Kawasaki KLX250 Shock Removal

From beginning to end, the rear shock absorber removal from my 2019 Kawasaki KLX250S takes a maximum of 15 minutes. That wasn't the case the first time I did it; now I know the trick.

I recently replaced the shock spring on my KLX250S and recorded the process for my YouTube Channel. The 41 minute video was principally focused on the Sag Measurement and Preload calculation. However, those that watched or commented expressed frustration over the removal of the shock absorber.

Chapter 13 of the Service Manual addresses shock removal. It essentially provides for:

• Raise rear wheel off the ground with a jack [lift or center stand]
• Removal of left side cover
• Removal of mud guard
• Removal of front tie rods (aka dog bones) bolt
• Removal of top and bottom shock bolts
• Lift rear wheel [separately on jack] (see Factory Service Manual Excerpt below)
• Removal of the shock from the cavity to the left (see red circle in photo below)

I believe that the conflict has to do with lifting the rear wheel. Essentially, what you're doing by lifting the rear wheel with the shock unbolted is collapsing the suspension such that the suspension rocker (see photo below) moves forward enough to allow the bottom of the shock to pivot backward, then down allowing the top of the shock to drop out of it's bracket...at which point the shock can be angled to the left out of the cavity as shown in the photo above.

This process was shown, albeit buried, in my 41 minute video 2019 Kawasaki KLX 250 Sag and Preload Adjustment, BUT...

...instead of lifting the rear tire as per the manual, I collapsed the entire motorcycle down using the center-placed jack. Collapsing the motorcycle has the same affect as lifting the rear wheel/swing arm and is easier. See this video excerpt for a visual on this process...