DIY Fail: Attempting to install and test new shocks on my Royal Enfield Interceptor
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- čas přidán 1. 05. 2023
- DIY Fail: Attempting to install and test new shocks on my Royal Enfield Interceptor: After my last set of shocks expired on my custom Interceptor I decided to take the opportunity to upgrade them to something a bit better - surely I can fit these myself, it's only 4 bolts, how hard can it be?? Stay tuned to find out......
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That screwdriver being levered on the swing arm must have caused a collective "NOOO" on the Internet!
It did from me, even the non damaging first time.
Yes when I edited it back I thought the same!! What I do for entertainment!! (Yeah right!!)
The nation held its breath! 😉😁
What brand and size of the rear tire?
The chuckle brothers.😂
Morning Andy
I think it may have gone easier if you had removed both the old shocks before attempting to fit the new ones. That way you could have used the jack to adjust the height and thus the angle of the swing arm to match the length of the new shocks without having to compress them.
Nope.
Andy did it exactly how it should have been done by a novice. He now has earned his QBF.
Qualified By F-up
I second this, haven't done this for many a year but that's how you do it.
It’s always reassuring to see that it isn’t only me who sometimes finds things don’t go exactly to plan. Smashing honest video.
It's not DIY unless you spent double the expected time in the garage and throw at least one spanner at the wall 😂
I’m on week 2 replacing a shock on a BMW X3. You’re not alone.
I'm happy if I can complete a task without having to go out and buy a tool that I'm missing :)
It’s like looking into a mirror watching you do the shocks. So many times I’ve tried a job that’s theoretically simple, and it turns into an all day nightmare😆
Interesting how big a difference the shocks make to the comfort!
Thank you Freddie - that makes me feel much better! ….and yes, what an improvement to the ride!
Amazing how long it took me to take the fairings off my Panigale V2 and put them all back on perfectly aligned!
Best part of four hours I recon!
Hi Andy,
I am sure most of us if not all of us have at one time tried to do something on our bikes and had a minor mishap and caused some damage.
I think it's good that you included the part where you scratched the swinging arm as others can learn from this.
A lot of CZcamsrs would have edited that out, so thanks for being sincere.
A very helpful video. Don't forget to patch up the paintwork :)
Sandy
Yes I will - it’s not a big deal and thought it would be fun for others to see me suffer!
@@TheMissendenFlyer always nice to see people are human! I'd count myself quite handy mechanically... didn't stop me from accidentally removing a chunk of lacquer from the fairing of my new R1250RS last summer when simply taking off the decals! - a black enamel touchup pen will sort yours out no doubt!
*"Now I know it's mine," is what I say when I put a dent or scratch on my machines.*
@@commander_lard I agree, we have all made mistakes and it's great that Andy included his and I hope it doesn't deter from future spanneribg efforts. I do all my own work and it's so satisfying to see a job well done but it has taken me years to build the knowledge and skills, and the never complete tool kit 😂
Not yet I haven’t.
Repaired some damage on my first gsx-s125 dome but the previous owner crashing but not done any Mai the car damage beside replacing one bolt on a Honda CBR650R who’s Allen head was made of cheese!
Just had all the fairings off the V2 and found a bolt the dealer had lost as plastic washer off but again all went back together properly without a scratch!
When you're using a screwdriver to lever something always a good idea to put some soft material around the end of the screwdriver in order to prevent a scratch occurring, bit late in this case but good to know 👍
Well if you notice prior to that mishap I was doing exactly that!
@@TheMissendenFlyer 👍👍
And... Use a small pry tool with a bent end, instead of a screwdriver for jobs like this. If you use a screwdriver in this way you risk doing exactly what you did..
Great to see such an honest video as I think we have all been there. We think it might be an easy job and then we do end up getting stuck or wishing for some help. Scratching the swinging arm was the best example of how we learn things by doing them ourselves.
Thanks for sharing Andy, this is a life changer for our amazing RE bikes, I will try to get one of this to my continental gt. Thanks for sharing your experience in replacing and riding this new shocks!
It's good to see other motorcyclists who have as little mechanical skill as I do! Great video Andy, the bike sounds amazing too. Love how excited you got seeing that shock sit home. Cheers!
Well done Andy! Theres no shame in not knowing what to do or getting stuck, you had a go thats the main thing & ask for help when unsure. 100% mate. Even us experienced tech's have to learn somewhere, no one gets it right 1st time all the time. You learn from having a go! 🙂My tip would have been to remove both shocks together, and as you're buddy did, bottom or threaded end 1st, then a tiny squirt of silicone spray would have had the top slip on. This doesn't affect the rubber bush, just aids installation. Shocks look good & seem to be a good fit financially & physically. I rate Hagon. Nice 👍
Good on you Andy for having a go,it’s how we learn,CZcams is your learning companion at times, very handy to have knowledge of your bike; on a side note I live in Australia and last year I spoke to the boys at Hagon, as you said more than helpful and so knowledgeable, put their shocks on my Triumph T100 Bonneville, completely different bike.
Andy, you forgot “get in there, ya bastard!”
Works for me.
Thanks to Nigel for his kind assistance.
While y'all were wrenching on the shocks I was admiring those tires you have on the RE. I need some off-road tire options for my Super Tenere. I think some similar tread would work nicely for some moderately unpaved road riding I want to do in the future.
Nice one Andy, I knew you would be happy with the Hagon shocks, I always have been. They are in keeping with the style of the bike too and in my opinion, look better than the originals. It's a shame you struggled too, my late Father was an excellent, highly skilled engineer and I'm realising how much he taught me over the years, which was a blessing and saved me a fortune too.
I have made all those same mistakes, Andy. These days if I have access to a jack, I pull both shocks (when applicable) and adjust the height to match the new stuff. And I also use a touch of silicone based lubricant on rubber bushings when I need to push them on, or a small bit of spit will do in a pinch.
Always good to have a mate as a backup plan. And every expert I know has a long list of cock ups to become one.
Lovely to see. Most youtubers would have either edited that out or not put the video up but as brutal as it was to see it is an honest warts and all video which will help people withe their own bikes so thanks for posting it.
My pleasure (and my thoughts exactly)
Well mate it just goes to show that things don't always turn out as simple as they look. Shame you damaged the paint work but as you've said it's more a point of horse's for course's with certain things so they are best left to those with experience.
Thanks for the video always nice to watch.
I joined London Amb Service in 1986,during my training an instructor said "we don't Know what we don't know" that's always stuck with me, good video.
Reminds me of my apprentice mechanic days, I'd see the senior mechanics doing jobs that looked easy , I'd be given the same job , and think this will be handy, but you'd always have something and normally something unexpected giving you trouble, never be afraid to ask for help or advice my chief mechanic would always tell us. Because everyone in that garage would have had something similar and even the most experienced will tell you, you are always learning some new problem will always catch you out. Good video mate
Cheers Martin - appreciate that!
Great bits of kit these Hagons, so glad you like them. 👍
A center stand is priceless for a motorcycle
Fair play for having a go. As you said yourself, knowledge and experience are the best tools in the box.
At least you tried, even though you admit, to not being very mechanically minded.
Good effort mate.
Thank you!
When I was still a teenager I built a complete bike from several tea-chests of parts (engine already built, luckily). I can't remember how many cock-ups I made but it was PLENTY.
A few years later I was confident enough to do engine top end rebuilds. The point is that you don't learn anything without making mistakes.
Brave of you to show us your enthusiastic efforts, warts and all. I hope this encourages others to have a go - doing your own spannering is one of the joys of motorcycling.
Cheers Chris - that was my intent on putting this video up, helping other learn by my errors....
Local 'poundshop' had Tipex correction pens/sets which is ideal for marking any nut/bolt/fitting and easy to see if anything is coming loose.
I did wince before the damage and wondered what would get caught first, paintwork, wiring or brake pipe, glad it all worked out in the end.
I love watching watching you work on a bike. A complete antidote to watching Allen Millyard and Dave Mitchell (The Classic Motorcycle Channel) who both make me seem a complete buffoon, whereas you make me feel quite competent. Well done for trying and being so honest. Great stuff!
Glad to help!
These are the best videos, because most of us can relate to it. We have all been there at some point, I had a huge saga fitting some heated grips once, can’t bring myself to speak of it even now 😢😢. Can’t wait for some more spanner stuff in the Garage.
Yes some you win some you lose don't you.....on balance I seem to be about 50:50 with my spannering!
Fair play Andy. Admire your honesty and learnt something.
Thank you!
Glad you made such a big improvement 👍
Andy,
I’ve been in your shoes many a time and it’s nice to see and read in the comments that I’m not the only one. I’ve done many a shock change and don’t always use stock length. I’ve found that taking all the weight off the back and then using a Winbag or Air Shim to fine tune alignment works spectacularly. Great video and sorry about the paint work.
You give it a go Andy and now you know it's all a learning curve , job done and knowledge gained good day at the office I'd say 😉👍
I bought some Hagon rear shocks and progressive front springs for my 1988 goldwing, the ride and handling is superb, the staff at Hagon are very knowledgeable and friendly, I'd reccomend them every time 👍
Agreed!
Amazingly mild expletives when you scratched the swingarm, you are a gentleman.
Thank you!
Well done on having a go at it yourself. The Hagons are a good upgrade, esp after a few hundred miles when they've loosened up a bit.
Well done you! nearly 😄 fair play on being so open and honest. I was screaming at the screen when you started to lever the shock against the swing arm🤷♂️
Please do more maintenance videos or additional part fitting, we could all do with a smile now and then in this day and age
Cheers 🍻
Glad you enjoyed it!
Hi Andy, I've (had) fitted Hagon shocks to my classic VFR and Fireblade and as you say great for road riding, transformational.
Yep we’ve all been there when attempting something. I now wrap my fork legs before taking front wheel off as I slipped with the wrench and scraped my freshly painted forks once
Well done Andy good honest video we have all been there and will I'm sure have further times of fitting parts that test us all.
I wouldn’t mind but it’s every time for me!!
Last time I bought a Hagon was over 20 years ago. Glad to hear they are just as good now.
Glad you got it sorted with a little help from the pros. On critical fasteners like these I will use a little blue Loctite (medium strength thread locker) on the threads to prevent them from loosening off. Especially important on machines that vibrate a lot.
Absolutely love my Hagon Monoshock and Progressive springs. Totally changed my handling for the better too.
Great honesty here and job done too.
Cheers Chris!
Whenever I’ve done those, always found it’s easier to do the bottom then use the lift to help me align the top of the shock :)
Nice vid. Glad you got it sorted & are happy with them. I think Hagon are the best value new shocks you can get in the UK imo.
Just spent the weekend fitting an exhaust and still not quite there but its the only one way to learn! I am watching this video while waiting for my mechanic guru to arrive!
Glad it's not just me - thanks for watching!
Great video Andy! I hope this doesn't put you off trying to do bike maintenance stuff yourself. Although it can be a pain....there is something very satisfying about doing stuff yourself....even if you get some help. Glad the shocks improved the handling...keep doing what your doing :-)
TBH, I would always be very careful about modifying bikes. It's got to be expensive and frustrating, and I would imagine it would be difficult to recoup your investment when it comes to selling the bike. But then I'm sure Andy already knows that from prior experience with the Enfield.
Good on you for trying that's how we learn.
When I did mine I removed both exhausts and the rear wheel and supported the bike on the centre stand. Was a good learning activity on removing and fitting the rear wheel which is a right pain in the proverbial.
Yes way beyond me that….
Oh man. I was cringing SO hard at the metal screwdriver against the swing arm. Then the scratch came in! I actually shouted, "NO!" when that happened! Hope you get the paintwork sorted and matched up!
Interesting video! I've done front fork replacement on a Chinese bike that I had, which were simple enough. But damn, those looked proper fiddly!
Glad to hear it's had some an effect on the ride! Stay safe!
Very interesting Andy. I hope I don't have to do that with my Classic 350, but if I do, I am heading to the shop. Great video, I learned a lot. Thank you ......Sal : )
Got Hagon shocks on my interceptor. Very happy with the results. Haven’t yet taken blue lettering off but not sure I like how it looks on a black bike. I was told putting them on was an easy job but I know my inner bodge and took straight to local mechanic. Watching your video makes me feel I made the right choice 🤣
You sure did!
Nice one Flyer. Good choice going with the Hagons. I have a similar (shrouded) pair on my T100. Quality to price ratio they are a winner and no I didn’t attempt to fit them myself. Good on you for having a go though.
Good to an honest garage video. As we all know nothing ever goes to plan. 👍
...well done sir!.... I'm also a member of the ham-fisted mechanical nightmare club. Nice to see a youtuber that shows the mistakes as well as the victories. Great vid.
I have precious few victories!
This video brought back memories of DIY glory. Years ago I owned a 1981 Suzuki GS 1100E. I decided to swap out the stock exhaust for a set of Vance & Hines 4-in-to-1 headers. "How hard could it be?", I thought. I found out about five hours later. I sure do miss that bike!!
Very impressed with your humility mate. There are others on YT who would never admit their fallibility; doing so would severely bruise their massive egos. And yep Nigel seems like a proper decent guy.
He’s baled me out on numerous occasions!
Del boy?
@@kwak1k no mate but i'm sure you won't need many guesses to nail it - the one i'm thinking of really meets all the criteria stated above
No skin lost or moved, and a minor scratch that can be touched up, not bad! Sometimes even holding your tongue right doesn't work. Thanks to your tech support friend its a done deal.
Yes I’m taking it as a win!
Thanks Andy for sharing even the difficult parts. My latest “easy job” that took all day was Touratech racks on my GS. Took a full day of swearing.
Glad it’s not just me!
Well at least you had a go and now we know how it should be done. 👍
Hagon shocks are brilliant value used them for years on all kinds of bikes and never had an issue with them.
Hi Andy. Super important: make sure on the left hand side you have a thick washer ir, put the handle back. Dont need to remove shock, just undo the bolt, put in a washer or two to compensate for missing handle.
Well done Andy. Never too old to live and learn😂. Great video
Cheers Sean, very much appreciated
What a brilliant video, honest, funny, and informative, although you did forget to thank Mrs TMF for her nail polish.
As already noted, we look forward to the new cartridge kits installed in the front forks.
You now know you've done half a suspension upgrade with new rear shocks 😁
It’s on my to do list on my interceptor. Thanks though for another option those Hagen shocks look good and not a bad price either.
We have all learnt by trial and error and error but usually in private. Great to see you sharing your attempt and showing that these jobs are not beyond DIY mechanics. Although each new job is a challenge, the next time you change shocks will be fine by yourself….
There won’t be a next time if I can find Nigel!!
Good for you Andy, for giving it a shot and you all but had it. Its just a shame someone didn't mention putting it on the bottom and then the top, in all the advice you had offered beforehand. Never mind though all turned out in the end and a much better handling bike to enjoy too
Cheers John - appreciated!
Glad it turned around and hope you get the scratch on the swing arm painted up.
Willdo
Great video Andy , did make me smile , pleased I'm not the only who doesn't really understand spanners !😩😀👍
I followed the exact same process on my 2010 Thunderbird. Popped some piggy back nitros on it. Had to persuade them with a mallet as well! Good effort Andy! Front forks are next….
Cheers Darren - glad it's not just me!
It's always the way - something that you think will be easy, often takes a lot longer. One way to avoid having to compress the springs by hand is to use a wood working ratchet clamp such as an Irwin Quick Grip. You can add just the right amount of compression so that the holes align easily with the post.
Or could they be adjusted (preload) slightly differently do you reckon?
I watch your channel from time to time but every video on this bike I have to watch. It’s just like watching a car accident in slow motion from a side street. This bike is cursed from day one. Thank god you have so many other good bikes. ❤
I’m stunned by the amount of hatred I get regarding this bike - it’s just a fun project and I love it! Mostly I think jealousy is at play….
You seem quite angry. I never meant to belittle it. We all make mistakes and buy a bike that hasn’t been good. I really don’t know how you can keep defending it. Id say plenty of people like your gold wing and gs and Ducati. But jealous of a royal Enfield that cost you a fortune ? I like your channel ! This bike is just a disaster really. Doesn’t mean I don’t like your channel just cause I think one of your bikes isn’t great. You do seem quite angry lately. Chill out. It’s only a bike channel.
Yes I'm very much known for my anger :0) All the best.....
Great video, love seeing that bike out.
Nice bike.Sounds good, looks good and now rides good
love the W/A lens quality and sound on this one Andy.
Thank you…
Great video, did the same thing on my T120 and it was “challenging” as well!
Glad it’s not just me!
Hi Andy, you must be the best dressed mechanic I know 😂 Like everyone else, things never seem to go to plan or be as easy as we think mate. Great honest video as always.
Cheers
Jim
Cheers Jim!
Thanks for the vid 😊
Great video.. glad the bikes handling better.
Thank you Dan!
There's a certain channel that this will be an absolute joy to ............. this channel continues to be comedy gold............
Glad to help!
I'm glad to see other "expert" mechanics out there...I have those same skill sets...ha!!!...good stuff - thinking of changing mine out on my R9T....still love the looks of the RE....good stuff!!!
Yes I knew as soon as I made this video all the experts would be out….
@@TheMissendenFlyer I get beat up as well my friend....but it keep it real...which is why we watch...because we are more like you than the experts...great job!!!!
Thank you very much - appreciate that.
Back in 1977 Hagon's straitened out a buckled Honda Comstar wheel for me. Saved me a fortune, great company.
Andy next time you pass a camping/ caravan shop go in and buy yourself a rubber mallet (the type used to knock in tent pegs) you'll be amazed what can be achieved with said implement with zero damage! You should have put a thin strip of wood between screwdriver and swing arm! Ps really sorry to see how you were messed about and conned with your customisation of this bike, thankfully the Chris fella came to the rescue! Loving the channel as always!
I love Hagon shocks. I've fitted them to my Harley sportster. URAL 750. BMW R80. Plus a couple of other bikes. I thoroughly recommend them.
A little bit of washing up liquid on the top rubbers will help, if it's really cold warm them up a touch. Hagon are an excellent company always very helpful.
Yes I found them so for sure…
When you started levering the screwdriver on the swing arm i had to watch from behind the sofa 😅
Yes I knew the risks as well!
Good to see the story had a happy ending. A great value performance upgrade.
I fitted a similar pair of Hagon shocks to my Continental GT last summer and find them ideally suited to the bike. More sophisticated and considerably more expensive alternatives require lots of trial and error adjustments to get them right but Hagons are simple and work well straight out of the box. I was told to start with the softest preload setting, put a few miles on the bike then adjust them up to the medium setting which I did and the handling is now far better than when the bike was new. Mind you I have also fitted a YSS fork kit and a pair of Avon Roadrider tyres both of which I can wholeheartedly recommend.
Yes I did look at the YSS but I think these are fit for purpose - I'm very happy with them. Thnaks for watching!
I’ve been in the automotive industry for nearly 20 years (😳 feels like a long time when you type it down…) and sometimes jobs just go like that. Good job Mr Flyer 👏
Cheers Craig - appreciate that….
I remember Alf Hagon from years ago. Think he was a grass-tracker or something. Anyway, their products have always been superb imo! 👍
Anybody that gets the spanners out and has a go is to be applauded👏👏👏Im pretty hopeless on mechanicking too...
Cheers Paul!
Helped a friend of mine change his Thruxton shocks. On reassembly he snapped the top mounting bolt. Fortunately I'm really good with a bolt extractor. (lots of practice) and had a spare replacement bolt (lots of pack-ratting). Post-mortem revealed that the bolt had been over-tightened by the shop that previously changed the shock.
Mr Hudson is going to have a field day with this one! 🤣😂.. fair play for showing the 'mishap' on camera.
No idea who “Mr Hudson” is but cheers for the comment!
Good advice to remove both old shocks first. Also worth checking the two new shocks visually before fitting. One of the reasons for going to a monoshock design was the slight differences in cheaper shocks
Nice one TMF , always good to give it a go yourself 👍 and bike seems be handling well enough for our shocking roads. Get some touch up on the swingarm or cover with a sticker .👍😁
Yes - already touched it up - all good.....
By throwing a few spanners at a bike yourself now and then as you did, you get so much more from the whole biking experience.
Without getting too "zen and the art of motorcycle maintenance" about it, there's something satisfying in trusting your life or at the very least the skin on your knees and elbows to a machine you worked on yourself.
My mate call guys who just ride and go to the main dealer to get their chain adjusted "all torque and no wrench"
Well done Andy
Thanks, I appreciate that!
At the start I thought! I would go hagon shocks? Good choice! Nothing has been easy with that bike well done 😂
I Love the looks of the Intercepter. It reminds me of the 70s Bikes that were out. It looks like a really fun Bike to Ride for shorter Trips. I don’t think it would be great for Touring though. Thanks for the Video. I’ll definitely check out Hayden Shocks.👍👍
nice one, good on you for having a go ;)
Cheers Glenn!
Another fine video to watch over breakfast - I must blag a ride on an RE sometime soon. I was down your way-ish a week or so ago, checking to see if one of our favourite walks from Wendover still exists, or has been destroyed by a certain railway line (it’s still hanging on). The roads there are getting diabolical. They’re not great around north Bucks, but the run over from Ivinghoe was horrible - really not pleasant trying to avoid the big craters.
Welcome to my world….
As the axiom goes when referring to dumping a bike, "we've all done it," so goes with causing scratches, etc. The good news is that the upgrade is on, and it's working out great. Cheers to that, and cheers to Nigel.
Indeed!