Got on ebay and found a nearly new take off (LOTS of SV folks "upgrade" the shock). Anyway got the shock today and swapped it out. Ten minutes. You do not need to remove the swingarm, yada yada like the manuals say.
1. Put the bike ON the centerstand. My bike rested on the FRONT wheel while on the center stand.
2. Remove the LOWER fastener (bolt and nut) from the shock. You probably need to support the rear wheel a bit to work the bolt out.
3. I had to take the chain guard off (works reservoir) - this is easiest now because you can move the rear wheel up and down to get to the fasteners.
4. Remove the NUT from the upper shock attachment. Now remove the bolt. The shock pretty much falls out - don't have your hand in the way!
5. To install the SV shock - the bayonet (forked end) fits on the upper linkage EXACTLY like the shock you just took off. Forked end has exactly same inner width as old shock!
6. The lower requires some washers for spacing. Leave about 1/16" of gap so the shock does not bind. Use the stock bolt and nut - that way you can't overtighten the nut. Install the bolt and run it in. Then the nut. Check for a little play to avoid binding.
The works shock I removed was obviously sprung for someone smaller than my 210 lbs (Hey, I'm a tall guy). Anyway, the SV shock had about half as much sag with the preload cranked up to one notch less than max. Did not ride the bike but the springing and damping felt OK!
So - if you need a shock for temp use for the ES the later SV650 fits. If you're shock is blown up and you just need a shock. try it!
Update - if you have the stock shock with the preload knob or an aftermarket with reservoir you'll have to factor that into the process!
Cheers.
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