Need Help Installing My Plate

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Jun 5, 2013 | 08:07 PM

chugger93

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Cruiser

Joined: May 2013

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From: Detroit, MI

Need Help Installing My Plate

Maybe I'm having a derp moment here, but I really can't figure this out.

I got a vertical plate from dkcustom, and although there are detailed instructions, I just need to be sure I'm going about this correctly.

I'm supposed to take the shock bolt/nut off. Can I do that with the spring compressed like that? Or do I need to lift the bike? Instructions just say to remove it. Not only that, but its a funky star pattern or some crap which I don't have that big of a star pattern.

Furthermore, will it even clear the shock or will I have to load it up with washers. It's very close from just looking at it. Anyways, if others have had experience with this, please let me know.

Jun 5, 2013 | 08:49 PM

Big_Redneck

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Joined: Oct 2011

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From: Houston, TX

Honestly, if you follow the instructions from DK, you can't go wrong. Just keep the bike on the kickstand, loosen the lower bolt holding the shock, and follow the instructions. You'll have no worries at all about spring tension, its all contained with the shock.

Jun 5, 2013 | 09:29 PM

chugger93

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From: Detroit, MI

I guess first I'll have to wait to I get the proper tools. Secondly, there's not much thread even left on that bolt if u take a look at the pic. The bracket is already 1/4 inch thick or so. Which means that nut when screwed back on won't grab that much thread.

This is gonna be interesting.

Jun 5, 2013 | 09:57 PM

DallasSportster

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I had to get a longer bolt for mine. Make sure you get grade 8. You should be fine without a lift.

Jun 5, 2013 | 10:09 PM

parrishbjj

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Joined: May 2013

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From: El Mirage, AZ

Here is what I would do, knowing what Ive ran into with installing shocks. For the shock that you are NOT loosening the bolt for, crank up the firmness of it. It will hold your rear end up by itself, but if it's set to soft, it may drop just a bit. And that is a pain in the as to try and lift by yourself with one hand and put the bolt in with the other.

Also, get the right star tools. Fairly cheap at any auto parts store.

Jun 6, 2013 | 05:15 AM

chugger93

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Joined: May 2013

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From: Detroit, MI

Thanks guys. If I went the longer bolt route, where do you even get a star pattern longer bolt like that? Home depot?

Jun 6, 2013 | 05:49 AM

WVHogRider

Elite HDF Member

Joined: Nov 2006

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From: Wheeling, WV

As stated, just increase the tension on the other shock so the bike will not sag when you remove the bolt. You can get a longer bolt with the star pattern at Home Depot, Lowe's, Ace, etc. If you can't find one with the exact length, just buy a longer one, put a nut on it, cut it down to the length you want, deburr the end, and remove the nut to act as a thread chaser.