The rear shock is in! It was challenging, and without (several different) YouTube videos, there’s no chance I could have accomplished it. I refered to my hard copy of my Haynes manual a couple times during the project, but it went without a hitch. Definitely a complicated project, for just taking one thing out and replacing it. I guess that’s no surprise considering it’s in the very bowels of the machine and attached to a variety of parts.
The golden “can” mounted to the engine on a one-two bracket set up is the rebound end of business. Compression is down at the bottom of the shock. Both are adjustable!!
The stock shock was simply there. It softened the swingarm’s action up and down, that’s pretty much it. It sufficed, but wasn’t designed to carry a 187 pound (geared up) rider, let alone camping gear, food, tools and some tech.
I learned a lot more about btwxd today, little nooks and crannies, things I hadn’t worked with or at this depth. Mechanical engineering amazes me. It makes sense to me when I stop, observer, “listen” and dance along. The way the 14 tooth front sprocket is attached to the drive shaft, simple, brilliant, strong. That drive shaft spins very fast and the sprocket holds on, transferring all that motion (and torque) to the chain that then sends it to the rear sprocket, wheel. Wheeeeeeee
It’s safe to assume that many take most of it for granted. The more I wrench the more I am in awe of the nuances, interaction of all the moving parts, how a manipulated explosion creates motion. On one level it’s hella complicated. On another, one turns the key, presses the starter button puts it in gear twists the throttle while releasing the clutch, motion. Either way, Wheeeeeee
Geez I love it. Might leave the back wheel off until the MOTOZ arrive and not concern myself with teasing out the difference between a new tire AND shock. I’m not very scientific about these increments, and savor the quantum leaps. It’s also wet and sloppy out there…
For balance I’m heading down to the grome to plant some seedlings. The exterior is littered with maple flowers and about to get a really good rinse. I’d rather get my hands dirty than a clean bike…
DeedleDoodleDaily 