[Tamsen Cooper]

Thanks to everyone for their comments and suggestions- loads of great info.

I had a great chat with a chap from Nitron- and think that is the way I will go on the rear shock. I am now doing some research into linear front springs rather than progressive based on the suggestions here.

Follow up question. Haynes manual, forum posts etc. all say to take the exhaust off. I can get a 17mm spanner to the linkage bolts (only just) below the shock, leaving the exhaust in place- am I missing something. I guess the reason I am so hesitant is you can imagine what a 19 year old bikes front header exhaust bolts look like, it is fusion of rust and no longer represents single parts- I am desperately keen to avoid opening up that monumental can of worms if I can help it.