Never had the shocks off before - a couple of questions

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Jul 19, 2012 | 08:49 PM

JHL-ShinySideUp

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Never had the shocks off before - a couple of questions

On the 2011 FXDWG... I'm installing the Great Bike Gear license plate/turn signals relocator and while I'm in the neighborhood, I'm also putting on the brackets I'll need for my new-to-me saddlebags.
(Bracket installation instructions, if you care.)

I bought the Sears red jack and made the mods so I can lift the bike up to get at the license plate bracket. Stupid design for that bracket!!

So in the process of doing all this, I've removed both rear shocks.

What happens if I raise the bike too high without shocks? I'm guessing that at some point, the belt will stretch, or the swingarm will hit a limit. What will I damage, and how do I know when to stop before I get there?

I wanted to put one shock back on so I could put the bike (on the lift) in the back of the garage ... so with both shocks off I went to lower the bike enough to get one shock back on.

The "lower the lift" lever is pretty touchy. I don't think the bike went all the way down ... but if it did, what can I break at the other end of the travel? In other words, if I set the bike all way down without shocks on, what might I have broken?

I don't think I went too far either way ... but I'd like to know what to check, just in case.

I have the shop manual, but there's nothing in there about either situation... and I missed the "don't be stupid" warning at the beginning of the chapter.

Jul 19, 2012 | 09:54 PM

WideGlideFever

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From: Right where I belong!

I have had my shocks off and the bike sitting on the ground. Dont think its a big deal. I woud just double check the wiring running through the rear fender making sure its all tucked away like its supposed to be.

Jul 20, 2012 | 01:12 PM

JHL-ShinySideUp

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ttt - anyone have ideas on how high I can lift it with no shocks?

Jul 20, 2012 | 01:30 PM

trip20

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I jack my bike up on the motorcycle jack ***strap it down*** then use a floor jack to raise/lower the rear wheel as needed. Helps to take tension off of things when taking apart/putting back together.

Jul 20, 2012 | 05:16 PM

SuperFastGlide

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Joined: May 2008

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From: Little Rock

actually raising your bike without the shocks on it will slacken the belt... you can lift till the swing arm reaches its max down travel then the wheel will come off the floor

Jul 20, 2012 | 06:20 PM

PoCoBob

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From: Port Coquitlam B.C.

When I changed my rear tire I unhooked the shocks and jacked the bike up high enough that I just rolled the tire out without it touching the fender. Make sure you take the right passenger peg & mount off or the exhaust will hit it doing it that way.