In the bleak mid winter.......ish

[TLPower]

Now that it's cold and the gritters have started it must also be time for faffings.

This seasons faffings are suspension based, following me riding modern 'bikes with modern suspension, I figured it was time for a refresh. I ordered a rear shock and front springs both to suit my weight from Wilbers. Nitron didn't list anything, when I enquired they said they might be able to do something but would want my old shock 1st and 90 quids to see if they had anything. The 90 quids weren't refundable if they didn't....Hagon really didn't  float my boat.

I stripped it down yesterday afternoon, bearing in mind it's 16 years old every bolt came out including the M5's that secure the chain slider and brake pipe securing clips. I stripped and greased the linkage about six years ago, the swing has never been out before. As much as I slag the Italians off the build and materials quality is really quite good. Seems I forgot to mention the swing arm is dated 95
 

[MartinW]

That's not bad in bad shape for 1895

[tallpaul]

Faffing is almost as much fun as riding. Sometimes.

No surprises that the screws came out easily, they do that even while you are riding the bike. I was was looking at Wilbers suspension products this morning for a BMW GS. Looks like good kit. 

[Rusty Nuts]

   I was just typing the self same "screws" comment myself, but yes the shock looks like a serious bit of kit.

[TLPower]

  Tallness.
Shiny bolts from 2001, Suzuki take note.

[Rusty Nuts]

   No furry bolt heads! Witchcraft!!

[TLPower]

I'm not so sure regarding the witchcraft, I suspect the constant leak from the gear selector shaft oil seal has helped. I was genuinely astonished at the bolts coming straight out of the aluminium cast swing arm.

I think the swing arm was originally made for the Elefant the predecessor to the Gran Canyon which was the predecessor to the Navigator.