.help

[lamb0176]

@ShadowCoAirsoft Don't get the Ninja250, it's way too small for you. A good start is a 500cc bike like Suzuki or Kawasaki...even a 600cc sport bike if you're feeling crazy.

[primuu]

I'm from Brazil and I also have a GS500.

I was adjusting the suspension of my bike using a screwdriver and just bending a little piece of adjusting the suspension!

Had any problems?

[Wampas9175]

ive got the same bike u gotta press down the centre stand peg hard and pull up and backward at same time. Ive found its easiest to grab right behind the fuel on/off/reserve knob. part of the frame right there makes a perfect handle

[bjjahk]

if you try to use your arm to lift the bike it will never get to the centre stand,

Use your foot on the centrestand as you would on a shovel while trying to dig.

[W1LDWESLEY]

its a one motion thing. like poping a weely on a bike.

[jeepinainteasy]

Thanks, worked great. I used a big ass flat head screwdriver. That spanner tool with the slip on torque sleeve is worthless. Doesn't even fit, not enough room.

Thanks again

PS. factory comes on setting 4 (approx 180 lbs.)

7 for me feels great.

[kirchhoff1814]

how the hell did u get that on the stand?!?!?! that thing ways like 10 bugillion pounds!!!!

[lamb0176]

Get on the left side of the bike, push down on the center stand knob, hold the left handlebar and tailbar, make sure the center stand is even (both parts on the ground), then basically standup on the knob with your weight while rocking the bike back. It takes a little practice but it gets much easier with time. :)

[joesuzanne]

haha weakling!!!

[deanmorgan]

Cheers buddie, was wondering myself. Think I'll put it on 5 for me. Thanks

[TristanBrankin]

thanks a load. Got my bike used as well, no tools. Went to the dealer and the assholes told me there was no tool and told me they didnt know how to do it. haha. I tried a few things but they didnt really work. I'll try this now. thanks

[torontothegood]

thanks! i bought my bike used with NO TOOLS. so i was wondering what to do.

thanks.

[drachoudrian]

Thanks, helped me a lot. Couldn't figure out which tool they were refering to in manual. also which way to adjust.

[grapes008]

what other mods have u done done to ur machine, just wondering if there is anything else i cn do - this is what i have so far: progrssive fork springs, brembo 4 pot front caliper, 5 degree ignition advnce, K&N air filter, over sized jets (pilots 40, main 135)

[lamb0176]

I think an upgrade to the Gixxer600 would beat any mods you could toss on to this bike and probably at the same cost

[frankiegallagher]

what do the diffent adjustments do? is it a way to lower it or to stiffen the shock

[lamb0176]

Yea, it goes from 1 (soft/springy) to 7 (hard/rough). They put it at 3 stock. Higher numbers are better if you have a passenger, and also for racing. The spanner tool that comes with the bike is pretty horrible.

[saady2s]

Does it effect the bike height?

[lamb0176]

No, it affects the height of the spring on the shock (tightness) but not the actual height of the bike.