LIFTING THE R3 - fitting new rear shocks

Pete Dixon

.020 Over
Joined
Sep 9, 2009
Messages
28
Location
Wiltshire UK
Hi

Just about to fit new rear shocks. Can I get away without lifting the bike, by doing one side at a time (recognizing that the weight on forces the shocks to sag a little)? If not, without a table jack (I have a proper hydraulic jack only, but will use a very large piece of wood to spread the weight, is it OK to lift the bike via the rear of the sump?

Cheers

Pete
 
It's not a difficult job, and yes you can probably do one at a time without lifting the whole bike - I managed without.
 
If the shocks are the same length as stock it won't require getting the bike off the ground. Fitting non-standard length I would recommend getting both shocks off before fitting the new ones. That would require getting the rear wheel off the ground.

If you are fitting max length shocks (13.5") you'll need to push the eye sleeve out 3/4 the way and then tilt it to fit over the frame stud, then push it on.
 
Pete, by lifting, do you mean off the rear tire (or tyre ), or just to take pressure off the shock with a slight lift? I've done it with other bikes. like vintage Triumphs, but found that it made the change out a heck of a lot easier by lifting it only a few inches. I did this with a simple car type scissors jack. Then you won't find yourself trying to compress the shock to mount it.
 
Yes, it can be done without lifting but having a simple floor or scissor jack handy just in case is advisable if you don't have the physical strength to lift the rear a few millimeters to slip the new ones on.
 
All the things I've read about the jacking up, of or off in regards to this bike have got me a'scared! I will have my 12.5" Progressive 440s put on at my dealer's risk, thank you. :lol: [That is, unless FlipMeister can get his newfangled thingamajig to market, beforehand]
 
If you are putting on shocks that are standard replacements, you don't need to jack the bike up at all. I replaced mine with Progressives and merely took them off one side at a time, mounted them one side at a time. Simple deal and didn't pay a mechanic.

Native One
 
All good points....must admit that I would rather use a bit of muscle to lift the rear end less than an inch to fit the shocks than trust the thing teetering on any jack........

However, I'm not keen on lining the pockets of the dealer either.

Man or mouse.....haven't decided yet!!
 
Well, I managed to change mine on my own, one at a time without using a jack.

As anyone here will tell you, if I can do it, any other retard can.
 
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