How difficult is it to change rear shocks?
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 282
Likes: 2
From: Dubai, UAE
Yeah.. except replacing one at a time only works if you're swapping out to new units of the same 12" stock length. That being said it's real simple even with the most basic of tools. I use a standard scissors jack found in the spare wheel of most cars - under the rear engine mount as mentioned & you're good to go. Jack it up too far and the exhaust gets in the way, you wont be able to remove the RHS bottom shock bolt anyhow - but you'll soon see before you get to that point. Easy peasy lemon squeezy.
Thread Starter
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 3,410
Likes: 143
From: Palm Desert,CA
thanks again I'll check into those, with a 12.5" shock will that raise the bike much? I'm trying to get a service manual for it. was hoping to get one of the electronic ones from mymanuals.com but they only have up to 2013 and I'm told there were some significant changes, I did email them though. Going to look up current shock length right now
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 282
Likes: 2
From: Dubai, UAE
You get what you pay for in this department. I would look at something adjustable and rebuildable, and assembled with the springrate in the ballpark for your weight. I'm happy with JRI, but they're fairly spendy.. also look at Hagon brand.
Thread Starter
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 3,410
Likes: 143
From: Palm Desert,CA
Yeah.. except replacing one at a time only works if you're swapping out to new units of the same 12" stock length. That being said it's real simple even with the most basic of tools. I use a standard scissors jack found in the spare wheel of most cars - under the rear engine mount as mentioned & you're good to go. Jack it up too far and the exhaust gets in the way, you wont be able to remove the RHS bottom shock bolt anyhow - but you'll soon see before you get to that point. Easy peasy lemon squeezy.
Thread Starter
|
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 3,410
Likes: 143
From: Palm Desert,CA
This is one of the simplest thing's to do, you can do 1 at a time or put a jack under the rear motor mount with the front of the bike secured.
It is about a 30 minute job.
I felt the same issue's with my stock Fatbob rear shock's, so I purchased the Progressive 970"s cost me 700.00 plus tax with free shipping from SpeedAddict's here in California Santa Clarita area I believe Ventura County.
Received them the next day.
You can adjust these as soft as you want and they are a 12 1/2" shock with about 2 3/4" of clear travel.
If you go that route call them up and ask Schad for his best price, that is what I did..........
Attachment 392319
Attachment 392320
Live Free = Ride Free..........
It is about a 30 minute job.
I felt the same issue's with my stock Fatbob rear shock's, so I purchased the Progressive 970"s cost me 700.00 plus tax with free shipping from SpeedAddict's here in California Santa Clarita area I believe Ventura County.
Received them the next day.
You can adjust these as soft as you want and they are a 12 1/2" shock with about 2 3/4" of clear travel.
If you go that route call them up and ask Schad for his best price, that is what I did..........
Attachment 392319
Attachment 392320
Live Free = Ride Free..........
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 282
Likes: 2
From: Dubai, UAE
Ahh. On a properly adjusted shock you do have more sag with your weight on the bike and the height doesn't change too much, but it is still noticeable. Also, your C&C seat is a little wider than stock (I have the Fastback which is similar) so this will affect things slightly too, as it keeps your legs further apart.
Everyone's proportions are different and only you'd know for sure, but I'd recommend something in the 12.5" range. I'm 5'11" and with 13" shocks with my current C&C seat find myself juuust at the edge of flat footing both feet on the floor. (With the stock seat, this is no problem).
Also, forget what I said about your exhaust in the way of the bottom bolt. Just noticed you're running Shorties which don't go all the way past the bolt in question.
Everyone's proportions are different and only you'd know for sure, but I'd recommend something in the 12.5" range. I'm 5'11" and with 13" shocks with my current C&C seat find myself juuust at the edge of flat footing both feet on the floor. (With the stock seat, this is no problem).
Also, forget what I said about your exhaust in the way of the bottom bolt. Just noticed you're running Shorties which don't go all the way past the bolt in question.
Last edited by Hero; Jul 31, 2014 at 02:38 PM. Reason: Spelling
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Thread Starter
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 3,410
Likes: 143
From: Palm Desert,CA
Ahh. On a properly adjusted shock you do have more sag with your weight on the bike and the height doesn't change too much, but it is still noticeable. Also, your C&C seat is a little wider than stock (I have the Fastback which is similar) so this will affect things slightly too, as it keeps your legs further apart.
Everyone's proportions are different and only you'd know for sure, but I'd recommend something in the 12.5" range. I'm 5'11" and with 13" shocks with my current C&C seat find myself juuust at the edge of flat footing both feet on the floor. (With the stock seat, this is no problem).
Also, forget what I said about your exhaust in the way of the bottom bolt. Just noticed you're running Shorties which don't go all the way past the bolt in question.
Everyone's proportions are different and only you'd know for sure, but I'd recommend something in the 12.5" range. I'm 5'11" and with 13" shocks with my current C&C seat find myself juuust at the edge of flat footing both feet on the floor. (With the stock seat, this is no problem).
Also, forget what I said about your exhaust in the way of the bottom bolt. Just noticed you're running Shorties which don't go all the way past the bolt in question.
I keep saying that I'm done with mods for a while now that I've done the Stage 1, foot pegs, and seat. Alas... I'm saying its for comfort, and sticking to that rationale.
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 1,118
Likes: 5
From: Coweta, Oklahoma
I would go to the harbor freight store and get myself a lift if I were you. They come in so handy for many jobs that you will have to do on your bike. If your new shocks are the same length just do one at a time and you should have no problem.