changing rear shocks...help?
Thread Starter
|
Tourer
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 417
Likes: 3
From: Myerstown, PA
changing rear shocks...help?
I am going to install some lowering rear shocks on my RKC. I have a sears jack to lift the bike up and my question is: When both shocks are removed I guess the swingarm will drop and need to be re-lifted into position to install the shorter shocks. Is this something I can do my self or will I need an additional pair of hands around to help lift and reposition the swingarm to re-install the shock bolts?
I don't wanna' get myself in a pinch trying this alone if help is required. Anyone help me out?
I don't wanna' get myself in a pinch trying this alone if help is required. Anyone help me out?
Former Sponsor
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 5,360
Likes: 453
From: Davie, FL
Shock Knowlage
If you are going to put on lowered (shorter) shocks, you can not put on one shock at a time. A no brainer.
1) If you would have one shock that is longer than the other how could you put on the shorter shock?
2) Once you get the shorter shock on the bike by compressing the longer shock, how could you get off the longer shock?
With you jack under the bike
1) Raise the bike just enough to get the weight off of the shocks so they are "Loose".
2) Remove both shocks.
3) Put on the first shock by maneuvering the jack to center the mounting bolts.
4) Hopefully you installed the long side .....
A) If the shock bolts will not go in because the bolt hole is too low, drop down the jack and compress the other shock so the bolt will go in.
B) If the shock bolts will not go in because the bolt hole is too high, remove the shock on the other side (connected one) than raise the jack and put on the shock, lower the jack until the other shock will bolt will bolt in.
1) If you would have one shock that is longer than the other how could you put on the shorter shock?
2) Once you get the shorter shock on the bike by compressing the longer shock, how could you get off the longer shock?
With you jack under the bike
1) Raise the bike just enough to get the weight off of the shocks so they are "Loose".
2) Remove both shocks.
3) Put on the first shock by maneuvering the jack to center the mounting bolts.
4) Hopefully you installed the long side .....
A) If the shock bolts will not go in because the bolt hole is too low, drop down the jack and compress the other shock so the bolt will go in.
B) If the shock bolts will not go in because the bolt hole is too high, remove the shock on the other side (connected one) than raise the jack and put on the shock, lower the jack until the other shock will bolt will bolt in.
Trending Topics
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,319
Likes: 1
From: Deep South Texas
I agree, you cannot do one shock at a time if you are changing height.
I would raise the bike on the lift you have and than use a regular car jack under the rear tire to adjust the swingarm position. Just make sure the bike is in gear so the car jack does not slip out if the tire tries to spin. This will give you some fine tuning to get the bolts aligned without trying to adjust the height of the actual bike lift (works on installation and disassembly).
I would raise the bike on the lift you have and than use a regular car jack under the rear tire to adjust the swingarm position. Just make sure the bike is in gear so the car jack does not slip out if the tire tries to spin. This will give you some fine tuning to get the bolts aligned without trying to adjust the height of the actual bike lift (works on installation and disassembly).
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Still too early.....
Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 126
Likes: 8
From: CA
You don't need two jacks.
Raise bike just enough to unload the shocks
Remove shocks
Put on new shock, bottom bolt first.
Raise or lower the bike until the top hole lines up.
Put on 2nd shock, adjust jack slightly to line up the top hole.
Done
Raise bike just enough to unload the shocks
Remove shocks
Put on new shock, bottom bolt first.
Raise or lower the bike until the top hole lines up.
Put on 2nd shock, adjust jack slightly to line up the top hole.
Done