Tutorial: Adjusting the Shock Spring Preload for the RX3

[SpudRider]

After loosening the allen nut on the locking collar, I was able to turn the spring with both hands. However, you can also use a punch and hammer to turn the locking collar. Turning the spring by hand is much faster, if you have the strength to do so.

[woodlandsprite]

I Am going to have to see if the jack for our truck is suitable for lifting the bike. And then attempt to follow azrider George's shock spanner use to minimize what all has to come off the bike. Course if I don't have a Jack that will work I'll have to get a Jack *and* a spanner wrench

[Weldangrind]

Originally Posted by woodlandsprite

I Am going to have to see if the jack for our truck is suitable for lifting the bike. And then attempt to follow azrider George's shock spanner use to minimize what all has to come off the bike. Course if I don't have a Jack that will work I'll have to get a Jack *and* a spanner wrench

Perhaps a bike lifter would be a good choice for you. I have the HF model, but it's a little clumsy. I've seen bike lifters that have very smooth operation, and decent mechanical advantage. This is similar to what I have: https://www.rockymountainatvmc.com/p...rna-Lift-Stand

If you have the floor space, perhaps this would be easier for you: http://www.harborfreight.com/automot...ift-61632.html It's on sale, too.

[SpudRider]

A good tool is always an excellent investment.

[SpudRider]

Those are nice stands, Weld.

However, unlike my other motorcycles, the RX3 really wants to lift the front wheel, no matter how far back you place the jack. If you use a lift stand, you will definitely need to weight the front of the bike to loft the rear wheel. In fact, I think it is just about impossible to loft both wheels at the same time, because of the location of the circular mounts for the centerstand. Also, a lot of lift stands designed for dirt bikes won't adjust low enough to fit under the perimeter frame of the RX3.

I really like using the Husky jack for this purpose, since it is very unobtrusive, and allows wonderful access to the lower shock linkage. Since this linkage doesn't have any grease zerks, it will certainly need to be disassembled periodically for inspection, and lubrication.

Of course, the CSC centerstand will also work very well, as long as you weight the front wheel.

[woodlandsprite]

Originally Posted by SpudRider

Of course, the CSC centerstand will also work very well, as long as you weight the front wheel.

I was thinking that....but I have no center stand as yet but I could wait for it to arrive before tackling the shock adjustment. Still need to see if my jack from our truck would work...took advantage of the nice cooler weather today to go for a ride instead

[oldqwerty]

During the set up process I'll be adding Zerks to the swing arm pivots and shock mounts.

[Weldangrind]

Originally Posted by woodlandsprite

...took advantage of the nice cooler weather today to go for a ride instead

Excellent choice!

[Weldangrind]

Originally Posted by SpudRider

However, unlike my other motorcycles, the RX3 really wants to lift the front wheel, no matter how far back you place the jack. If you use a lift stand, you will definitely need to weight the front of the bike to loft the rear wheel. In fact, I think it is just about impossible to loft both wheels at the same time, because of the location of the circular mounts for the centerstand. Also, a lot of lift stands designed for dirt bikes won't adjust low enough to fit under the perimeter frame of the RX3.

Having never seen an RX3 up close, I can't be sure, but I suspect that a ratchet tie-down strap that secures the frame to the jack would allow a level lift.

That presumes the jack will slide under the bike.

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by Weldangrind

Having never seen an RX3 up close, I can't be sure, but I suspect that a ratchet tie-down strap that secures the frame to the jack would allow a level lift.

That presumes the jack will slide under the bike.

I really don't think so, Weld. If the RX3 frame didn't have centerstand mounts, you could undoubtedly get a level lift. However, the protruding mounts for the centerstand make this task very difficult if not impossible. If you could somehow manage to get a level lift, it would not only be tenuous, it would also undoubtedly block access to the lower shock linkage.

In any event, I don't care to work that hard, especially when my Husky jack allows me to quickly, and securely lift either wheel.

[Weldangrind]

Originally Posted by SpudRider

I really don't think so, Weld. If the RX3 frame didn't have centerstand mounts, you could undoubtedly get a level lift. However, the protruding mounts for the centerstand make this task very difficult if not impossible. If you could somehow manage to get a level lift, it would not only be tenuous, it would also undoubtedly block access to the lower shock linkage.

In any event, I don't care to work that hard, especially when my Husky jack allows me to quickly, and securely lift either wheel.

Perhaps there's an RX3-specific opportunity to contribute. My 3 ton floor jack has a removable saddle, which leaves a hole in the frame. A pad could be fabricated that fits into the mounting hole, and provides clearance for the protrusions. The pad could also be covered with a rubber mudflap to protect the underside of the frame.

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by Weldangrind

Perhaps there's an RX3-specific opportunity to contribute. My 3 ton floor jack has a removable saddle, which leaves a hole in the frame. A pad could be fabricated that fits into the mounting hole, and provides clearance for the protrusions. The pad could also be covered with a rubber mudflap to protect the underside of the frame.

When I first bought my Husky jack, I fabricated a plate which I can substitute for the stock saddle. I tried using this plate, as well as several lifting stands, et cetera, to loft the rear wheel of my RX3. The method I used below is easily the quickest, and the most secure method I know to loft the rear wheel of the RX3.

[SpudRider]

One will also need to remove the swingarm for periodic inspection and lubrication of the bearings. The Husky jack provides a very stable platform for this procedure, yet it allows easy access to all the bolts, and allows plenty of space to remove the swingarm, and re-install it, et cetera.

[woodlandsprite]

*sigh* I also now understand why people out here buy houses with lots and lots of garage space. We have a 3-bay garage, but the 3rd bay is somewhat truncated by a built in shelf and the fact that one of the walls has an angled wall - it was fine until we shoehorned in the 2nd bike :P Looking for ways to clear up space in that bay now especially since the other bike doesn't have luggage on it right now and we intend to get it a set of cases at some point! Not to mention the various other pieces of equipment I think I'm going to be acquiring to do maintenance

[Weldangrind]

Originally Posted by woodlandsprite

*sigh* I also now understand why people out here buy houses with lots and lots of garage space. We have a 3-bay garage, but the 3rd bay is somewhat truncated by a built in shelf and the fact that one of the walls has an angled wall - it was fine until we shoehorned in the 2nd bike :P Looking for ways to clear up space in that bay now especially since the other bike doesn't have luggage on it right now and we intend to get it a set of cases at some point! Not to mention the various other pieces of equipment I think I'm going to be acquiring to do maintenance

Sounds like it's time for a shed. In my municipality, we can build a 110 square foot shed without a permit, as long as it is a certain distance from property lines.