Rear shock removal

[bscrive]

Has anyone here taken off their rear shock???

I am wondering if I have to take off the tank to get at the top bolt for the rear shock.

I purchased a Progressive spring for the rear.  It is made for a full wing, or a F6B, so it should work for our bikes, but it may be a little stiff at first.  I am still waiting on the shock to be delivered, but I have already made the tool necessary to remove the spring with metal I had around the garage.  I was too cheap to spend $60 for something I may only use once.  When I looked at the picture of the tool needed it looked so simple to make, I decided that I was better off to make it.  Mine is also more heavy duty.

It looks like taking it out from the bottom is my only choice, since there is so much electronic stuff in the way at the top.  The bolt looks easy to get at, but the nut is partially covered by the 'tool box'.  I can get the nut off, but putting back on will be a pain.  I think that Kidd has changed his rear spring, but I don't know if he did it, or got someone else to do it.

[cdorma]

I have the service manual and it states to remove the battery box.  Sounds simple, but I then checked how to remove the battery box and this is what it states:

Lift and support fuel tank
Remove the following: seat rail, battery, ECM, BARO sensor, bank angle sensor, turn signal relay and starter relay switch.

It has also has remove from battery box: relay boxes, fuse box, bank angle sensor 3P connector, optional 2P connector, rear sub harness, clip bands, cap, setting bolts and preload adjuster, bolts and collars and setting socket bolts.

Sounds like a lot!  Good luck!

[Robert]

Yes the tank probably needs to come off but the top bolt for the shock is on the frame that is the problem with the battery box. If you need a pic of what is in the manual I can post it for you but its really not that great. What makes it a bit of an issue also is the adjustment screw that you have to remove also. I have never done it, so will be looking forward to your comments.  I dont mean ones like dam what a PIA either