cutting chrome covers on rear suspension?

[tbakic]

i was curious if i can just cut these chrome caps with reflectors off of the rear suspension. i hate them and just want to see the spring lol, if i have to i will buy new ones but hey, what the heck , id rather cut them off lol

they circled in this picture

thanks guys!

 

[eric123]

I've cut them off before with a pair of tin snips and diagonal cutters...

 

[tbakic]

thank u! i will to that tomorrow

 

[xschris]

They can be removed by taking them apart. You will need a spring compress to do this.

 

[Shaun Chandler]

Second for removing by compressing. I find it also gives you a chance to check the absorber so you know if its shot. Kinda hard to tell unless you have it apart or have ridden it.

Also I think if you cut them you are going to leave a nasty burr from the cut metal.

I pulled mine apart last week. I used my hydraulic press to compress them then loosen the nut inside. Be carefull a spring compressor will be the safest way. This is when I found my shocks were toast, so I bought a nice un-used set off a guy who upgraded his harley to air ride. Only paid 50 bucks for the pair.

 

[dO-bOy]

i got my shocks apart without a compressor took a bunch of fandangling though did it while they were mounted on the bike. a couple flatheads and a 14mm wrench

 

[doctavee]

with the shock off. one at a time obviously unless you have a jack, or center stand, tape a clean line around, with a cut off wheel on your dremel it should be a cinch i did it to my project bike and they came out perfect!

 

[wester]

I know this is an old thread...
but inspired by the conversation here, I put together a how to...
http://www.xs400.com/forum/showthread.php?p=89673#post89673

Here you go!