Shock upgrades and compatible swaps

[1moreroad]

1 hour ago, lospsi said:

 

I've just realised though that the preload ring on most of the shocks might be unreachable when the shock is fitted, as it is always on the top of the shock body.

It's reachable but awkward. I can make about 1/8 turn at a time. View from the rear tire. If I sit behind the bike, I can alternately work the wrench from the left and right. 

[betoney]

2 hours ago, lospsi said:

I've been searching for various suspension  updates on my bike but for the rear shock I had decided to go for a low end aftermarket unit (Wilbers, Ohlins etc.) without hydraulic preload. I don't ride with passenger so I only need to set sag once.

I've just realised though that the preload ring on most of the shocks might be unreachable when the shock is fitted, as it is always on the top of the shock body.

Well, that's a problem....

Buy a shock with preload adjuster on the bottom... having it inaccessible on the top would be a no-go for me.

[lospsi]

10 hours ago, betoney said:

Buy a shock with preload adjuster on the bottom... having it inaccessible on the top would be a no-go for me.

Yes, I agree that it's a problem but to pay extra money for a one-time adjustment is a bit to much for me. I could well buy the better version of any shock with compression and rebound.

That said, I haven't seen any shock to have the preload on the bottom. Ohlins has rings at the bottom but there's too little room to adjust.

[Yamaha Will]

16' FJ. Has anyone had any trouble getting the lower shock hardware exposed enough above the swingarm to remove the OEM shock? Of note, I'm using the method of disconnect the top, keep rear elevated until you can reach the rear hardware. Or at least trying to. Mine will not come up far enough and its looking like I need to remove the exhaust so I can disconnect the arms. Just surprised that so many others have done it, and mine will not seem to work. Seems like the top of the shock is physically reaching it limit of travel when I lift the rear wheel.

[betoney]

10 minutes ago, Yamaha Will said:

16' FJ. Has anyone had any trouble getting the lower shock hardware exposed enough above the swingarm to remove the OEM shock? Of note, I'm using the method of disconnect the top, keep rear elevated until you can reach the rear hardware. Or at least trying to. Mine will not come up far enough and its looking like I need to remove the exhaust so I can disconnect the arms. Just surprised that so many others have done it, and mine will not seem to work. Seems like the top of the shock is physically reaching it limit of travel when I lift the rear wheel.

Tip on shock removal; remove the wheel first (having the wheel out of the way gives you unrestricted access) and then remove the bottom bolt on the dogbone.  While everything is removed is a perfect time to clean and lube the much neglected swingarm bearings, VERY easy process once you are this far disassembled.

[Yamaha Will]

10 minutes ago, betoney said:

Tip on shock removal; remove the wheel first (having the wheel out of the way gives you unrestricted access) and then remove the bottom bolt on the dogbone.  While everything is removed is a perfect time to clean and lube the much neglected swingarm bearings, VERY easy process once you are this far disassembled.

I'll try this prior to the removal of the exhaust for sure, thank you!