Rear shock removal for ' 98 model fiW

Rear shock removal for 1998 model FiW
Okay, I'm no genius but hopefully not a fool either.

Having read the Haynes bible on how to remove I followed the instructions.

Firstly, raising the tank only allows me to locate thee top bolt using a torch, but you can't reach it with a spanner or a socket! Even if I remove the tank (not in a rush to do that!) it will not improve access.

Secondly, If I remove the tail unit, this does not help either. So the only way I can see a way of gaining reasonable access, is to remove the Givi rack, take off the bodywork, disconnect the electrical components attached to the sub-frame, and then finally remove the sub-frame.

Seems a days work to undo one bolt!!! Bloody ridiculous.

Am I missing a trick to get round this?

I want the shock off so I can get to the pre-load and free it off , as at the moment I can't change the position. currently have plied it with lots of Plus-gas, but not expecting any improvement.

I need to get this done quite quickly as I have planned a trip to either the Black Forest or Scotland at the end of this month with the wife.

Currently the set-up is okay for me on my own but with luggage and a pillion it gets a bit soggy.

 

OK...here's what I did (probably not the right way ). I raised the gas tank without disconecting any fuel lines & suspended it off the rafters in the garage . Then unsrewed the top bolt (yes it is a bitch to undo...I saw 2 beers die on that 1 bolt :frown. For the bottom I did not take the wheel off or move anything. You will, however, need to jack the wheel/swingarm up a little (whilst on the c/stand) so that you can wiggle old shock out & new shock in. Shock was a JD "special". Very happy with the results...transformed the bike. Hope this helps...sorry if I wasn't technical enough. Good luck.

 

I was able to get the top bolt in the same fashion. I did find it easier to remove the shock having the real wheel removed for access with the swing arm held up in place with a jack stand. Seemed I had to hold my tongue just right to wiggle the old shock out and get the new one installed. First undoing the one bolt that goes straight up and then lowering the shock down before attempting the mounting bracket at the top was how I did it.

Here's what the scene looked like...lol. I think it only took an hour and a half maybe.