Removal of shock to adjust preload?

[Taylor4EK]

Is it necessary to remove the rear shock in order to adjust the spring preload? I haven't in the past with other bikes but this is my first KTM-03 200EXC and don't want to damage anything. Thank you.

[RUSVD]

No. I bought the tool from the dealership (worth every penny) very easy to do.

[Taylor4EK]

The tool will access the adjuster on the shock while mounted on the bike? I was considering the old screwdriver and rubber mallet to rotate the adjuster but a specific tool sounds safer.

[Mike in Fresno]

the tool works with it on the bike, the screw driver works too. Or try putting the bike on a stand with rear wheel off the ground. Then grab the spring in your hands and twist. You may need to remove the mud flap. It will often turn like this and no tool is needed.

[Layton]

First you have to loosen the allen screw on the aluminum ring. Sometimes it can be on the back side of the shock and if so you may have to remove the shock the first time.

After that just make sure you stop where you can access the screw without removing the shock.

Make sure you don't tighten the allen screw to tight. That will sometimes break the aluminum ring.

[Taylor4EK]

Rotating the entire spring sounds like a great approach. This is all good advice - thanks for the replies.