Have an 05 Team Green edition 700. Got about 15 hours on it and figured the rear suspension would have softened up a bit by now. Would like to make it softer. Anyone know how to adjust it? The manual instructs to take it to a dealer for adjustment? Any info would be appreciated.

 

You can adjust the spring preload yourself. There is a tool in the tool kit that will turn the nuts on the shock body. You will have to take the shock/spring assembly off to make the adjustment. Its pretty easy to do.

 

Use a metal punch or anything long & hammer to loosen the top nut. Then do the same thing to spring load, tighten back up but in reverse.

I find the 360 shock better for adjustment because the 700 is not a soft ride even after I reduced the preload.

 

Kawasaki and EPI make a replacement spring for the rear shock, but they are both a "heavy duty replacement spring", and no softer rate spring is offered that I know of.

Works Performance can re-spring and re-valve your stock rear shock for about $260. They also make a replacement rear shock that can be tuned to your rider weight and riding style by Works prior to purchase. It cost $529.

Elka makes a replacement rear shock that is ultra adjustable, and pre-set for your weight and riding style as well. The Elka shock will give you the best ride, but cost the most as well, at over $900.

I would start by just backing off on your stock shocks preload, like you already had in mind. I just wanted to let you know of the options.

OL