GS1100GL: installing new rear shocks

[Guest]

Hi,

is it really true that, in order to install new rear shocks on my GS1100 GL, I have to dismount the exhaust pipe ? I thought I was going for a quick win this weekend by 'simply' removing and installing new rear shocks, but the screw on the bottom of the right rear shock cannot be taken out without taking off the exhaust...

who can help me with a trick to do so anyway (if there is one, of course)...

thanks in advance from sunny Belgium.

G

[Nessism]

Remove the upper shock mount to allow the swingarm to drop down - or lift it up, either way. You may have to remove the rear wheel first.

[argonsagas]

As noted, loosen off/remove the upper mount first. It will not always come off, however and you may have to go on to the next step anyway.


Usually, you can loosen or remove the rear retaining bolts on the muffler and shift it aside enough to reach the lower mount bolt and the shock can be pulled free.

If both are difficult you may have to remove all bolts and pull the shock away from both mounts at the same time.

[twr1776]

I have also heard you can put a piece of wood under the centerstand to let the wheel drop down a bit farther and allow access to the bolt. Maybe have someone nearby to help spot the bike when putting it up on the centerstand.

[BassCliff]

Hi,

Perhaps this guide may give you some ideas.

Rear Wheel Removal

As Mr. Nessism says, loosen up the shock bolts, remove the top shock bolts, then take the top of the shocks loose, and use a jack on the rear wheel to raise the axle above the exhaust. Remove the wheel if there's not enough room to lift the axle above or lower the axle below the exhaust. I can change my shocks without removing the rear wheel.


Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

[gert du prez]

Thanks for all the info

Hi guys,

you can close down this topic as well. Yesterday, I installed the Koni rear shocks that I had lying around.

1) I removed the top screws from the OEM shocks.
As suggested by you all, indeed that made it possible to wiggle them loose, so that the rear wheel dropped and I had access to the bottom bolts.

2) installing the other shocks was the opposite, and went fairly well.

Just one hint though: while replacing the shocks, I changed the direction of the bottom screw of the shock on the right rear side (the side where the brake caliper is situated). Now the screw holding the shock is pointing outwards (the nut holding the screw is now close to the muffler instead of the head of the screw), which makes it possible to unscrew the nut and then pulling the screw out of the rear right shock.
By default, the screw was installed with the screw thread pointing inwards (direction of the wheel) so when you wanted to pull the screw out of the rear shock, you bumped against the muffler.

I hope this is a smart thing to do (it seemed at the time, yesterday evening).