Has anyone ever done this and what tools and supplies do you need?   Also, how long does it take?

The linkage is pretty easy, about 15 minutes to disassemble and assemble again, just need 15mm (not sure) wrench.


Never did the swingarm tought..

If you're going to do it right, I'd strongly recommend using a torque wrench and new locknuts on the rear suspension. If even one of those bolts comes loose, you're in for a short ride down pavement lane.

Quote from: GAS on June 08, 2011, 02:17:22 PM
The linkage is pretty easy, about 15 minutes to disassemble and assemble again, just need 15mm (not sure) wrench.

I just did mine last week - I believe its a 17mm for the linkage bolts/nuts and 14mm for the rear shock bolts/nuts.  I used both combination wrenches and sockets in these sizes.  I also used a breaker bar to take them off, and then a torque wrench to put them back on to spec. 

I pulled the bushings out of the roller bearings, sprayed some lithium grease in there, replace the bushings, sprayed lithium grease in them, and reassembled the suspension.  This was the recommendation of the service manual.

Quote from: burning1 on June 08, 2011, 03:36:52 PM
If you're going to do it right, I'd strongly recommend using a torque wrench and new locknuts on the rear suspension. If even one of those bolts comes loose, you're in for a short ride down pavement lane.

I was wondering about that - the nuts looked like one-time deals.  Do you think safety wire would work?

It takes me about an hour but I have stripped my bikes down and put them back together dozens of times.I would allow at least the morning till lunch.Maybe four hours.The bearings in the rear wheel are sealed from the factory,so no need to worry with those.Basic 3/8 metric socket set,metric wrench set,standard screw driver set,and a torque wrench.is about all the tools you will need.I reuse all my lock nut but it is a good idea to replace them for safety reasons.Also,a good marine grease will help keep water out of the bearings and bushing,and it will prolong their life.I use boat trailer bearing grease.It can be had from most any place that sales auto parts.Northern Tool and Tractor Supply use to carry it.

The lock nuts retain some of their properties for a couple of uses. After that, they are more or less just regular nuts. Safety wire would most certainly work if you applied it correctly.

FWIW, I did my suspension linkage so many times that the nuts wore completely out. Careful torquing meant that they didn't come loose, but they were on my short list for replacement. IMO, any single point of failure on the bike should be secured.

CLEAN and LUBE

remove the bushing and then use carb cleaner with the little red straw until all the old grease is out then relube and reinstall.

if the bike lived outside in the rain a long time.... water got in with the grease and might have a little rust..... not great but cleaned and relubed you will be fine

do not use compressed air and spin the brgs to clear out old grease..... sometimes the pins will fly out and you will lose some of them 
steering stem brgs will grenade the cage  don't ask me how I know.......  but it was damn funny at the time