Yes, it's one of the major advantages to having a Shotgun Shock system.

 

Does the air line definitely need to be cut down ?

 

It just depends on how it fits under there. If you can tuck it without any issues then no. It is easy to cut though. Should be able to cut it with a razor.

 

That's my only hangup that I can see.
Shotgun arrived today - what a thing of beauty...

I jacked the bike up ('13 Slim) using my Sears red - obviously that wasn't going to work as it straddles the shocks, so I blocked up the bike on a couple of solid concrete blocks with 4x4's on top - then pulled the jack out.

More than enough room to work, although I wish the front block was an inch or so further south, as it's a little closer to the round upswing to the down tubes than I would like.

Anyway, those rear 3/4's are a bitch... I tried applying a torch to each bold head for a couple minutes each to loosen the (red?) factory loctite, and even with a hammer they wouldn't budge - although I didn't exactly do a Chuck Norris on 'em either...

I'm heading out to buy a different (longer) box wrench right now, but I'm still a little nervous about taking a hammer to a bike supported on blocks ..with me under it...
damn, if only I could get a socket and a breaker bar in there...

Any other tips? Penetrating oil, more heat, more hammer?? ...or just less beer?

 

Have a friend, or wife, hold the bike while you whack the wrench. It takes some force to break them free.

 

I used a J&S jack with a second lift to raise or lower the wheel/swing arm to position the shock to get clearance for the front bolts when I had removed the stock shocks.

A heavy rubber mallet, box-end wrench, and a lot of elbow grease got the shoulder bolts off.

 

I choose friend.
My wife couldn't hold a ****, but thanks anyway...

I just picked up a new 3/4" box wrench of considerable length, suitable for use with a masher, so we'll see...
If this is the biggest problem I encounter (and I think it will be), this thing will be a breeze to install...

I feel like a kid on Christmas Eve...

 

One big *** wrench and they're off...
Didn't even need a hammer - just two ughs and one good grunt and they broke loose.

Stock shocks are on the garage floor, and the compressor's in - although I already took that back out so that I could do a full step-by-step pictoral.

Tomorrow's another day- it's beer time - the hard work is done.

I'm just so impressed with the quality of the components in the shipping package.
Thanks again JD...

 

I didnt cut mine just tucked mine out of the way -- but in hindsight I probably should have just cut it shorter lol

 

As you bring shock into horizontal position route air line to side away from belt and air line will sit on top of shock