I want to replace my rear shock, bit of advice about this.

[Eastmidsbiker]

I want to replace the shock on my bike (not a GS, a 390 Adventure) from a WP APEX to WP XPLOR, which I'll order. The bit I wasnt sure about was I assume I need to take the load off of the rear swingarm (so the bike needs to be lifted from the centre ?). I assume the shock will be under tension both standing on its own wheels, or on a rear paddock stand so not possible to remove like that ?

Does it make it possible with a spring compressor as I cant immediately think of a way of lifting the centre of the bike up as the bash plate is not quite up to the job of taking the weight of the bike until I replace it with something sturdier.

 

[KMD]

It will be under compression and the bike will drop if not supported. Does it have a centre stand ?would it be possible to support the weight from above, say with a ratchet strap from a ceiling joist to under the rear subframe ?

 

[Eastmidsbiker]

It will be under compression and the bike will drop if not supported. Does it have a centre stand ?would it be possible to support the weight from above, say with a ratchet strap from a ceiling joist to under the rear subframe ?

Sadly no centre stand, and no joists (visible) above as smooth ceiling. I may just get a centre stand for it, it will save a lot of faffing.

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

Sadly no centre stand, and no joists (visible) above as smooth ceiling. I may just get a centre stand for it, it will save a lot of faffing.

2 of you, one to spanner and one to hold rear of bike up whilst you spanner
Shouldn’t take more than 5 mins

Then to check sag measurements before adjusting new shock to your requirements

Stand astride bike with both feet down or hold bike up vertical

Ask a friend to
Hoist bike up from rear of seat to maximise extension of shock travel

Measure this distance (ask wife with a tape measure)
Then measure static sag on side stand
Then measure ride sag with you on seat

Did it with my Tenere on Weds when a new rear Ohlins spring was fitted to it

 

[Eastmidsbiker]

Thanks @JohnnyBoxer did you need a spring compressor to change the spring, as will need to change the spring too.

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

Thanks @JohnnyBoxer did you need a spring compressor to change the spring, as will need to change the spring too.

Yes - best to use one (you can use ratchet straps cobbled together-but dangerous if it goes wrong) …..for safety reasons

A local bike repairer did mine for £70 quid this week, collected and delivered bike back

I went down at lunchtime & he helped set it all back up and recorded new measurements against the original set and and adjust the damping to, to compensate for the lighter spring

Then he brought bike home in his van

 

[tuftywhite]

What about the stand and the stick you'd use to prop up the back to mend a puncture?

Or take off the bash plate and put a jack under the engine. I have one you can borrow if you like.

 

[Eastmidsbiker]

What about the stand and the stick you'd use to prop up the back to mend a puncture?

Or take off the bash plate and put a jack under the engine. I have one you can borrow if you like.

Hey !

Thats a good shout, the puncture 'stick' I got should be up to the job, but need to get it on the frame rather than the swingarm, that should work if I can find somewhere for it. I've got a nice level jack for under the engine, but the bashplate is OEM and brackets fold under weight (I guess I could take the OEM bashplate off and jack under the engine if I can see a place to do it).

Thanks @tuftywhite , and hope the ride was fun today.

 

[dean0n0]

Lay it on it's side for the shock swop, a couple of ratchet straps either side of the spring to compress it and take the collet/retainer out.