Caution

If the inner tune is badly bent or creased, replace it. Excessive bending, followed by subsequent straightening, can weaken the inner tube.

• Temporarily assemble the inner and outer tubes, and pump them back and forth manually to check for smooth operation.

• If you feel binding or catching, the inner and outer tubes must be replaced.

A straightened inner or outer fork tube [B] may fail in use, possibly, causing an accident. Replace a badly bent or damaged inner or outer tube, and in­spect the other tube carefully before reusing it.

Dust Seal Inspection

• Inspect the dust seal [A] for any signs of deterioration or damage.

• Replace them if necessary.

Spring Tension

• Since the spring becomes shorter as it weakens, check its free length [A] to determine its condition.

• If the spring of either fork leg is shorter than the service limit, it must be replaced.

• If the length of a replacement spring and that of the re­maining spring vary greatly, the remaining spring should also be replaced in order to keep the fork legs balanced for motorcycle stability.

Spring Free Length Standard: 522.5 mm (20.57 in.)

Service Limit: 512 mm (20.16 in.)

SUSPENSION 13-13 Rear Shock Absorber

Spring Preload Adjustment

The spring preload adjuster on the rear shock absorber has 5 positions so that the spring tension can be adjusted for different road and loading conditions.

• Using the hook wrench [A], turn the adjuster to adjust the spring tension.

Spacial Tool - Hook Wrench: 57001-1101

OThe standard adjuster position for an average-build rider of 68 kg (150 lb) with no passenger and no accessories is 2nd step from the weakest position.

• If the spring action feels too soft or too stiff, adjust it in accordance with the following table.

Spring Preload Adjustment

Position	Spring Force	Setting	Load	Road	Speed
1	Strong t ¦ 4 Weak	Soft t ¦ 4 Hard	Light t ¦ 1 Heavy	Good t ¦ 1 Bad	Low t ¦ 1 High
2
3
4
5

Rear Shock Absorber Removal

• Squeeze the brake lever slowly and hold it with a band [A].

• Set the jack under the engine and raise the rear wheel.

Special Tool - Jack: 57001-1238

• Remove the seat (see Seat Removal in the Frame chap­ter).

• Remove the Side Covers (see Side Cover Removal in the Frame chapter).

• Remove the upper tie-rod bolt [A] and nut.

• Remove the mounting bolts [B] and pull off the rear shock absorber [C].

13-14 SUSPENSION

Rear Shock Absorber

• 

  Remove the upper tie-rod bolt [A] and nut.

• Remove the mounting bolts [B] and pull off the rear shock absorber [C].

Rear Shock Absorber Installation

• Tighten the mounting bolts.

Torque-Rear Shock Absorber Upper Mounting Nut: 59 N-m (6.0 kgf-m, 43 ft-lb) Rear Shock Absorber Lower Mounting Nut: 98 N-m (10 kgf-m, 72 ft-lb)

• Adjust the rear shock absorber position (see Rear Shock Absorber Adjustment).

Rear Shock Absorber Wear

• Remove the rear shock absorbers (see Rear Shock Ab­sorber Removal).

• Compress each rear shock absorber.

• Visually inspect the following items.

Compression Stroke Oil Leakage Other Damage

• If there is any damage to the rear shock absorber, replace the shock absorbers.

Bushing Wear

• Visually inspect the rubber bushing [A].

• If it shows any signs of damage, replace it.

Rear Shock Absorber Oil Leak Inspection • Refer to the Rear Shock Absorber Oil Leak Inspection in the Periodic Maintenance chapter.

SUSPENSION 13-15

Swingarm

CAUTION

Do not tap the swingarm pivot shaft when removing or installing. Push or pull the pivot shaft while turn­ing the shaft. Tapping on the shaft could damage the needle bearings in the swingarm.

Swingarm Removal

• Remove:

Rear Wheel (see Rear Wheel Removal in the

Wheels/Tires chapter)

Upper Tie Rod Bolt and Nut

Rear Brake Hose Clamps [A]

Rear Shock Absorber Lower Mounting Bolts and Nut

Chain Cover [B] and Chain Guide

Pivot Shaft Caps

• Remove the pivot shaft nut [A], and pull out the pivot shaft from right side.

•Move back [A] the swingarm [B] and take off the swingarm.

NOTE

○Make sure the swingarm dose not catch the Rear Brake Switch.

Swingarm Sleeve and Needle Bearing Wear