Topic: Need help changing my shocks.

[stereosilence]

I thought changing the shocks would be pretty simple. Ratchet one side all the way out, remove the other side and install a new one ratcheted all the way in. However, the new one isn't short enough to do that. Apparently the idiot PO put some sort of apparatus that reduces the angle on there (probably to give the idiot current owner headaches).

I look at the manual and it suggests completely removing the wheel and taking it apart and then using a "special compression tool" to put the new one on.

Is there a trick to this that I am missing?

[754]

put it on the centrestand, failing that used the sidestand. lean the bike as needed if on the sidestand..lower or raise wheel as needed if on the c-stand

[cmonSTART]

Are you trying to replace both shocks as complete assemblies?  If you're having issues doing one at a time just take them both off.  The rear wheel/swingarm isn't THAT heavy.  You should be able to get things attached again just by lifting and moving it. 

It does look like you have a set of lowering blocks on your swingarm, but it shouldn't really make things more difficult.  Unless I'm missing something..

[stereosilence]

Yeah, I have them both off now. There are lowering blocks and the old shocks were shorties apparently (new ones are longer by an 1.5-2 inches). Still having trouble getting the bolt through the block. I think it has to do with the odd angle.

[srbakker]

Time for the BFH and a piece of wood to use as a drift.

[Really?]

You should be able to mount them both to the top bolts, lift the wheel from the bottom with a 2x4 and then start the bolts on the bottom.

[stereosilence]

Ok. I got them on there. I jacked up the back of the bike with my trusty car jack and I had to push the wheel down to get the swingarm to the right place. I thought gravity would pull the swingarm down to full extension...but I was wrong. I'm not sure I like how the shocks connect to the block though.

Should I connect them to the original holes? What is the observed difference in the different angles of the shocks?

[cmonSTART]

It depends on what you want your ride height to be.  One of my wife's old bikes had them and I didn't feel any difference.  If the shocks you're now using are longer than the one's you're replacing, you may want to just step back and check the overall ride height front and rear to make sure everything is sitting right. 

[geminimotors]

I just installed lowering blocks on my girls cb450. No perceived difference in ride quality, but they lowered the bike exactly 1" in the rear. I lowered the front the same amount. The lowered seat height and center of gravity felt better to her.

[bollingball]

Just take off the lowering blocks and be done with it. If you want to lower the bike get shorter shocks.

Ken