New Shocks this week, Advice?

[dgates]

I ordered a set of Works Performance shocks that I am expecting sometime this week.
I have a 2004 R1150R with ~34000 miles.
I do all of my own maintenance except changing tires.
Is installing something relatively easy, or are there special tools involved etc... in that I may be better off paying a shop to install?
Any advice is appreciated.
Thanks...
Doug
Seattle,WA

[bikermeow]

Not too difficult, rear is easy, you must centre-stand the bike and then use means of holding down the from wheel. Some put a car-jack at the collector for added security.

good luck

[Ves]

You need a female torx socket for the front lower bolt.
Don't tilt the bike forward after you have the front shock removed.
Before you remove the rear shock, support the swingarm so it doesn't drop, you can overstress the brake line.
That's my $.02

[boxermania]

Keep an eye on the front brake line as well, since it will strech as you separate the shock from it's attachment points.

[VintageDirt]

I've been curious about Works Performance shocks for my R. I liked them on my CZ.

[dgates]

Thanks for the great tips.
i called the shop and it sounds like it is still at least another week before the shocks are in.
I'll post up once I install and give a review on hopefully the improved handling.

[dgates]

OK, I finally got a call this week and my shocks are in! I picked them up this afternoon and installed this evening. It was actually a very easy install. It took a couple of hours, but I think I could do it again in half the time.
I was able to take it for a quick shake down run ~10 miles before dark. Huge improvement in handling. Blasting through corners like they aren't even there where as before it was a bit of a puckering experience.
I will need some new tires shortly and I'll be ready for the season!!!
The bad news... rain and wind this weekend in Seattle.
Oh well, NCAA BB on TV...
Doug

[snowprick]

Glad you like your new shocks, where did you get them?. I just got a set of Z6's, wow they are nice too. If you dont change your own tyres, do you balance them?

[dgates]

http://www.worksperformance.com
Here is their web site.
I ordered them from a local shop http://lakewoodmotosports.com/ just because they are small, local and have great customer service. I paid the same price as listed on the web site. You may be able to order directly from the web site. ??

Next up tires. I've had Z6's in the past and now I am running Pirellis which are similar. I think I'll stick with the Pirellis. I have thought about investing in tools to change my own tires, but since I can usually get 10-12,000 miles on each pair I would just have the shop do it. I take it to the same shop since I trust them. He will balance the rim first to find the heavy spot then put the tire on which allows minimal lead weight.