I just finished refurbishing and installing the stock exhaust on my '86 VFR700, and it was a huge pain in the ass to get on. Does anyone know if the mufflers ABSOLUTELY MUST be removed to get the rear shock out? if I can get the shock out while avoiding muffler removal, I'll be real happy. Otherwise, I told myself I'll never take the stock pipes off again. If anyone has any experience with the rear shock or even getting the mufflers on and off in a blood/sweat/tear free manor, please chime in. Thanks!
Can't speak for the generations that don't have the SSSA but on the later models with them, removing the rear wheel and raising and lowering the swingarm usually gives you just enough room to get the shock out and back in when reinstalling. Using a jack or a rear stand is helpful. This usually means you're supporting the bike via the center stand or supporting the bike from underneath the engine. I hope this makes sense and is helpful.
