I just bought a '95 F3 and the rear shock seems pretty worn, so I ordered a new one. I just got it in and was wondering if I have to remove the swingarm to replace it. It looks like I do, but I thought I'd double check on here for an easier way first. Thanks.

 

You do not have to remove the swingarm but you do have to remove the rear wheel then undo the top shock mount and remove the bottom bolt and remove shock. If you have a service manual it explains it pretty good.

 

No, you dont need to remove the swingarm. But you do need to get rear hugger fender off out of the way. And you need to get the rear suspension hanging so that there is no weight on the shock so it can be removed. When I did mine on my F2 I put jack stands under my solid rearsets and removed the rear wheel, seat, tank,etc. Made it alot easier to loosen and tighten bolts. When you say you ordered a new one did you mean a brand new stock replacement? I put a Fox on mine.

 

No it's a used one, but it can't be much worse than the one on there now (It tries to bottom-out on almost every bump). And I don't have a center stand so how am I supposed to take the weight off? I have a crane thing you hang from the ceiling of your garage and I could lift up the rear while someone holds it straight, but I don't know where I could hook it up on the bike. I'll probably take the seat off and maybe use the frame or something, we'll see. I can take pics and do a step-by-step if people want to know how to do it.

 

I'll be watching! I can't say that mine does anything BUT bottom out, no travel at all haha. Lots of pictures please!

 

Well I actually already did it. It's a VERY easy process though, and because I have an extended swingarm (it came on there; I hate it) I didn't have to take off the rear tire. All I had to do was remove the seat and gas tank.

 

ok, maybe I'll take pics when I do mine and toss them up in here then. Thanks, glad it went ok for you.