rear shock adjustment

[donandrews]

How to I adjust the rear shocks on my Like 200i? There is nothing in the manual. I know I must twist them, but what do I use to do so and which way softens them?

[big blue]

The rear shocks may be adjusted in three ways. You can use a strap wrench,or a pair of channel lock pliers with a rag wrapped around the shock to protect the chrome finish. You can also purchase a spanner wrench made for this purpose at most motorcycle shops but it must be the right size for your particular shock circumference. When adjusting you will see that there are three levels on the adjuster. Turn the adjuster ring on the shock(just below the spring) to to select the detent on the adjuster to the level you want. The lower the "bump" the lower the setting. Hint- the Likes usually come from the factory set at high. Hope this helps...Len

[Stig / Major Tom]

From a newby - I turned mine as well, one setting to look for a little more forgiving ride - used a rag and a pair of large pliers - turns pretty easy. Mine was set at 'hard' as well from the factory. The spring is compressed - turning it one direction lengthens the assembly & takes some pressure off the spring (softer ride) , the other stiffens the spring (harder ride) . By looking at the collar holding the bottom of the spring, you can see the detents, turn collar to change the pressure on the spring.
Also, when I checked my tire pressure - found both tires running 10 lbs too much air - fixed that and rides considerably better!

[big blue]

Hey Old Schoot, My dealer's mechanic told me that pumping to tires up to 35lbs makes them last longer. I've always gone by the factory's recommendation which is 24lbs. front and 29lbs. rear. At 35 lbs. it was like riding a motocrosser set up for dirt track,especially with the shocks at full hard!

[Vivo]

Hey Old Schoot, My dealer's mechanic told me that pumping to tires up to 35lbs makes them last longer. I've always gone by the factory's recommendation which is 24lbs. front and 29lbs. rear. At 35 lbs. it was like riding a motocrosser set up for dirt track,especially with the shocks at full hard!

Yes, tires last longer, better fuel economy, and scoot runs faster....

[91cavgt]

If you combine my weight along with the weight of all the stuff I always carry in my Like, it comes out to about 170 pounds.  I tried all 3 settings on the shock and found the middle setting to be the best comprimise of smoothness and control. 

The light setting seemed to be bottoming out the suspension too much on bumps and the high setting seemed to transmit every bump in the road giving a harsh ride. 

[TroutBum]

Hey Old Schoot, My dealer's mechanic told me that pumping to tires up to 35lbs makes them last longer. I've always gone by the factory's recommendation which is 24lbs. front and 29lbs. rear. At 35 lbs. it was like riding a motocrosser set up for dirt track,especially with the shocks at full hard!

Factory recommendation here as well. A simple bicycle pumps is all that's needed to do the job. I find the rims and the stock tires of the Kymco hold the pressure steady and I have yet to have to fill the tires because they leek out over time. I only fill because the low column of air these tires hold loose a little with each pressure test I make.

[donandrews]

Many thanks for the tips. I (and my butt) thank you!

[tclhb]

Under or over inflating tires can cause damage to the tires. It is not safe.

[spatechjohn]

In general, if the weight is greater (bigger person or more stuff), a firmer the shock will give you a smoother ride because it doesn't bottom out as badly. If there's less weight on a firm shock it can feel like you're riding a hardtail because it doesn't compress to absorb the bumps. I'm 225lbs & my Like came set at the firmest setting. It rides fine so I haven't priced the spanners for this scooter, but when I had my Sportster bought one for about $15-$20. Channel locks & a rag will work, but be careful not to hurt yourself or the bike.

[donandrews]

Thanks for all the info. Got a strap wrench from our friendly local hardware store ($17.95 - should have been about half that) and both shocks just popped right into the second detent. Left side was a bit of a challenge because is not much room. Ride is much better now (185 lbs, 5"10')

[pasusca]

What size spanner/wrench is needed for the 200i?

[axy]

Usually the spanner is in your tool set under the seat.

If you are of medium hand strength, you can easily turn it by hand (in a leather working glove).

The only problem is to position the hand properly to benefit from torque/lever, when the scoot is on the ground. When it is hoisted up (on a table), it is done very easily.

Don't forget to adjust both shocks to the same setting if there are two.

[Stig / Major Tom]

What size spanner/wrench is needed for the 200i?

Yeah, no wrench in the LIKE200I tool bag, so...
A set of large channel locks after wrapping the shock in old leather work glove....or heavy rag on the right shock.
Left shock I used leather glove on hand to turn it.
A little oil or WD40 to lube it first maybe.
Or choose a shock wrench off of ebay.
Block of wood tapping cog with a hammer to spin it?
Lots of ways to turn 'em.
(I now use a shock wrench from a Honda Forza)
Stig

[pasusca]

Thanks! I clicked them down one position with channel-lock pliers. Haven't yet tried turning them up a notch.