Motorcycle Repair: 81 Honda cm400t rear shock adjustment, honda cm400t, channel lock pliers

Question
Hi Mark! Got my son this bike but want to lower it via the notches that are located on the rear shocks of the bike. The guy at this Honda shop said that the tool I needed was a "shock spanner wrench" to drop it down one notch so it will then allow my sweet boys feet to be flat on the ground.It really just looks like I just need some kind of screwdriver to move the catch down from the top notch setting (it's raised to the highest notch on the shock) to the next notch down.I have a Clymer for my Harley but it don't tell me nothin' about things on a Honda. I hope I explained it right and you know what I'm talking about. I just don't want to spend $25 on this tool that doesn't really look like it is meant to do the job I'm looking to do. Thanks for any help you can give me Mark!  Deb

Answer
Hi Deb,

You may find an assortment of spanner wrenches on eBay if you wish to buy one.

In most cases, the shocks can be adjusted with a pair of large Channel Lock pliers or other suitable type plier tool with no damages to the parts.

If adjusting the shocks does not solve the problem, consider a lowering kit. Kits can lower the rear by 2-5 inches depending upon the type and brand.

Respectfully,
Mark Shively