Handlebar question...

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Mar 16, 2014 | 04:59 PM

#21

BeavisRules

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From: Colorado Springs

If you don't have a jack of any sort then make sure you only do one at a time. If you are putting shorter ones on then be careful because I would assume that after you get the first one on the second shock will have some tension on it.

Mar 16, 2014 | 05:00 PM

#22

BeavisRules

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From: Colorado Springs

Quote:

Originally Posted by Whitebrad25

I have a car jack I could use?

Not sure if it would work in the way those flat lifts seem to work...I will have a second set of hands available as well..

I am reading that it should work as well.

A scissor jack would work. Just enough to keep the bike from dropping when you take the shocks off.

Mar 16, 2014 | 05:45 PM

#23

Whitebrad25

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From: Austin

Quote:

Originally Posted by BeavisRules

A scissor jack would work. Just enough to keep the bike from dropping when you take the shocks off.

Mine isn't a scissor jack, it is a low profile jack...

Also, not particularly sure what you mean by "Just enough to keep the bike from dropping when you take the shocks off." Why would the bike drop? The bike isn't with me right now so unfortunately it will be tomorrow when I can tell if the brace that is currently installed is longer or shorter than the shocks I have.

Thanks for the patience here with me on these very rudimentary DIY projects.

Mar 16, 2014 | 07:27 PM

#24

BeavisRules

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From: Colorado Springs

Think about what the shock is there to do. When you take them off, the bike will lower itself until the fender rests on the tire. I am assuming the previous owner probably put the rigid struts on it? If this is the case you will definitely need a jack of some sort because you will need to take both sides off before you can raise the bike high enough to get the new shocks on.

It will make a lot more sense when you have the bike in front of you and you can really look at it.

Mar 17, 2014 | 08:32 PM

#25

Whitebrad25

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From: Austin

Thanks for the help! It went fairly well. The jack worked very well and the swap was very simple when used.

Mar 17, 2014 | 10:25 PM

#26

BeavisRules

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From: Colorado Springs

I bet you stepped back from the bike afterwards and relished in the thought of how much money you saved yourself. The stealership would have gladly taken your hard earned money for a fairly simple job.

Like I tell my son, never be afraid to turn a wrench on your bike. Just realize where your limitations are.

BTW - The bike looks good!

Mar 17, 2014 | 11:41 PM

#27

Whitebrad25

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From: Austin

Thanks, appreciate that....as you can see though, there is a lot of work to be done....I have a few items I will be buying from the stealership....but I will be wrenching myself.

I wanted to replace the grips that came with it, and I have seen a few DIY videos and links but I am still not yet comfortable messing with the throttle cables....

I am buying several nuts and bolts, however....one issue is that this bike was owned in Hawaii and as such, has a little bit of rust on some parts, and a lot on others....somewhat disheartening...the spokes are also pretty bad...Also you can see the forks have a very distinct dull to them and much of that is oxidation.

I am wondering if I will be able to save the wheels/rims or just need to buy more. The picture doesn't really show that side of the bike though. I am planning on taking some steel wool to a few areas in particular.

EDIT: Just realized the picture has the zip ties around the front brake lever! I used that to ensure the bike had no movement when I was in the beginning phase of learning where and how to brace and lift the bike with the two lifts I had. It also made it easier on my Fiance who helped to balance the bike.

Last edited by Whitebrad25; Mar 17, 2014 at 11:44 PM.