Progressive 412 13" install

[Grimmpatrick]

Hey guys. Just got a pair of Progressive shocks and cannot get them on! It looks like they are about 1/8" too long. I've lifted the bike on its side stand (doing the right side first) to get the mounting peg close to the bushing, and can't get it that final little bit. I can't figure out a way to compress the shock and can't get the bike any higher. Any tips would be much appreciated, as I'm about ready to resell them I'm eBay and try the 12 1/2".

[Willow]

Have you disconnected the shock on the other side?

[Grimmpatrick]

No. I thought I read somewhere at some time that you should do one at a time. Is that wrong? Should I take both sides off?

[Fazer]

You have to raise the bike using a jack.  I found the easiest way was to remove both shocks and use a ratchet strap around the swing arm to adjust the level of the rear wheel to match the shocks.  I had more trouble getting the one of the lower bolts to start. 

[hubcapsc]

If you securely put your bike on a jack, you can take the shocks
off and sink or raise the bike as needed. Here's me sinking
mine down so that I can take the axle out over the exhaust...



I use a board in the scissors of the jack to "lock" it in arbitrary places,
as opposed to locking it at the three or four preset places on the
jack.

-Mike

[Willow]

No. I thought I read somewhere at some time that you should do one at a time. Is that wrong? Should I take both sides off?

If your new shock is enough longer than your old shock the old shock will likely stop you from raising the bike enough to put on the new shock. 

As others have said if you get it on a jack you may be able to extend the old shock enough.

[Jess from VA]

The 1/8" you mention is the age and wear on the OE original shocks; they may have been 13" when new, but they are shorter (at rest) now.

If your wife is not up to raising the bike the required amount, a jack is the way to go.   

Remember that those top bolts are just keepers, do not be cranking on them.  Using antiseize on all shock nuts, bolts and parts is a good idea.

[Grimmpatrick]

Thanks for all the tips, guys. Put her on the jack, removed both shocks and the new ones went in relatively easily. You're the best!