Page 98 - Motorcycle Trader (February 2020)

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else from there. To get to the top mounting
bracket for the damper unit, the rear wheel
has to be moved back and most of the back
of the bike has to be undone and moved,
including the airbox which requires you
to pull the rubber inlet manifold off the
carburettor or throttle body.
“So what?” you’re probably thinking. Any
mechanics out there knows that refitting it
requires three hands and an ability to work
only by feel. It wasn’t too bad in this case as
the engine is new and the manifold was still
flexible. It will be a much harder job in five
years’ time.
After liberating the spring/damper unit,
you need to find a business with a spring
compressor capable of squeezing the
original-equipment spring so its retaining
collet can be removed and the spring
replaced. These businesses are harder to
find than you might imagine, particularly
in country areas. Not surprisingly, 4WD
shops have compressors that aren’t
delicate enough to fit the tight windings of
motorcycle springs. I ended up taking the
job to Platinum Motorcycles in Melbourne
(Ph: 03 9336 7278) which did it in 10 minutes
and charged me $15. It’s all about having the
right tools.
Refitting the shock didn’t take quite as long
as removing it and I only had one bolt left
over. If the other 59 were in the right place,
I’m sure the Himalayan won’t miss it.
The front springs were a piece of cake by
comparison and the original spacers still
compressed the new springs sufficiently to
make sure there was no rattling afterwards
and no clunking on rebound. Loosen the

96 MOTORCYCLE TRADER