Author Topic: Front shock adjustable on 2005 bandit 1200s? (Read 4214 times)

rider123 · « **on:** October 27, 2005, 08:50:59 AM »

I just bought a 2005 bandit 1200s and there are large flat head screws where you could adjust for pre-load on my front forks at the top. I'm still waiting for the owners manual to be shipped to me as the bike didn't have one. Are the front shocks adjustable? For an experiment I turned it a half turn but didn't get any "clicks" or any other feedback that I was actually acomplishing anything so I moved it back. Does it take a full turn to get a "Click"? WHich gets you more pre-load? Righty tighty or lefty loosy? :-)

chevsuz12 · « **Reply #1 on:** October 27, 2005, 09:50:33 AM »

It doesn't click. Just count the turns to make them even.

Desolation Angel · « **Reply #2 on:** October 27, 2005, 10:29:28 AM »

I believe turning them clockwise is how you firm them up.

ray nielsen · « **Reply #3 on:** October 27, 2005, 11:55:06 AM »

There are guide rings on the screw body. Be sure they're set the same on both forks.

rider123 · « **Reply #4 on:** November 01, 2005, 02:16:27 PM »

Well I bumped it up one notch to see if it did anything and it works!! Thanks guys, it tightened up the front end I still have 2 more "rings" to go if I really want to go crazy....now to figure out how to use that C-clamp thingy, I'm still waiting for the manual

I think they must be ordering a manual from somewhere in southern france as the monks who are copying it by hand are 80 years old!

A word of caution though those aluminum adjustment screws have the tinsle strength of playdoh or something, with a large flat head AND a rag in the screw head to protect the screws, I still got some minor marks on the screw heads, nothing major but holy!! Please use steel or something Suzuki!!

jeepskate99 · « **Reply #5 on:** November 01, 2005, 02:24:51 PM »

I am guessing you didn't unload the front end when you did that? Next time try putting the bike on the center stand and then tilt it backwards to unload the front suspension.

rider123 · « **Reply #6 on:** November 01, 2005, 05:19:13 PM »

No they were unloaded. First thing I did was put it on the centre stand they move easy enough but the aluminum is very soft. Be carefull. THe best way would be to lay a metal stick flat across the head to get the maximum amount of weight distribution plus a rag or something. The marks are so minor you have to look a couple of inches away to see them but I'm a perfectionist!!!

jeepskate99 · « **Reply #7 on:** November 01, 2005, 06:25:55 PM »

Quote from: "rider123"

No they were unloaded. First thing I did was put it on the centre stand they move easy enough but the aluminum is very soft. Be carefull. THe best way would be to lay a metal stick flat across the head to get the maximum amount of weight distribution plus a rag or something. The marks are so minor you have to look a couple of inches away to see them but I'm a perfectionist!!!

WOW. I adjusted my 04's a few times and never ran into that. Although i used the back of a knife that fit really good too so that may be the difference.

PaulVS · « **Reply #8 on:** November 01, 2005, 07:41:14 PM »

Quote from: "rider123"

A word of caution though those aluminum adjustment screws have the tinsle strength of playdoh or something, with a large flat head AND a rag in the screw head to protect the screws, I still got some minor marks on the screw heads, nothing major but holy!! Please use steel or something Suzuki!!

That was the first 'damage' I did to my new '03 last year on the 2nd day of ownership. The screws are obviously made from some of that FINE Japanese steel they make samurai swords out of.

Old_n_Slow · « **Reply #9 on:** November 10, 2005, 08:51:05 AM »

Quote from: "rider123"

A word of caution though those aluminum adjustment screws have the tinsle strength of playdoh or something, with a large flat head AND a rag in the screw head to protect the screws, I still got some minor marks on the screw heads, nothing major but holy!! Please use steel or something Suzuki!!

Use a quarter, they fit the slot perfectly, don't scratch or 'carve' the screws and you can make adjustments without tools when you're out riding!