Tech tip-shock removal '12-'17

[gasgasman]

Tech tip. How to remove the rear shock without removing the subframe.
'12-'17 bikes.

1) Remove rear wheel and silencer.
2) Remove horse shoe lower link and lower shock bolt.
3) Pivot swing arm up and support with bungee strap.
4) Remove upper shock bolt.
5) Lower shock out the bottom of the bike. The swing arm will have to be cycled to allow the shock to fit through.

 

[gasgasman]

Update:
The rear wheel does not have to be removed. Just the pipe and silencer.

 

[Jakobi]

or

1) Remove silencer
2) Loosen upper subframe mount
3) Remove lower subframe bolts
3.5) Undo carb boot, and pivot subframe up
4) Drop lower linkage
5) Undo shock and remove

Does take another couple of bolts to remove the seat and tank prior though.. but no biggy if coupling the job up with a few others. No restraining/cycling of the swingarm required, which in my case means no swear words.

 

[stabak]

or

1) Remove silencer
2) Loosen upper subframe mount
3) Remove lower subframe bolts
3.5) Undo carb boot, and pivot subframe up
4) Drop lower linkage
5) Undo shock and remove

Does take another couple of bolts to remove the seat and tank prior though.. but no biggy if coupling the job up with a few others. No restraining/cycling of the swingarm required, which in my case means no swear words.

+1 plus you get the chance to clean the area too (airbox, etc)
Some caution in pivoting because you might strip the cables stretching them...

 

[markwoodlief]

Tech tip. How to remove the rear shock without removing the subframe.
'13-'17 bikes.

1) Remove rear wheel and silencer.
2) Remove horse shoe lower link and lower shock bolt.
3) Pivot swing arm up and support with bungee strap.
4) Remove upper shock bolt.
5) Lower shock out the bottom of the bike. The swing arm will have to be cycled to allow the shock to fit through.

Thanks TONS. I was reading the owners manual of my 14, and it got too crazy to follow along. This is much more straightforward. Now to figure out how to remove my front springs, as I think they are WAY too stiff for me. I bought Jason Dahners bike, who was a pro rider, and I believe he had it super firm for his 'racer' style of riding. I can't hold a line for nothing on my bike,