Just a quick question - on my NC30, the rear wheel is raised off the ground, with the bike supported with axle stands under fixed pegs. The bottom of the shock linkage is resting against the exhaust. Is this normal?

Your linkage is on upside down. The curve should face down and hopefully you'll be sorted then

Thanks for spotting that!

I'll flip the linkage arm over - the shock, linkages, & swingarm are scheduled for a complete rebuild as soon as I finish the front next week, or the week after... Not sure I would have picked it up without your help. Thanks again.