Never had to do this so just a quick question to those that have.

How easy is it to remove the rear spring from the shock so I can get the spring powder coated? Do I need any special tools like a spring compressor or does it all just unscrew and come apart if I back off the compression collar enough?

Any hints or tips before I have a go this weekend on my spare unit?

Ta.

Took apart the shocks of my previous Honda 400, but i needed a spring compressor for those. Don't think that winding it back will be enough, but not sure.

Possibly using 3 heavy duty zip ties might be enough?

Ive had 3 diffrent springs off with nothing more than a large screwdriver just to help get the collar past the spring.

Just remember to wind the collar all the way back while the shock is on the bike as its easier (unless you own a vice

Lauch but it works!
Put two ratchet straps on the spring length wise as much coils as you can. (obviously not round the outher ones as they are agianst the cup.
Get your fat mate to sit and bounce on the bike and ratchet them up as hard as you can.
Remove shock and unscrew the compression collar.
You should get the spring of no problem.

Carefull when you undo the straps!!! Compressing the spring in a press or big vice works to reverse the process.

Just found this on Youtube. Maybe I'll just make something like this if I have to.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IDHIyCzahH8

Or I found these which are very cheap - not sure if the diameter that the hooks are set at is right for a bike spring though. Probably made for car springs which are more like 150mm diameter.

http://www.screwfix.com/p/coil-spring-c ... AodvT0GEw#

Any decent moto shop should be able to do it (have a proper spring compressor), and it will only take them 3 minutes. Costs me $5. And they will be able to re-install it without paint damage. Something that will be difficult to avoid with many of the suggested home-brew methods above.

Seriously, why fook around with buying tools, coming up with some hazardous DIY kluge, or risk the finish on your freshly painted spring?

WAAAAAAAAY more important: What color you going to make it?

Ha ha, maybe this is good thinking. I might try out the local bike shop I recently discovered, if i can ride in tomorrow with the spare shock and they just do it for me on the spot then I'd be well sorted.

The answer is satin black. Not into colours really. Slowly but surely working through everything I take off and painting, anodising, powder coating it the only colour I know I can live with forever.

Shock is really letting the side down. And the subframe and Brembo logos on the callipers. I have my eye on them too. And one day the engine but that has to wait for some major overhaul reason.

This is better for me.

+1 done a few WP shocks never used a compressor spring just use a shock C spanner and unwing or screwdriver and rubber mallet.

I've been able to R/R my SDR's shock spring without a spring compressor tool.

bic_bicknell - that thing already looks like it came out of the Lockheed "Skunk Works", with that SDR tail and all. Black spring just going to add to that look, but then, you know this.

As mentioned, no spring compressor required. In fact, you dont even have to remove the shock completely from the bike.

I use steel rod and jack stand at swing arm pivot, remove wheel and fender, remove all shock preload, undo lower shock bolt and pull spring off.

The top bolt is a bitch to get back in so unless I'm revalving or rebuilding I don't even bother removing it.

John

I removed the Eibach spring (1100lb) and installed the Hyperco spring (1200lb) both 179mm long without issue or removing shock from bike.

Undo the preload collar all the way, push up the bottoming bumper and slide out the shock spring retainer (at the bottom). Spring will slide right off the bottom of the shock.

If the stock spring is 185mm long it may not be possible to get the retainer out without compressing the spring slightly...don't know as Race Tech removed my original spring.