I discovered that not only is the rear shock not rebuildable, but the shock heat shield can not be removed either. I thought I would just spin off the 2 locknuts and slide it off the top. But, the locknuts don't come off completely, they stop and catch on the two tabs at the top of the shock body that are permanently crimped to the body. So, my question is this, is the heat shield absolutely necessary? I see most of the VFR's or bikes with aftermarket shocks don't have them. I would either have to re-finish the heat shield with it on the shock or get out the grinder and cut it off all together. I'll post a pic later. Thanks.

it might be worth upgrading the rear shock. they tend to get tired, and ultimatly where designed for a lightweight jap pilot....i changed my shock from std worn out piece of crap to a nitron unit and was verrrrrry impressed!
if you are stuck, get a nc30 shock, they can be rebuild if need be