Removal
1. Using a suitable lift, support motorcycle under frame until rear tire is slightly off the ground.
2. See Figure 2-100. Remove lower bolt (1), washer (3), and thin height hex-nut (5) attaching right side shock to rear fork.
![](https://motoinstruction.ru/img/harley/2/111385.jpg)
Figure 2-100. Rear shocks: 1. Upper and lower mounting bolts; 2. Rubber shock damper spacer; 3. Washer; 4. Spacer; 5. Thin height nut
3. Remove lower bolt (1) and washer (3) from left side shock to rear fork and belt guard. Allow rear tire to rest on ground.
4. Remove top fastener (1) and spacer (2) from left side top shock mount and remove shock. Retain shock mounting nut which passes through fender support and side rail assembly.
5. Remove fastener (1) and spacer (2) from right side top shock mount and remove shock. Retain shock mounting nut which passes through fender support and side rail assembly.
Note. The rear shock absorbers on VRSCA motorcycles are not repairable. If a shock absorber becomes worn or damaged, it must be replaced as an assembly.
Installation
1. See Figure 2-100. Coat shoulder of top shock bolt (1) with LOCTITE® 243 (blue). Insert bolt and spacer (2) through upper shock mounts.
2. Insert shock mounting nuts through left and right fender support and side rails.
3. Thread top shock bolts (1) through top shock damper spacer (2) into threads of shock mounting nut.
4. Pivot shock absorbers to align lower shock mounts with mounting holes in rear fork.
5. Lift rear fork to meet lower shock mounts.
6. Coat threads with LOCTITE® ANTI-SEIZE and thread left side lower shock bolt (1) and washer (3) through shock mount and rear fork into belt guard.
7. Coat threads with LOCTITE® ANTI-SEIZE and thread right side bottom shock mount bolt (1) and washer (3) through bottom shock mount in rear fork into thin height nut (5).
8. Tighten shock mount fasteners to 41-68 Nm (31-50 ft-lbs).
Warning! Both shock absorber adjuster must be adjusted to the same preload position. Shock absorbers that are not adjusted to the same preload position could adversely affect handling. This may lead to a loss of control of the motorcycle and could result in death or serious injury.
9. Verify that preload settings on both shock absorbers are equal. See 1.16 Suspension adjustments.
Note. See 1.16 Suspension adjustments for information regarding setting up the suspension for carrying cargo.