Phase 1—-Tupperware off, no problem. The top bolt and nut of the rear shock were easy to access, and after inserting an allen wrench to hold the top in place, went after the bottom bolt. I thought it might require heating (locktite) to loosen, but lo/behold, none on the bolt! The only little glitch on this was I needed to take off another short section of the muffler assembly to fully get the bottom bolt out. That piece was aged in place, and took a few “taps” of the rubber mallet. After that, probably close to two hours and Beth’s help and eyes to work out how to unplug the two wires to the ESA, due to tight fitting and other unmentionables. Much cussing involved, which helped. Once that was done, wiggled the shock out and cleaned it as best I could—-covered with the oil that had leaked out. And cleaned the wheel well area. Now to UPS the shock to Ted Porter to take out a part or two for the new one.
And, when we came home from a family visit last night, the new front shock was on our porch! I’m planning on that one following our General Meeting next Saturday. I’m thinking it won’t take that long to change out now that I have some experience on the wiring plug!
This really is a two person job, so any who would like to assist are welcome. Also, as long as I am in the area and it will be easier to get the shock out with the alternator cover off, a good time to replace the alt belt.

That’d be great, Harry.

A big thanks to Carl, Harry, and Willis for helping me with the removal and replacement of the front spring strut Saturday. It was epic, with the heat torch coming perilously close to wiring and the gas tank! But mission accomplished. The only glitch was the lower bolt was a b____ to get out and the head was a mess when we were done. A new one is on order, thanks to Willis.
I connected all the wiring for the ESA tonight, zip-tied it down, and ignited the bike——yes, it all lights up and looks AOK.
Finish snugging down the rear strut, the lower on the front when it comes in, and putting the body back. Then ready for a test ride. Should be able to get all this done by Saturday.

Honestly, this job definitely requires more than one set of hands.

And thanks to Beth for providing moral support, pizza, and salad!

Thanks to Chris R for coming over Thursday and assisting on putting the front shock in. Was relatively easy.

After putting the plastic back on, I took it off the center stand, and heard a little “clunk”. Went for a short ride, and when got back, there was the noise when the front was rocked back/forth. I determined that I was missing a “bush”, or rubber spacer where it should go. I was able to take the front shock off with little difficulty, wriggled it down enough to put a washer and the bush on the lower top stud, but was still missing one for the top. Don’t know where it went, maybe stuck to the old front shock that is now gone. Bummer. So, a new bush is on it’s way, and all that will involve will be removing the fairings, etc. to access the top bolt. A bit tedious but totally do-able.

Almost there!

I received the new bush from Ted Porter’s Beemershop yesterday, popped it in, and put all back together. Yippee Kiyeah! Feels real good riding. I’ll take a win on that!