this post was submitted on 10 May 2025
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Preload adjustment question (infosec.pub)
submitted 1 month ago by tasankovasara@sopuli.xyz to c/motorcycles@lemmy.world
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The front shock absorber on my Vespa GTS 250 has been dying fast since the season started. A new one is on its way. I'll stay with the Carbone Sport but the replacement is going to have a black spring instead of red.

Looks like the shock comes with a tool for rotating the bit at the bottom that sets preload for the spring. As seen in the pic, the previous owner (bless the guy - the bike is customised with great execution) opted to tighten it a notch. I love the feel as it is, so I'll need to adjust the new one to the same notch.

Now, the tool is not very long, and I'd imagine it'll be hard work to work against the spring with little leverage. Does anybody know how stiff is it going to be - can I expect to be able to set the preload after installation with the provided tool, or should I do it beforehand when I can put the shock in a vise and use a more substantial tool?

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[–] dual_sport_dork@lemmy.world 5 points 1 month ago

The other poster is correct in that these can be adjusted in place if you have a spanner wrench of the correct size (or a suitably adjustable one) and in your case it's easier than in many scenarios because there's very little in the way.

This leads us to point two which is I prefer to do at least the rough preload adjustment in advance if I have the shock off the bike already anyway, for instance in the case of my Orion when I had to replace the rear shock, since that's buried within the center of the frame with all manner of things around it like the airbox and rear fender liner, etc. Swinging a wrench in there is nigh impossible. On that one I have to use the "wrong" way, i.e. get a screwdriver in the slots and tap it with a hammer, because using a spanner in that position is literally impossible.

When adjusting a shock's preload rings while it's dismounted, you will probably find it helpful to clamp it in a vise. Otherwise you will need three hands.