How to install rear shocks without a lift?
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 3,758
Likes: 195
From: Boise, ID
I've done it several times this way. A few times by myself...the bike isn't that heavy. I have lifted the back end of the ground with one hand while lining up the bolt with the other. I don't mean just lofted the fender...but got the rear tire off the ground.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 2,557
Likes: 235
From: Texas
If you got $600+ to blow on Ohlins shocks, then you should have $100+ for a lift so you can install them properly and safely...
...and if you are planning on doing your own maintenance, you are gonna need a lift sooner or later...
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 1,181
Likes: 98
From: north of the south pole
No not that. There's no reason to buy a jack if you don't want to.
Leave it on the kick stand on a solid floor. place your scissor jack under it. Jack it up a bit to unload the shock spring. Remove one shock, install the new one.
If you can't get enuf lift because the other 12" shock won't extend remove it too. The jack will support the bike. Then install the new ones.
Your bike has 4 points of contact, tires, kick stand, scissor jack. It won't blow up or fall over. And ya, you can lift the rear tire off the ground by yourself when its on the kickstand if you have to. Just pull it forward and up onto the stand. been there done that.
Leave it on the kick stand on a solid floor. place your scissor jack under it. Jack it up a bit to unload the shock spring. Remove one shock, install the new one.
If you can't get enuf lift because the other 12" shock won't extend remove it too. The jack will support the bike. Then install the new ones.
Your bike has 4 points of contact, tires, kick stand, scissor jack. It won't blow up or fall over. And ya, you can lift the rear tire off the ground by yourself when its on the kickstand if you have to. Just pull it forward and up onto the stand. been there done that.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 3,949
Likes: 150
From: South of Mordor
I was gonna do this, but couldn't beat the price for an actual one on amazon.
Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 542
Likes: 4
From: Louisville, KY
My lever jack is always my first choice over my HF motorcycle jack. There isn't much you can't do with a lever jack and my god they are so much easier to use.
When doing my shocks, I used it on the front end and my car jack on the rear frame stub.
When doing my shocks, I used it on the front end and my car jack on the rear frame stub.
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Club Member
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 10,734
Likes: 3,755
From: SWFL
Lol. It's not the $100... It's where to store it. Looks like the black widow is the answer anyway. It's on it's way from Amazon.
Thanks all.
Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 542
Likes: 4
From: Louisville, KY
These lever jacks are versitile and perfect for the condo/apt owner. The one pictured is handy with its height adjustment.
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 3,758
Likes: 195
From: Boise, ID
No not that. There's no reason to buy a jack if you don't want to.
Leave it on the kick stand on a solid floor. place your scissor jack under it. Jack it up a bit to unload the shock spring. Remove one shock, install the new one.
If you can't get enuf lift because the other 12" shock won't extend remove it too. The jack will support the bike. Then install the new ones.
Your bike has 4 points of contact, tires, kick stand, scissor jack. It won't blow up or fall over. And ya, you can lift the rear tire off the ground by yourself when its on the kickstand if you have to. Just pull it forward and up onto the stand. been there done that.
Leave it on the kick stand on a solid floor. place your scissor jack under it. Jack it up a bit to unload the shock spring. Remove one shock, install the new one.
If you can't get enuf lift because the other 12" shock won't extend remove it too. The jack will support the bike. Then install the new ones.
Your bike has 4 points of contact, tires, kick stand, scissor jack. It won't blow up or fall over. And ya, you can lift the rear tire off the ground by yourself when its on the kickstand if you have to. Just pull it forward and up onto the stand. been there done that.
Harleys have been known to do just that....especially Dynas! LOL
FXDLX is correct....if you remember geometry 3 points equal a plane.
What I was trying to say about lifting the rear tire off the ground is it really isn't that heavy. You should not need to lift the rear tire, no reason I can think of to help you with shocks. If you have any worries about it have a friend give you a hand, but once again it is not a necessity. I can switch out my shocks in less than 15 mins without a jack and bymyself. Less than 10 if the tools are already out.
It doesn't matter how much you spend on shocks, the price of goodies does not mean you have to spend a bunch on tools to work on your bike. If that is the case riding your bike wouldn't be much fun considering the truck and trailer carrying the most expensive tools that would be required to follow you. Cause we all know you can't make a minor repair on the side of the road with a screw driver and wrench, because you spent so much on your shocks......
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 282
Likes: 2
From: Dubai, UAE
All you gotta do is overcome gravity, so.. Loosen one side & then lay the bike down on it's side, easy peasy. Pick it up & dump it over onto the other side to access the remaining shock. Voilla.
Kidding dude.. scissor jack straight onto the frame while the bike is on the sidestand is all you need. (Somewhere near the rear master cylinder works for me) 15 mins tops, as mentioned. I too, live in an apartment with shared parking.
Kidding dude.. scissor jack straight onto the frame while the bike is on the sidestand is all you need. (Somewhere near the rear master cylinder works for me) 15 mins tops, as mentioned. I too, live in an apartment with shared parking.
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