Preload adjuster question

[cezell09]

So I've noticed that the preload adjuster for the rear suspension has become bent. It appears that the seam was not welded all the way down and it is bending at the seam. I do change the preload frequently for 2-up riding so this could be a likely cause of the bend.

First I'd like to know if anyone knows what could be causing this and secondly I'd like to know where I could buy one without going to the dealer. I've looked at the OEM parts sites and the drawing of the rear damper does not include the adjuster ring. Thank you for any help.

 

[Chevyfazer]

Could you take a picture of it?

 

[MNGreg]

+1 on the picture..

But you have a 2012 bike? I would bring her into the dealer and see what can be done... If it bent I would think that that should be something covered under warranty.

 

[Kdubb223]

Glad I searched... I was about to start a thread on this...

Normally I ride with preload at 5... Went for a 2up the other day and was able to set it to 7, although it seem to take a lot more force than necessary. I returned and set it back to 5 with ease. Went for a quick 2up ride this evening and could not for the life of me set it back to 7... The adjusting ring was starting to bend under the pressure and would not budge past 6...

1st of all has anyone else had this happen? and second any thoughts/suggestions on how to fix this?
Bike is 09 with about 7.5k miles.

Thanks!

 

[Scott_Thomas]

Glad I searched... I was about to start a thread on this...

Normally I ride with preload at 5... Went for a 2up the other day and was able to set it to 7, although it seem to take a lot more force than necessary. I returned and set it back to 5 with ease. Went for a quick 2up ride this evening and could not for the life of me set it back to 7... The adjusting ring was starting to bend under the pressure and would not budge past 6...

1st of all has anyone else had this happen? and second any thoughts/suggestions on how to fix this?
Bike is 09 with about 7.5k miles.
Thanks!

I know it's happened to others on here, but not sure how the problem was remedied. I haven't had that problem, but I don't change mine. I changed mine to 5 and left it there. No 2 up riding since wife doesn't want to ride with me.

 

[cezell09]

Glad I searched... I was about to start a thread on this...

Normally I ride with preload at 5... Went for a 2up the other day and was able to set it to 7, although it seem to take a lot more force than necessary. I returned and set it back to 5 with ease. Went for a quick 2up ride this evening and could not for the life of me set it back to 7... The adjusting ring was starting to bend under the pressure and would not budge past 6...

1st of all has anyone else had this happen? and second any thoughts/suggestions on how to fix this?
Bike is 09 with about 7.5k miles.

Thanks!

Yeah. I actually never fixed it. It's just permanently set to 6 right now. I won't dare change it in case it decides to break on me. I no longer ride 2up though since I got married and me and my wife started gaining weight. I told myself I can't get an upgraded bike until I lose some weight though. Exercising here I come!

 

[MichaelInVenice]

The problem with the rear assembly on the FZ6R and most other similarly-priced bikes is that it's not designed to be rebuildable. Which is not to say that you can't disassemble it and put it back together, but they don't provide any support (including parts) for doing that.. The pieces are put together at the factory and the entire assembly is sold as a single piece. Part Number 20S-22210-10-00, as seen in this diagram: 20S-22210-10-00

I know Race Tech makes replacement springs, which means that a competent suspension shop CAN disassemble the thing if they need to, though it's unclear if they could get the part to replace. You may want to try talking to Race Tech or somebody similar to see if they have some kind of aftermarket solution or part that might fit.

Realistically, these things are not meant to be adjusted frequently. Not a hit on Yamaha, that just seems to be the way they're all made. The ones that are designed for high performance use and regular tuning always seem to come with threaded rather than stepped collars.

 

[rhnatyk]

Yep, I have the exact same problem. When I ride alone I set the preload to 3, but when I ride 2 up with my wife I set it to 7. It's always been a struggle to change, but the last time was impossible. Upon inspection I discovered that the adjuster ring was deformed and now it's stuck on 4. I've only found one replacement shock and it was $650, so not worth it to me. I've also considered replacing the entire shock with a salvage part from ebay for about $100. The shock still functions so I may just live with it.