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I am going to be replacing the fork and shock springs on my 89. I was wondering if I have to totally remove the shock or if I can take off just the seat, subframe, and air box and do it. The bike has zero hours on since I rebuilt it, because I know someone is going to say since you have the shock out, check and regrease the linkage.

Sounds like you already know the answer. Pull the shock.

Oh, and since you have the shock out, check and regrease the linkage.

You have to pull the shock, but you do not have to pull the forks. Just be handy with the paper towels and spin the springs out slowly.

sarrant wrote:Oh, and since you have the shock out, check and regrease the linkage.

Wise arse.

Jason wrote:You have to pull the shock, but you do not have to pull the forks. Just be handy with the paper towels and spin the springs out slowly.

I thought the forks had to be off to change them, please tell me your method. Would rather not pull them off if I don't have to.

put bike on work stand, not kick stand
remove handlebars and headlight, etc that are in the way
Loosen upper triple clamp bolts
loosen fork caps (loosen not remove)
position bike so you can slooooowly lower front of bike
push down on caps and allow spring tension to push caps up after last turn
lower bike slowly
curse and grab paper towels to catch oil
twist springs to somewhat lessen oil dripping as springs are pulled from oil (yes, the oil will go around and around back down into the forks, given time)

check/adjust oil level

clean new springs with rag and brake cleaner (Maxima Suspension Clean is great) (DING! PRODUCT PLACEMENT) , then compressed air dry them
install springs and spacer material, measure to cut spacers if needed so 4mm of preload (or your chosen amount) is given after springs, washers, spring seats, spacers and caps are installed.