Prep work prior to rear shock removal, 1983 Yamaha XJ900 Seca

In preparation for the rear shock removal on the 1983 Yamaha XJ900 Seca, the rear grab rail and passenger rail needs to be removed. Then remove the rear cowling. Loosen the bottom shock nut on drive side, and bolt on right side. However the nut and bolt will not clear exhaust at this point-loosen only. Remove top nut, right and left on shock mount. Place hydraulic lift under rear drive housing (place cloth or folded cardboard on jack cup-to protect drive housing and paint) and slowly jack up rear swing arm. This takes the weight off the shocks and allows the top of shocks to be removed from upper mounting studs. Loosely zip tie the upper shock eyelets to the frame and then slowly jack the swing arm up to allow the bottom shock nut and bolt to clear the exhaust pipes. Remove the bottom shock nut and bolt, slide shock off mounting studs and use same process to install new shocks.  Remember to wear the white cotton gloves for this work, thus avoiding scratches to new shocks, chrome surfaces, and frame powder coat or paint.
This all can be done in about an hour or less.  If you have ever replaced the rear single shock on newer bikes.....you'll love the old twin shock replacement much better. Less hassle, less time, less to remove.

How to prevent paint scatches

Are you trying to prevent scratches and nicks in your motorcycle paint job? Want to avoid unnecessary scratch marks? Here is a good tip on working around your bike when either your assembling after paint restoration, or down the road when parts need to be replaced. The white cotton work gloves can be purchased at most hardware stores, and their cheap. The gloves also offer good 'feel' through the cotton fabric.  Just a word of caution though....the cotton will absorb waxes, silicon spray, oils....which can lead to the gloves offering less grip.  Because the gloves are so cheap, either wash often or replace.