Replacing rear shock, remove exhaust or not?

[oldgreyandslow]

Haynes says its easier but no mention of needing it in the nc manual, so should I remove it or not?

[viper_biker]

My advice, follow the Haynes. It's a royal pain in the arse to do with the exhaust in situ. I've done it before with the exhaust fitted, but never again. Just make sure you replace the gaskets.

[oldgreyandslow]

Thanks, exhaust off it is

[arsey30]

Not difficult with exhaust off, but first check that clamps/studs/nuts/joints are not corroded /seized and do look like they will come apart [try it].
If suspect, but you are removing them for the refurb then OK, if not wait until then. The front pipe collars may require some work
I have never removed ex to get a shock out.
Jack up on Abba stand, remove belly pan and rear wheel.

Remove linkage and bolts first, lifting s/a as required, then sit a jack under the s/a to support it.

Lift s/a to allow shock to slide down and out, refitting is harder as you need to lift s/a and feed shock up, it was dropping under its own weight on removal.

[CMSMJ1]

I do it with exhaust in situ as well...

Just to confuse you some more..

[arsey30]

I suppose it is just a question of time against effort, and what to do now or later, removing more can be quicker/easier if nothing else goes wrong.
I used to pull the rads forward to get at plugs and valves, but now drain down and remove rads for easier access and I can then inspect and clean all around, including steam cleaning the rads and flushing the system.