Rear shock replacement

mikesim · Sep 22, 2019

Just got a set of new rear shocks from Mike at 650 Central. He recommended one that were about an inch longer and said that I "may" have to lengthen the side stand as it may lean over to far. Has anyone experienced this? Also, it has been ages (1960's) since I replaced shocks on a bike and I'm now 70 and no longer have the strength when I was a pup. Any tricks or pitfalls I should be aware of as I plan on doing this by myself.

Thanks!

Mike

gggGary · Sep 22, 2019

Centerstand, wedge a 2x4 in front and behind the tire, loosen shock nuts, bolts, hit the rubber with spray silicone or even dish soap and water, wiggle the shocks vigorously. Remove shocks then Slowly work 2x4s out til the new longer shocks fit. Sometimes you need to remove top of shocks from studs and raise lower tire so lower bolts clear the exhaust.

mikesim · Sep 23, 2019

Thanks for the info!

mikesim · Sep 24, 2019

Any ideas about the sidestand? Is lengthening necessary for just a 1" shock increase?

Mike

gggGary · Sep 24, 2019

Fairly popular to add a spacer to the bottom if needed.
An example from 5twins.

But put the shocks on and decide how much if any length you need to add, various pieces of wood, plywood will help you decide. Any neighborhood welding shop can do the deed.

MaxPete · Sep 24, 2019

One more thing Mike - I think it’ll be easier if you change the shocks one at a time rather than taking both old ones off and then trying wrestle the new ones on.

gggGary · Sep 24, 2019

arcticXS · Sep 24, 2019

MaxPete said:
One more thing Mike - I think it’ll be easier if you change the shocks one at a time rather than taking both old ones off and then trying wrestle the new ones on.

Not when the new shocks are 25 mm longer than the old ones......

thuban · Sep 24, 2019

Mike, I'm new here, but I just changed out the rear shocks on my 77. Just wondering if your shocks came with metal bushings for the lower mount eyes? I got a set from Mikesxs and they were useless without the metal bushings for the lower shock bolt to torque up against. I had to press out the vulcanized bushings on my old shocks and re-use them. It's not too bad of a job especially if you have one of the ratchet end combination wrenches. Good Luck.
Thu

Rear shock replacement

mikesim

XS650 Addict

gggGary

If not now, When?

mikesim

XS650 Addict

mikesim

XS650 Addict

gggGary

If not now, When?

MaxPete

Lucille, Betty, Demi, Gretel & Big Sue money pits.

gggGary

If not now, When?

arcticXS

XS650 Guru

thuban

Horse Scratcher

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