I just ordered a set of progressive 412 shocks for my bike. Do I need to jack the bike to unload the shocks in order to replace them? My experience with cages tells me yes but thought I would ask.
Any advise is appreciated.

 

Yes, you do. Don't jack the bike up too high though because when you remove both rear shocks the rear wheel will drop and you will take a chunk of paint out of your swingarm. When installing the new shocks you can use the lift to line up the holes by lowering it.

 

Since the new shocks are close the same length ( within 1/4") can I do 1 at a time or do I need to pull both and then install both?

 

Sure, if you don't have a jack/lift you can change em out one at a time. Just crank the preload up on the one side to minimize sag and take the other side off and replace then do likewise to change the other one. It may still be a little tight but with shocks of the same relative length you'll make out just fine. You can always push down or lift up a little (or have someone help you) to get the bolt through if it's still off a little in length.

 

Jack the bike up just enough to get the bolts out by pulling them. then you can raise or lower the jack to install the new ones (15 minute job). Mark,,

 

You will have no problem when I did mine it took longer to set the new jack up then to install the shocks but like others so be sure to not jack the bike up to high.good luck they are great(412's)

 

Yes, if the new shocks are almost the same length as the old shocks, then you can get by without a lift. You will need to do one shock at a time to make that work. You do not need to pull both shocks.

 

Thanks guys for the input. Looks like this weeks project.

 

Question for ya cHarley....What length Progressive's did ya get? And are you doing the front springs too? Just wondering...Im toying with doing my shocks as well..Thanks.

 

What length did you order and are you going to have to adjust the rear drive belt. Did the shocks lower the bike any?

Post a review of how they changed the handleing and the ride.

Thanks
Tom