How do you replace 09 Nightster Rear shock?

[nightsterfreak]

I am thinking about getting progressive 412's for my 09 Nightster, but I have no clue how to replace them. Is there a special tool I need? Do I need to take the rear tire off? Is there a trick? Any input anyone?....thanks

[Vassago]

One side at a time you will need a T50 torx bit. if yu have a bike jack it would be easier.

[Hot Rod Sporty]

No you don't need to take the tire off. You will need a lift or something to hold the rear of the bike up, though. Then you just need a 50T torx bit and a box wrench to hold the bolt on the inside of the bottom mount. Get the weight off the rear end and unbolt your shocks. Make sure you keep up with where the washers/spacers go. If you go with shorter or longer shocks, you'll need to make some adjustments in the height of your bike or rear tire, so a lift is VERY useful when doing this. Another person there to help with the lifting/lowering is very useful, too.

And if you haven't heard this before, a factory service manual is the best investment you'll make in the bike.

[nightsterfreak]

I know this might sound cheap or ghetto....lol, but can i jack my bike up with a car jack if i stabilize it or should i quit being cheap?

[Kirk the Jerk]

The only thing I'd add is, I'm told it's a good idea to replace those lower lock nuts with new ones when doing this. They aren't expensive, and then, of course, use blue threadlocker on both upper and lower mounts.

[nightsterfreak]

Thanks Kirk...I have been doing tons to my baby...speedo relocation, coil relocate, painting engine, headlight move, 2" tank lift...my next thing is move ECM and fuel pak, and replace shocks and seat...when I get done pics will be posted, hopefully next week!

[Tyberius]

Originally Posted by nightsterfreak

I know this might sound cheap or ghetto....lol, but can i jack my bike up with a car jack if i stabilize it or should i quit being cheap?

If you want to be cheap, you can build a wooden lever bike jack using a 4x8 (or two 2x8s sandwiched together) and a length of iron pipe attached to a flange with the pipe passing through a drilled hole in the wood.

Search the internet or here for wooden motorcycle jack. I still use mine and I also have a lift.

[nightsterfreak]

thanks tyberius...i will give it a shot, i hate being cheap, but the army doesnt pay me enough to have to get finer things

[Bone]

IF you are replacing with shocks of the same size or slightly smaller you probably don't need to jack it up at all. One trick is to change ONE side at a time and crank up the preload on the shock that is still attached to firmly hold the bike up (and crank down the preload on the shock you are installing).

IF you are replacing with shocks that are longer it will be easier if you can jack up the bike - YES, you should be able to use a floor jack, but only if you're REAL careful (an extra set of hands helps).

All in all it shouldn't take you more than 15-30 minutes.

[nightsterfreak]

bone, when u say preload, you mean the knob that turns to tighten or loose shocks? they should be fully extended right to take the load off? or am i backwards?