Adjusting a rear shock

[motokidsmom]

Hey guys,
My teenage boys are new to dirtbiking and have a 84 Honda CR125 that we had rebuilt over the summer. One thing we are not happy with is the rear shock rebound (I guess you would call it). The rear is WAY to bouncy. Would like to tighten it up but being a single mom I need some guidance on how to do that. Repair manual says I need a special tool. True? How can we do this at home :bang:

 

[motokidsmom]

Can't anybody help me with this?

 

[FruDaddy]

Typically, compression and rebound settings can be adjusted with a flathead screwdriver. The special tool is probably for adjusting preload (and even that can be done with the screwdriver). To answer your question the best I can, if you look at the sides of the bottom of the shock, there should be a little screw with a curved, two ended arrow stamped in the body near it. There should be an S stamped at one end of the arrow and an H stamped at the other end. You turn that screw to adjust the rebound. I think that you need to soften the rebound, so turn the screw in the direction of the S. Nonetheless, work in small increments of about 1/4 turn and have the boys test ride it to see if it feels better or worse. If it gets worse, go back the other way. I am far from a suspension expert, and not familiar with the particular bike, but I hope this helps.

 

[ferg571]

As far as turning 1/4 turn, I would go in(clockwise) 1-2 clicks at a time. Having said that, I would hazard a guess that your shock may also need rebuilding. If the adjustments on rebound don't slow it down at all, you should look into rebuilding the shock- it can be VERY hazardous if the shock is blown and your son continues riding!! :cool:

 

[FruDaddy]

I have recently read (on this forum i think) that counting clicks isn't always accurate. Also, on my son's KX65, the shock doesn't click. But yeah, do that.

 

[motokidsmom]

Thanks guys! I appreciate the help! :) :yeehaw: (Had to add the dancing banana)

 

[wanaride]

By the way, do your kids have ANY idea how COOL you are helping them like this??? :aj: I can't even get my wife to look at my bike... :laugh:

As a quick reality check, you may want to put the compression (top) and rebound (bottom) adjusters in their middle positions and see if that helps at all.

I think ferg571 has a good idea...considering the age of the bike, you may want to either take the shock to a local shop and have them check it out, or just take the whole bike and let them take the shock out, whatever is easier for you. Either way, that shock probably needs new seals, oil and nitrogen (unless you can confirm that it has been serviced recently).

Can you see any oil residue on the shock shaft? If so, the shaft may be pitted and would benefit from re-chroming; I once had an '84 KDX200 that acted the exact same way as you describe your kids' bike. The shaft was pitted and caused oil to leak out. I had to get the shaft re-chromed and that helped a lot.

 

[phranticness]

I just had to say how cool you are too! You get the radist mom of the year award. Getting a kid into riding will keep him out all the negitive stuff thats available to kids these days. RIGHT ON MOM!

PS. does the rear shock have fluid or wetness around it? if so a lack of oil in the shock will prevent the shock from providing any dampening, for the compression or the rebound.......good luck