Guys, I'm looking for any tips or tricks that I won't find in the service manual.

Today I'm going to swap my 13" shocks on my RKC for a set of 12" SG take-off's. I have a service manual and I've talked to my tech at the HD dealership.

I know this sounds easy and it probably is. But it's the easy jobs that turn ugly if you screw up.


So far here's what I've got:
1 Jack up bike so it's level, but keep the rear wheel touching the ground.
2 Add some air 3-5 lbs. then release all the air from the shocks. The added air will help purge the lines = serv. manual.
3 Remove both shocks.
4 Loosely install top bolt on both new shocks; let them hang.
5 lower bike slightly and line up bottom bolts. use Locktite and torque per specs.
6 Install air lines and add air.

Any advice is welcome! thanks!

 

You make it sound simple enough.Put them on, take it for a ride, adj air pressure as necessary. Done.

 

Follow the instructions you have just posted, you will have no issues or problems.

 

1.) if the rear wheel drops and contacts the ground the balancing point may change.
get someone to steady the bike for you.

2.) I use a wedge shaped block which tapers up to about 4". I put that under the rear tire and can push it forward the raise the swingarm to the shock lower mounts, and slip the bolts into place

I use the 12" in town and the 13" when touring, so I swap shocks a couple times a year


mike

 

- Clean the old Loctitie off the bolts & check the threads for any damage
- If you have silicone spray, use a little on the air line nipples before you push them in.
- Before you set it down, adjust the drive belt if needed

Otherwise, Id say you're good to go

 

Thanks guys! I love the wedge trick! Also yes I will stabilize the bike by removing the seat and using a couple of rachet straps attached to the jack.

Always appreciate all the great help here!

 

Put blue loctite for sure. Mine had none from the factory and the bolts were finger loose at 3k.

 

its a 10 min job

 

Ill be doing this son as well... No issues with the re and re on the shocks pretty basic stuff that ive done on other bikes. I do have one question tho... What is the process for disconnecting the air lines from the old and reconnecting to the new shocks?

 

There is a pressure sensitive grip (don't know what it's called) on the brass connector that goes into the shock. Just press down on the ring, remove or insert the plastic air tube and release. The grip ring will hold the plastic air hose.
I always use teflon tape on the threads of the brass connector before installing on the new shock.