I did a search and I couldn't find much info on this subject. It seems people have jacked up the quad and used a long bar to get to the preload adjustment. It my manual it says to REMOVE the shock to adjust it. Can anyone offer some advice on the easiest way to get to it before I go ahead and remove the rearfender and shock just to stiffen her up.

 

I just used a punch and hammer to loosen the lock nut and turn the adjuster. Much faster and easier than removing anything. Just gotta go a little at a time. Not sure why they even give you a spanner wrench. It is completely useless if the shock is not removed. If I remember the top shock bolt is a real treat to get at also.

 

watch out... that's a 1500 part canadian. When mine went kawi said 2 things that caused it, first was I was too heavy, well they were dead wrong on that one because I hopped on the scales with me and my box and extra gas and I weighed 144 pounds. Second thing they blamed it on was I soften my rear shock which I did 3 turns... kawi wouldn't cover it. If I were to soften my rear shock I would carfully pick up the rear of the bike from the frame until the wheels are just touching the ground. Funny mine came with a quick adjuster.

 

When i did mine i had to take the rear shock out to get that lock nut loose. i had to use an air hammer to break it loose. you might be able to do it with the shock on but i think it would almost be faster to take it out. i did not feel that it was too hard to take off, you just need to be a little flexible. :-) i left my plastic on. hope this helps