Rear Shocks....

[Psycheonabike]

What's the best way to remove, empty and refill rear shocks on an 85 GL1200? Thanks...

[jaimenv]

Geepers
I am new to my gl1200 so I don't know any better way to remove em other than following the manual.
It so happens that I am replacing non air shocks with used original air shocks, and of course the old oil in them needs to be removed and replaced with new oil (ATF).
So I used compressed air while the air shocks are hanging upside down. I have the hoses that go to each shock connected to the little manifold and the long hose that connects them to the air compressor whatever.
I can't get a good seal on the hose with the compressor air blow hand held thingee, but I get enough air in the shocks that the oil comes squirting out the hose no problem. This method does make a mess yet it is faster than letting them hang upside down over a length of time.

I haven't got to the part to fill em again, but think that a syringe of some sort will work. Mind you the hole on the top of the air shocks is quite small and it is not a straight shot in to them.
I will post some pictures tomorrow on what I did.

PS My gl1200 is a interstate and it does not have the compressor setup, so air has to be added to the forks and the rear shocks separately. Also you will need to do this outside there will be oil mist blowing out the hose.

[jaimenv]

Here they are, this morning I did it again holding the shocks hoses outlet level with the ground and a small amount of oil came out.
They are ready to fill. I figure that later.

[Psycheonabike]

Does the bike need propping up somehow with the shocks removed?

[jaimenv]

Does the bike need propping up somehow with the shocks removed?

Set her up on the center stand.
This will support the main body of the bike and will free the load on the shocks.

[jaimenv]

Got them on already.

[jaimenv]

Above is a modified turkey baster, note the curve on the tip of the plastic tubing from a spray bottle.
Check out the fill setup i had to go very slow and also apply vacuum with the turkey baster syringe to relief pressure due to the hole being so small.

[Psycheonabike]

If you're only squirting the ATF in why do you need to hang up the shocks?

[jaimenv]

Good question, to tell you the truth I don't know.
It didn't occur to me to put them in the vise.
One thing for sure once filled you better keep them upright.

[Psycheonabike]

Thanks. And did you just squeeze the ATF in....?

[jaimenv]

Yup, I filled the syringe by removing the black squeeze end, then slowly squeeze it and release so to give the atf fluid a chance to flow in to the shock and burp the built pressure.