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Changing Shocks on a 1981 Sporty

Discussion in 'Motorcycle Tech Talk' started by Doc1953, Nov 10, 2007.

  1. Doc1953

    Doc1953 New Member

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    Hi,

    I was wonering if anyonw could tell me if there is anything special I should know about changing out the shocks on my 1981 Sportster (XLH). Outside of gettign the back tire up off the floor and unbolting the old shocks and bolting on the new ones, is there any trick to this? Any instruction you can give me would be appreciated.

    Doc
    Doc1953, Nov 10, 2007
    #1
  3. voodoochild

    voodoochild New Member

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    When I did my Dyna, I had blocks under the frame to get it off the ground. Then I just unbolted the shocks and held up the rear tire with one hand and unbolted the shock with the other. It was pretty easy to do overall. You can also use a piece of wood or something to pry the tire back up when you are ready to re-install, depending on how far the tire drops when the shock is unbolted.
    voodoochild, Nov 10, 2007
    #2
  4. chucktx

    chucktx Moderator Staff Member

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    nothing special to look for, but i have done it one shock at a time....dont have to fight the wheel/swingarm assy. have fun!!:)
    chucktx, Nov 10, 2007
    #3
  5. Doc1953

    Doc1953 New Member

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    Changing Shocks

    Thanks for the information; it verifies what I suspected. I will let you know how things come out.

    Doc
    Doc1953, Nov 10, 2007
    #4
  6. cowboy

    cowboy Moderator Staff Member

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    I do as Chuck say's One at a time way easy that way work smart not harder :D
    cowboy, Nov 12, 2007
    #5
  7. hotroadking

    hotroadking Super Moderator Staff Member

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    Done it both ways,

    One at a time is easier. JMO
    hotroadking, Nov 12, 2007
    #6

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