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written by: OldSkoolYZF members

The Problem:

Important recall on the rear shock support (yes, it's too late for free replacement)

recall info can be found at bottom of this page

above image shows recalled shock (left) and direct replacement shock from 97+ YZF.

The Fix:

First support the rear of the bike make sure you hang it from something so it cant compress. A cherry picker works well but you can also use a heavy duty ratchet strap around the clip-on mounts and throw it up over a beam or joyce or large tree branch.

Then remove the top bolt from the top shock mount and then remove the bottom bolt from the bottom shock mount.
Now that you have the shock totally loose you can wiggle it out through the bottom.
You may have to raise and lower the bike to get the shock to pass out the bottom past the linkage other that that it should come right out.
Reverse the process for installation and you are good to go.
All in all it should take you no longer than 1/2 hr to 45 min depending on your mechanical ability...Very basic..

Do not put it on a stand you have to hang the rear of the bike from over head or use a lift and lift it from underneath the motor.

Recall Info

From the NHTSA website:

Make / Models : Model/Build Years:
YAMAHA / YZF600RG 1995

YAMAHA / YZF600RGC 1995

YAMAHA / YZF600RH 1996

YAMAHA / YZF600RHC 1996

Manufacturer : YAMAHA MOTOR CORPORATION, USA

NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 96V033000 Mfg's Report Date : FEB 08, 1996
Component: SUSPENSION:REAR
Potential Number Of Units Affected : 4348
Summary:
THE DAMPER SHAFT OF THE REAR SHOCK CAN BEND OR BREAK.
Consequence:
THE SHAFT COULD FRACTURE WITHOUT WARNING CAUSING A LOSS OF CONTROL RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy:
DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW STYLE SHOCK ABSORBER ASSEMBLY KIT.
Notes:
SYSTEM: SUSPENSION; MOTORCYCLE ONLY. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MOTORCYCLES. NOTE: OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME, SHOULD CONTACT YAMAHA AT 1-800-962-7926. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.

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