Removing Shocks
Removing Shocks
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 4,722
Likes: 7
Are you going with the same length shock? If so, it might make it easier to do one at a time than if you go with a different length. You still want to lift the bike up to take the load off the shocks. I went with a shorter shock so I lifted the bike up, and put something under the rear end so the swingarm doesn't drop further than it needs to. I removed both shocks and then mounted the new ones as follows:
Mount the new shocks to the top and then lower the bike enough to line up the bottom holes and install the lower bolts. Be sure to use loctite and torque your shock bolts.
If you have rear pegs, make sure you remove the right side peg mount to make sure it doesn't hit your exhaust when you let that swingarm down.
Mount the new shocks to the top and then lower the bike enough to line up the bottom holes and install the lower bolts. Be sure to use loctite and torque your shock bolts.
If you have rear pegs, make sure you remove the right side peg mount to make sure it doesn't hit your exhaust when you let that swingarm down.
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Tourer
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 337
Likes: 0
From: Columbus, Ohio
Are you going with the same length shock? If so, it might make it easier to do one at a time than if you go with a different length. You still want to lift the bike up to take the load off the shocks. I went with a shorter shock so I lifted the bike up, and put something under the rear end so the swingarm doesn't drop further than it needs to. I removed both shocks and then mounted the new ones as follows:
Mount the new shocks to the top and then lower the bike enough to line up the bottom holes and install the lower bolts. Be sure to use loctite and torque your shock bolts.
If you have rear pegs, make sure you remove the right side peg mount to make sure it doesn't hit your exhaust when you let that swingarm down.
Mount the new shocks to the top and then lower the bike enough to line up the bottom holes and install the lower bolts. Be sure to use loctite and torque your shock bolts.
If you have rear pegs, make sure you remove the right side peg mount to make sure it doesn't hit your exhaust when you let that swingarm down.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 4,722
Likes: 7
I hear ya. A lift is nice to have if you are going to wrench your own bike and is sometimes required. You might be able to figure out another method but imagine removing one of the shock bolts with the shocks compressed - especially when that bolt is almost all the way backed out - not fun.
But, regardless of what some other people think around here about it, I caught the Sears Red lift on sale for $59 a couple of years ago and it has served me well. But I don't use a lift all that often.
But, regardless of what some other people think around here about it, I caught the Sears Red lift on sale for $59 a couple of years ago and it has served me well. But I don't use a lift all that often.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,928
Likes: 1
From: Desert S. West
A lift and a service manual are two of the best investments that pay for themselves very quickly.
I picked the aluminum one from Harbor Freight and I use it several times a week on one or the other of the two bikes. Simply cleaning the wheels and doing some maintenance is waaayyy easier with a lift.
I picked the aluminum one from Harbor Freight and I use it several times a week on one or the other of the two bikes. Simply cleaning the wheels and doing some maintenance is waaayyy easier with a lift.
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Tourer
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 337
Likes: 0
From: Columbus, Ohio
I hear ya. A lift is nice to have if you are going to wrench your own bike and is sometimes required. You might be able to figure out another method but imagine removing one of the shock bolts with the shocks compressed - especially when that bolt is almost all the way backed out - not fun.
But, regardless of what some other people think around here about it, I caught the Sears Red lift on sale for $59 a couple of years ago and it has served me well. But I don't use a lift all that often.
But, regardless of what some other people think around here about it, I caught the Sears Red lift on sale for $59 a couple of years ago and it has served me well. But I don't use a lift all that often.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
You will probably find the new shocks are not exactly the same length as the old ones, so you will have to adjust the distance between the fixing points. I wouldn't try changing shocks without a jack, but you don't need anything more fancy than a scissor jack or trolley jack, if you take care.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 9,282
Likes: 1,139
From: southeast PA
I changed my shocks on my 07 SB to 11.5" (half inch shorter than stock). Just did one side at a time and had no problem.
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