I just undid mine. I undid the subframe bolts, took off the exh, removed the dog bones and undid the carb boot. Tipped the subframe in the air and jiggled it out.

It is better to spend another 10 mins undoing more stuff than an hour trying to squeeze it out through a small gap.

I can see where Girard's and Robbie's would work. Got to be easier than what I did. Sorry Robbie, I feel badly about always pestering you to help me.

I wound up putting a spacer on the top to bolts for the starter, it was dragging a bit and I read to loosen the bolts and see if it rests against the mounting surface, if not shim it. Need to get it warmed up to see if it will still howl or not :)

shock removal
 

I just took mine off and replaced it with an Ohlins TTX. I did it the way gasgasman explained it and the removal went perfect and saved a ton of time. Thanx gasgasman

I was wondering myself, but read this in Chilly's test/review of the 2001 XC300. Apparently he likes it:

"One nice feature is the new nylon adjuster ring for the spring preload. This allows you to loosen the locking bolt and then spin the adjuster ring. As these are two separate parts, once the adjustment is made, simply move the locking ring back in position and tighten. It does not require a full turn."

How about a report on the TTX?

I found a replacement for the silly plastic rivets with screws that hold the side panels on. I have a picture on picasa, you may have to copy and paste?
Rob

https://picasaweb.google.com/1062170...DcseWwpuSX0QE#

Would the instructions given by "gasgasman" also work w/ EC300 2009?

Or would this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0bcU_bWw5uU be an easier way?

I tried the way "gasgasman" had suggested but it did not seem to work for my 2009 EC300. However, the method shown in the video was an easy and quick way to remove the shock.

So what needs to be done is:

- remove seat and exhaust end pipe
- remove the rubber band holding the gas tank (remove the phillips screws of side fairings to gain access), and lift the tank towards the front
- remove plastic frame covers
- remove top and bottom subframe bolts
- loosen the clamp which secures air box to the carb
- when the shock bolts have been removed, swing the subframe to the left and remove the shock towards the right

just tried this and unfortunately there is not enough room to get the shock out the right side of the bike without moving the subframe. I have the plastic subframe though and the it is wider around where you pull the shock through. Anyone that has the plastic subframe had success?
Josh