Once again I want to express my appreciation for this forum and the experience offered by those that post useful answers herein.

The reason for this expression of gratitude comes from the need to replace my rear shock absorber.  The stock tossed it's ability to dampen over the past 1000 miles or so, to the point where it was becoming dangerous to ride.  (Hitting a bump while under power can result in a surprise you don't need a GSX-R750 to equal, let me tell you.)

I shook the contents of my wallet on the Suzuki dealer's parts counter and walked out with a new stock Rear dampener.  (I'm sure someone will berate me for paying top dollar, but hay, I'm supporting my dealer and it was the easiest path -- couldn't find it on the web.)  I then read my Clymer manual and got discouraged -- they recommend removing the rear wheel and all the disruption that entails.

My "there's a better way" neuron fired and I got the brilliant idea to search this forum.  Up popped when installing the rear shock.... and the extremely handy explanation that Srinath gave. 

Removing the tank and air box was way easier than any other path I could have taken.  I mean, look at the hole you create by these actions and what's exposed:


Putting the center stand on a 2"x4" was absolutely necessary before you remove the bolts that hold the shock on.  But do it as Srinath suggests, and the whole job is less than one hour.  No sweat.

Big Thumbs Up to Srinath and this knowledge reservoir.   

Cool... 

I did it that way too...      I couldn't get a few bolts off and thought...  "Hmm...  I wonder if I can get it through the top."


It worked! 

Not to say I told you so (because I never told you anything), but if you're paying top dollar for new OEM dealer parts, you could have gotten a Katana 600 shock.  That's what I was thinking of doing before I found one on eBay.