Replacing the rear shock on Falco - how to?

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hornetrider · #1 Post by **hornetrider** » Mon Jul 02, 2007 1:04 pm

I've been searching for a bit of a guide on this, to see if I've missed any pointers, but can't find anything specific to what I need?

The dogbone section of the linkeage looks like it may foul on the exhaust if its left in and I try to get the shock out from underneath. To me, it looks like I need to take out the whole linkage to remove the shock out from underneath - is this right? Or does the linkage drop down enough so the shock can be removed from the top and clear that cross-piece on the frame?

Also, how do I support the bike while doing this? Was thinking of a car jack under the engine as close to the back of the bike as possible? I take it the exhaust doesn't get in the way?

Cheers for any tips

Aladinsaneuk · #2 Post by **Aladinsaneuk** » Mon Jul 02, 2007 2:23 pm

look for the detailed guides on chaging the rear swing arm on the old site - that details it nicelly

Different people have used different methods to support the bike - I decided that the best way for me, and as an investment in the future, I bought an ABBA stand - made it very easy.

If you pop the back wheel out it is a lot easier... trust me on this!

I seem to recall that I undid every part of the linkage and then was able to wiggle it out easily enough... swore a lot but it did come out - may have had to slacken off the rear pot exhaust to gain some room as well but....

I have some pictures from when I used the abba stand to do my swing arm if that helps

hornetrider · #3 Post by **hornetrider** » Mon Jul 02, 2007 2:49 pm

Thanks mate. Old....site....? Me be a newbie round these here parts, got a linky mclink?

falcomunky · #4 Post by **falcomunky** » Mon Jul 02, 2007 2:59 pm

Try here fella;
http://www.jahlis.net/ars/index.php
and search fer RSV/Mille Swingarm...

D-Rider · #5 Post by **D-Rider** » Mon Jul 02, 2007 3:04 pm

hornetrider wrote:Thanks mate. Old....site....? Me be a newbie round these here parts, got a linky mclink?

Just look in this sub forum at the "stickys" ..... find the one called:

Aprilia RiderSite Calendar and Archives

..... all will be revealed .....

BTW, think I've always remove my linkages when removing the shock as I've always been swapping both over together. Doesn't take long.
IMHO there's really no need to remove the rear wheel.

The easiest way to lift the bike is with an Abba or NWS Ulti-pro stand that lifts from the swingarm pivot. If not, you need to find some other way - some people shove a big bar through the hole in the frame that's just below the rider's seat and prop that up on something suitably sturdy - but nothing like the correct tool for the job ..... don't you go scratching that rare green one!

sabestian · #6 Post by **sabestian** » Tue Jul 03, 2007 6:54 am

When I replaced my shock with links the major pain was getting all the screws out of linkages (one of them is fouling the rear cylinder header). Rubber mallet worked a treat as usual.

Bike was supported on Abba stand. No need to take the wheel out at all.

Aladinsaneuk · #7 Post by **Aladinsaneuk** » Tue Jul 03, 2007 7:12 am

i was changing the rear swing arm, so was why i took back wheel out, but i did like the extraspace the removal gave me

Gtrain · #8 Post by **Gtrain** » Thu Jul 05, 2007 2:06 am

When I changed over the shock on mine (didn't have to change linkage)
I didn't have a stand or long rod to lift though the swing arm pivot, so as all great inventors do (translation cash poor) I lifted the back of the bike with ty downs hooked up to a mayor rafter in the garage and just ratcheted up the back of the bike, then undid the top bolt then bottom bolt for the shock and lifted it straight out from under the seat.

worked well but did seem a little bit hairy with the back of the bike swinging from the roof

HowardQ · #9 Post by **HowardQ** » Thu Jul 05, 2007 12:07 pm

I used an NWS Ultipro stand (like an Abba).
Are you actually changing the linkage?
I didn't need to change mine and it wasn't seized, so just took the bolts out top and bottom and brought it out at the top through the swingarm.
It took a bit of fiddling, but did eventually come out.
My biggest problem was getting the White Spring RSV unit back in, with the large external gas reservoir. Took me numerous attempts to work out a way to slot it back through the same way, as the cylinder always got in the way, but I did get better at it later.
The main problem is the Schrader valve if you are fitting the White spring.
This will normally push againts the subframe, when the shock is fitted and will lose gas if unmodified.
This situation seems to vary from bike to bike, some people reckon they have enough clearance with just a thinner valve cap, (or just leaving it off), most have had to cut the end of the Schrader valve. I ended up cutting it three times,(a bit at a time), using a Dremel cutter, junior hacksaw and various files before I got enough clearance and had to fit the shock in and remove each time to test the clearance!
Ideally should have the valve replaced by a recessed valve during a shock rebuild.
All this assumes you are fitting a Mille shock, but most others should be pretty similar.
Hope this helps.

Howard

hornetrider · #10 Post by **hornetrider** » Thu Jul 05, 2007 3:03 pm

Thnaks for the tips peeps.

I managed to pick up a Ohlins Falco shock with the vertical reservoir, and its very clean and shiny... not grubby in the slightest, virtually unmarked in fact!

I don't have an Abba stand I'm afraid - I was hoping to balance the bike and jack it up from underneath I think. There'll be three of us so should be ok. Not had the belly pan off yet and I presume I can get a jack onto the bottom of the engine avoiding any pipes?

Hmmm, or should I just buy a stand? It sounds so much easier and I don't have one yet... and been meaning to get one. Sounds much easier and will be an investment.

Choices choices!

Aladinsaneuk · #11 Post by **Aladinsaneuk** » Thu Jul 05, 2007 4:07 pm

buy the stand

since i bought mine, it has been invaluable - I used it for my swing arm change, and again when i removed rear shock to send off for service. Two friends have used it as well to do similar jobs

all in 100 drinking vouchers well spent i think