2008 GS removing both shocks...... Which one first and why?

[landmarkjohn]

2008 GS removing both shocks...... Which one first and why?

Just in case there is an easy way and a hard way. I try to avoid hard as best I can these days Thanks.

 

[Santa-2512]

2008 GS removing both shocks...... Which one first and why?

Just in case there is an easy way and a hard way. I try to avoid hard as best I can these days Thanks.

I did rear first, removed and refitted, then front - removed and refitted

 

[landmarkjohn]

I did rear first, removed and refitted, then front - removed and refitted

I should have said I want to remove them both at the same time for shipping to repairer.... I am interested in stability while working on the bike.

 

[johnnyboy]

Bike on centre stand. Support under front of engine and under rear swing arm. It'll be steady enough.

Sent from my SM-G970F using Tapatalk

 

[waggy]

I used one of these when I changed the clutch and completed a back end refurb, but I was able to balance the bike on this to lift the front end off the ground as well

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/SwitZer-...2349624.m46890.l49286&mkrid=710-127635-2958-0

Great bit of kit, it cost me less than that so worth shopping around

 

[st247]

I should have said I want to remove them both at the same time for shipping to repairer.... I am interested in stability while working on the bike.

Strip the tank and other guff off and loosen the mounting bolts for both shocks before jacking up and removing.

 

[landmarkjohn]

Strip the tank and other guff off and loosen the mounting bolts for both shocks before jacking up and removing.

Sounds like excellent advice. Thanks all.

 

[theoneandonly]

when you have them both out , tie it to the rafters.

 

[mpgscott]

I had mine up on my table lift but as someone else mentioned, i had bike on center stand then big block of wood under the front of the engine (i had my exhaust off but don't think it will matter if you spread the load) then just a ratchet strap to hold down on the front more for nobody moving or touching it by accident, i also had a couple from the back rear subframe just to keep it all snug. It was then easy enough to get the suspension off, i took back first then front but don't think it matters with this arrangement Its easy enough in all honesty.

Hopefully this image will give you an idea of what i mean, sorry for the mess and yep the shocks are still installed at this point but you can see the wood and how the ratchet pulls down on this. It was all nice and secure and i had it up on the table for a few weeks like this.

 

[Mistacat]

I use 2 pieces of 25 x 25 or 1inch steel Box section drilled to the same hole centres as the shock, one for the back and one for the front.
With these fitted the bike can be taken off the bench and moved around while the shocks are being serviced.

 

[jags]

when i did the rear shock on my 09 gs i didn't even have to take the wheel off. are the newer ones more difficult?

 

[mpgscott]

when i did the rear shock on my 09 gs i didn't even have to take the wheel off. are the newer ones more difficult?

Wouldnt think they are, i would imagine its just the same. i had my rear stripped down as the FD was away for overhaul.

 

[jags]

Wouldnt think they are, i would imagine its just the same. i had my rear stripped down as the FD was away for overhaul.

ok, that makes sense. be like a new bike when you get it together again.

 

[landmarkjohn]

I use 2 pieces of 25 x 25 or 1inch steel Box section drilled to the same hole centres as the shock, one for the back and one for the front.
With these fitted the bike can be taken off the bench and moved around while the shocks are being serviced.

Without wanting to sound like a lazy git if you get a chance can you measure the distance between centre and what hole size is on these? Only asking as I may order from SIL before I start the task. Great idea BTW. TIA

 

[Mistacat]

Without wanting to sound like a lazy git if you get a chance can you measure the distance between centre and what hole size is on these? Only asking as I may order from SIL before I start the task. Great idea BTW. TIA

Good job you are a lazy git, it made me look and realize that I told you a pack of lies, The top of the front shock 25mm Box has an M10 x 40 Bolt welded to the top of it.
If you do not have a welder to hand I suppose you could put a long M10 bolt down through the top mount into the box to hold it in place.
The front Box is drilled with a 10mm clearance hole 340mm from the top mount.
The rear box is drilled 10mm clearance at 405mm centres. 10mm clearance in old money use 13/32".
Cut the front box 355mm and the rear 435mm.
will attach a photo.

[/IMG]

 

[landmarkjohn]

Good job you are a lazy git, it made me look and realize that I told you a pack of lies, The top of the front shock 25mm Box has an M10 x 40 Bolt welded to the top of it.
If you do not have a welder to hand I suppose you could put a long M10 bolt down through the top mount into the box to hold it in place.
The front Box is drilled with a 10mm clearance hole 340mm from the top mount.
The rear box is drilled 10mm clearance at 405mm centres. 10mm clearance in old money use 13/32".
Cut the front box 355mm and the rear 435mm.
will attach a photo.

[/IMG]

First class, thanks very much. Post should be archived in the useful stuff sticky.