Missing cable to compress shocks on an XS11G

[D. P. Larmee]

My Standard has always been missing the little cable used to compress the rear shocks to allow removal of the rear axle. I still have the original exhaust so everytime I have to pull the rear wheel off, I go through the rediculous process of attempting to tie it down with tiedown straps or rope while a friend jumps on the seat to compress the shocks. There has got to be an easier way! Does anybody out there know of a source for this cable or a good subtitute? I'm sure that I'm not the only one who has run into this problem. Any assistance will be greatly appreciated

[Geezer]

Re: Missing cable to compress shocks on an XS11G

Originally posted by D. P. Larmee
My Standard has always been missing the little cable used to compress the rear shocks to allow removal of the rear axle. I still have the original exhaust so everytime I have to pull the rear wheel off, I go through the rediculous process of attempting to tie it down with tiedown straps or rope while a friend jumps on the seat to compress the shocks. There has got to be an easier way! Does anybody out there know of a source for this cable or a good subtitute? I'm sure that I'm not the only one who has run into this problem. Any assistance will be greatly appreciated

I've always unbolted the shocks and then lifed the rear wheel to remove the nut and slide the axle out.

Geezer

[ratbyk]

Rear Suspension Cable

I have the same problem. Maybe someone who has the cable will give us the eye to eye measurement and then we can make our own.
Anyone? Thanks guys.
Ken/Sooke

[rover]

The casble itself is 26 1/2 inches to the far inside of the eye, but there are 2 eyes on one end with a half roune thingy that hooks around the swing arm or something. The other end has like two chain links to hook onto something, and there are 2 slide devices that hook onto something or other. The whole over al length is 30 inches. Looks complicated to make. Why not just use a ratchet strap?

[TonimusMaximus]

what is this cable you speak of? I have no cable and fail to see the point of it.

[ratbyk]

Cable

Don't have one. Only heard about them. Supposed to hold the rear wheel/swing arm up high enough to pull the rear wheel without having to pull a muffler off. Some bikes with shorty mufflers would not have problem but I full length mufflers and cannot access the axle or it's nut properly while on the center stand trying to remove rear wheel.
Ken/Sooke

[Geezer]

I have one somewhere in my junk that is pretty frayed. It's one of those things that I wouldn't use even if I had a good one.

In the shop, I always just unbolted the lower shock mount then put a block under the tire while I took the nut off and removed the axel.

Geezer

[rover]

I've never used mine, and it does not look like the P O did either.But since it is part of the original tool set, mine is complete, I will keep it. I can pull my rear axle by unbolting the rear muffler hanger and pushing down a very small amount on the 79 F. I really can not see the need for this cable, but may be useful when changing or removing shocks.

[D. P. Larmee]

Thanks for the tips. I had no idea what the cable consisted of or whether it was worth tracking down. It seems that the consensus is that dropping the rear of the exhaust is the least painful way to get the axle out. Seems so obvious now. Ah- everything always is when someone tells you the answer. Thanks again

[randy]

Methinks that removing shocks is WAY easier than loosening exhaust. I've done it by removing shocks.

Let's see

Exhaust =

8 nuts in front

2 in rear

Replace sealing washers? Maybe

Shocks =

4 nuts

Free swingarm also makes re-installation of wheel easier.

Just a suggestion.

Randy

[Jerry]

Last time I had to change the tire on the XJ, because I now have the longer Jardine mufflers, I ran into the rear axle problem. Dropped the exhaust, but only the mufflers, not the headers. 2 nuts where mufflers attach to frame, 2 more nuts of the muffler to header clamps. 5 minutes to take off, same to put back on, no big deal. Stock system is a little different, as there are gaskets at the header to muffler joint (at least on the XJ) but should still be fairly easy to drop and you do not have to unbolt the headers.

[scalded dog]

I have an extra cable, if you want it, I'll take $10 dollars plus cost of shipping. Later 'Dog

[gaffer77]

cable

hi think i saw one on german ebay tonite

[gaffer77]

cable

german ebay but just put no 7911865650 you can go to www.free translate.com (or it mite be www.freetranslation.com) to find out what is written this looks like what you are looking for with other tools and pouch at about 15 dollars now 1 day to go

[ratbyk]

Tool Kit

Thanks for the tip on the tool kit on German eBay. I am not going to bid but have captured the picture and now should be able to build something to do the job myself.
Thanks again.
Ken/Sooke