Here's the deal:

I have a '06 XL1200C Sportster. I Bought Progressive Shocks and had the dealer install them $48.00 O.K. Then I had the Dealer put my Stock Shocks back on, another $48.00; why - because I could not get my lift under the bike in order put it in storage. Now when return I want to run her with my Progressive shocks - that's right another I'm looking at another $48.00, when I leave again another $48.00...wow, get the picture.

Does anyone have experience in switching out their shocks?

How complicated is it to do the shocks myself?

What specialty tools would I need?

Should I do this with the bike raised on the stand?

How dangerous is it for me to do my own suspension work?

All advice welcome and very much needed. Thanks

 

Unbolt and bolt on is all their is too it. Do one side at a time.

 

The first time, I simply unbolted them, attached the lower mount, had the wife lift up on the rear fender a bit & slid the top bolt in.
The second time I had it on my lift and used a floor jack to lift the rear wheel in position.

Oh, and no CONS

 

Why do you need to switch out your shocks for storage?I park the bikes on a piece of plywood to eliminate contact with the floor.Did it for 4 years with my old bike without one problem.If you can't get the lift under the bike with the progressives on you won't be able to get the lift out from under it if you swap them either if you use the lift.

 

i'm confused why are you switching them again???

 

Without a doubt, changing shocks is a DIY project. Like xxxflhrci said, do one side at a time. Very easy to do...

 

2 bolts, ea. Turn them left to remove, and turn right to tighten. Do one at a time, push up or down on the fender with your free hand and it's a 15 minute project tops. Save the money for mods and/or gas.

 

If you can't get the lift underneath, why don't you back the bike up so the back tire is on a piece of wood? Then put the lift underneath.

 

I guess I'm kinda glad you asked this question because I'm going to change from stock to progressive rear shocks in the Spring so the advise being offered on installation will help me also.

 

Thanks to all, I will DIY / DIM; To answer a couple questions

1 - Putting the progressives back on cause it looks better :&gt)

2 - I had to put the stocks back on when I put in in storage because there is no room in the closet (literally) to roll the bike up on 2x6s to get the lift under.

3 - Yes, when not in the closet and with the progressive shocks on, I have to roll the bike onto 2X6s to get the lift under if I am going to raise the bike.

Yes, it is a pain but worth it, more so now, since I can keep my $48.00 bucks for something else. Thanks again.

I am still kinda wondering about the torque for the bolts...would I need a torque wrench?