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Shock installation help for a moron

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Old Mar 17, 2012 | 06:12 PM
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Default Shock installation help for a moron
Need advice...I was attempting to install my removable saddle bags on my Street Bob. One of the brackets is mounted behind the rear shock. So I took the shock off and now I cant figure out how to get it compressed enough to get it back on. The bike is on the ground. I dont have a jack. Probably would have solved my issue. Any suggestions on how to get the shock back on? Do I need to get a spring compressor?
 
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Old Mar 17, 2012 | 06:59 PM
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Get a jack and jack the bike up, don't mess around with shock compressor. I am sure there is some sort of lift in a vehicle you have?
 
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Old Mar 17, 2012 | 07:07 PM
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Get the back wheel off the ground with either a hydraulic car jack, or just a screw jack , then remove both shocks and install the new ones. If you only want to get the original back on then the back wheel still has to come off the ground. You could achieve this with the help of a friend. As you lift the bike the pressure should even out.
 
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Old Mar 17, 2012 | 07:22 PM
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Thanks guys. I will figure out a way to jack it up. i do have a floor jack but it wouldnt fit under the bike. I saw someone mention roll the bike up on a block of wood then jack it up. I might try it. Im nervous of the bike falling tho.
 
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Old Mar 17, 2012 | 07:34 PM
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Can't you just have someone sit on the bike to compress the rear end enough to get it to line back up?
 
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Old Mar 17, 2012 | 07:45 PM
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Originally Posted by Greatscott
Can't you just have someone sit on the bike to compress the rear end enough to get it to line back up?
No the shock extended, you have to lift the bike. Sitting will compress the suspension going the wrong way for him.

To the O.P. - Anybody close have a small car? Most of them have a small screw type scissor jack that should fit under the bike.
 
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Old Mar 17, 2012 | 07:45 PM
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No I need to raise the bike up to take the pressure off the wheel. pushing down on the bike just pushes the shock further away from the mount.
 
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Old Mar 17, 2012 | 09:40 PM
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Push it up on blocks and then slide jack under it. I did this 3 times today with my lowered street bob and my motorcycle lift. No biggy.
 
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Old Mar 17, 2012 | 09:56 PM
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Now I have to ask, How did you get the shock off with pressure being on it and no jack? Two words of advice. A Manual.
 
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Old Mar 17, 2012 | 10:10 PM
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Originally Posted by Skid Lid
Push it up on blocks and then slide jack under it. I did this 3 times today with my lowered street bob and my motorcycle lift. .
+1. Exactly what u need to do
 
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