V-Rod rear suspension repair

This is only a sort-of, how to. more of a proof of concept, that it can be done......

Supposedly, it's not possible to change a V-Rod left rear motor mount, without pulling the engine first. If there's an easier way I am going to find it, and I did. This all started when I blew out a rear shock on a ride.

So after seven years the shocks go back for it's life time warranty, and while it's apart I might as well check out the swingarm bearings.

Bearings we're a bit loose after seven years of goat trails, and the motor mounts were distorted. The right motor mount just un-bolts, the left motor mount is wedged between the frame and the engine. The forums and the service manual say to pull the engine. I say there's got to be an easier way. And there was!

After the swingarm is off, let the engine rest all the way downin the frame. Pop the wires off the neutral safety switch, disconnect the engine torque rod, take the bolts out of the right lower frame section, and radiator crossbar to the frame section, and just loosen the top frame rail section bolts. The perfect tool to spread the motor from the frame turned out to be a Brake caliper spreader.

As you can see motor mounts are no longer concentric and and are sagging sideways.

The old mount came out, the new mount just dropped right in.

I Pressed in a new set of swingarm bearings, aligned the engine.

Reinstall the swingarm.

Measure for the new shock lenght (going taller this time) (13.5" 444's)

then reinstall the wheel.

and now I wait for the shocks to come back from the factory.

I am so Jones-ing for a ride! Not sure if I can take it much longer....