To change the rear shock, do I need to remove the swing arm?

[DarrenSV650S]

I'll be changing the rear shock eventually, once I've done the forks. I'm going to buy an Abba superbike stand to do the forks:
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k164/DarrenStewartTait/1-4.jpg

It says that I can buy a "Swing Arm removal kit" at the same time as the stand for £14.95. Or it is £19.95 normally.
Here is the "Swing Arm removal kit":
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k164/DarrenStewartTait/2.jpg

Do I need the kit to just remove the rear shock?

[BILLY]

No the swing arm stays in place!!

[yorkie_chris]

I'd say get the kit and take the swingarm out at the same time.

It's a bit more work, but IMO worth it to get some grease into the bearings.

[Stig]

I'd say get the kit and take the swingarm out at the same time.

It's a bit more work, but IMO worth it to get some grease into the bearings.

Agreed. This is something that never gets done. For the cost, I think it's worth it.

[yorkie_chris]

I did it when I first got the bike, the bearings had a bit of green powder in them :confused:
What are suzuki thinking? If I bought a new bike then the first thing I'd do is strip it and get it all properly lubricated.

£15 for a removal kit and 12p worth of grease could save you £100 worth of bearings!

[DarrenSV650S]

Ok cheers guys I'll get it then.

Question 2:smt003

To raise the front up I could use a rope to hold it up to the roof, but tbh I'm not too sure how strong the shed roof is8-[
Abba have got a Front Lift, which lifts up the engine:
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k164/DarrenStewartTait/3.jpg

but at £54.95 it's a complete rip off. So I was thinking about getting an axle stand. What do you think?
Anyone know what height it would need to be to get under the engine?

[yorkie_chris]

A car jack's easiest, but an axle stand will work too

[Stig]

Hell no. I use a bit of two by two cut to length and prop it under the front cylinder. Total cost. £0.

[Stig]

A car jack's easiest, but an axle stand will work too

If you want a race between your car jack and my piece of wood. Willing to take that bet on. :wink:

[DarrenSV650S]

Oh yeh! A car jack makes much more sense!

BigApe, is the bike stable on the bits of wood? I don't want it wobbling about when I'm trying to remove the forks

[yorkie_chris]

On the abba stand too its fine, wouldn't want to try it just on its own though :-P

As for having a race, I just use the jack because I'm lazy, and its there.

[Stig]

Put it this way, I have used this block of wood loads of times in conjunction with the Abba stand. I have found it to be very solid and stable and have removed the forks more times than I care to mention.

[Stig]

Just to clarify. I am quite sure the Abba thing to lift the front is not to be used on it's own but in conjuction with the main Abba stand.

[DarrenSV650S]

Again, cheers guys!:thumbsup: