Hi,

This may be a silly question but how hard a thing is this to do?

Is taking the shock off a case of unbolting it at both ends? How do you support the bike while doing this?

Sorry for the simpleton questions but I've not removed a shock before.

Thanks

Typically if you have a centre stand you can do the replacement of the unit whilst the bike is on its stand without worrying about the bike falling over. You may need to support the front/rear with a chock of wood or something similar to aid with the removal of the holding bolts. Note with my suspension holding bolts thread lock was used to keep the bolts firmly in place so a little heat with a blow-torch to heat the thread lock helped during removal. Don't forget to reapply the same when refitting.

What I'm not sure of what you are asking, is if you want, once the suspension is removed, to take out the spring and separate it from the shock absorber? This would need special tools. Such tools in my experience are usually only owned by a builder or re-furbisher of suspension units. (any one care to comment here?)

So the questions is if you are going to be bothered replacing the spring with a new one is whether the expense is worth it. In most cases if the suspension is used and has over 10,000kms then it's probably worth replacing the whole unit and getting a harder spring at the same time, unless of course you are in a remote location and don't have access to parts and need to rebuild the shock and add a harder spring at the same time...

Hope this makes sense.

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TurboCharger + Francois (our BMW R1200gs) '07
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same thing of changing back tire... you have to remove rear wheel, so if you want to work easy, use a wood box or a rock under the engine.

The spring is easy to remove in your model (XT600E), is just a matter of loose the two nuts under the spring, then compress somehow the spring to remove the clip that locks the top ring.

A note: I would avoid to use a blow torch, the shock is pressurized with nitrogen, hot air gun can be an option if really needed.

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Replaced my spring on my 89 xt yesterday. An alignment shop for automobiles has the necessary equipment to compress your spring to get it off and put your new one on, cost was only 20 bucks. Mike

10.000km for a spring? The springs are made for alot more than this.. And i didnt need any compression tool to change the spring on the 3TB. This one is great for doing the change https://www.google.no/search?q=motor...ck%3B300%3B300