[Jerryt32444]

Help a newbie out… I am going to install a sissy bar on my 91 FXR. Do I just need to get the back tire off the ground to remove the tension on the shocks? Will the shocks expand after I remove them from the bike? If so, how much? Does anyone have any tips or tricks to make this an easy project? Thanks in advance for the advice.

 

[arfreak1979]

i don't know if it's the best way, but the way i do it is: jack your bike up until the shocks are totally unloaded but the rear tire isn't quite off the ground yet. they're much easier to remove without any preload on them. hope that helps-2$en#e-

 

[HighPlainsDrftr]

Does your FXR have steel struts (horizontal pieces going from the shocks to the rear)? My FXRS has die-cast pot-metal struts and I've never been keen on using them for any kind of support.

 

[Jerryt32444]

Thanks for the advice. Here's what I did. I put a couple zip ties on the springs to hold the tension and size. Then I jacked the bike up enough to get the weight off the back tire and was able to remove the shocks without them expanding.

 

[Slayer63]

I've used that method with tie wire twisted to remove the springs on an amen frame. I wouldn't trust zip ties. Think of them to breaking and having a shock expand rapidly in your face.

 

[cwilks]

there's no reason to tie the springs....support the bike by the frame......let the suspension drop to where you can remove the shock...its not rocket science.


it was mentioned earlier in this thread....the OP just dis regarded it

 

[tonyrader]

yep I just put a back rest for the wife last weekend. just put the bike on the jack, and drilled three holes, bolted it on. It is a convertable one so i can pull four 1/4 28 bolts and remove the riser part. She want me to get a differant seat but I like the one that's on there..we will see..

 

[gretsch58]

there's no reason to tie the springs....support the bike by the frame......let the suspension drop to where you can remove the shock...its not rocket science.


it was mentioned earlier in this thread....the OP just dis regarded it

Agreed, it's just like removing shocks on a car.