If you're a lazy bastad like me and can't be bothered to strip down half your bike to get one bolt out, here's a little mod I did for future ease.

1. Remove the rear top shock nut and push the bolt through to the exhaust and cut the head off of the bolt. An air hack saw would be easiest. You could probably do this without removing anything from the rear except the rubber mudflap. I had the rear wheel off anyway which made it easier. If you don't want to buy a new bolt you can strip the exhaust off as usual and reuse the bolt and still do the mod for future ease.



2. Now push the headless bolt through so it hits the inside of the airbox. Mark it and centre punch it.


3. Force a pick or something sharp through the airbox wall to mark the centre the other side.


4. Hole cut a 1" hole though the airbox.


5. Now you can remove the headless bolt through the hole you have drilled.


6. This is what you're left with.


7. Check that your new bolt goes through easily.


8. Use a stanley blade or a sharp wood chisel to cut off the swarf and thin the wall of the airbox down slightly to accommodate a grommet or snap plug.


9. Try your new grommet or snap plug and make sure it is secure. You need to thin down the wall of the airbox slightly to get a snug fit.


10. Fit the new nut n bolt through your new access hole and torque accordingly. You can glue or seal the snap plug in place to make sure it doesn't fall out.


11. Your rear shock can now be removed in minutes and without breaking all those rusty exhaust bolts. Here are the part numbers if you want new shiny bits.

Thats a good mod mate good pics and explanation .

Good thinking mate, well done. Outside the square and very practical as long as the grommet is sealed. Nice.

Cunning plan - I like it.

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i did mine a couple of weeks ago and took the exhaust off - muttering the whole way about japanese design! I actually thought at the time that they shouldhave done a plug in the box!!!! great minds think alike.
i also had the mutters about the bracket the shock bolts into as the lip is placed at the bottom so its hard to get a spanner/socket on. it would have been so much easier if the strengthening part ie the lip was at the top.

nicely done.

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I'm in the process of swapping my shock at the mo but have not done this mod as yet. Can I drill through my airbox before the whole process so, sort of, creating this mod in reverse order so to speak? I'm guessing Yammy just expect us to take the whole exhaust off every time this job needs doing right? This is madness, I have no knuckles left and all my neighbours have the right hump with my language :0/

Will most DIY stores sell a suitable gromet/plug type thing? Screwfix, Homebase etc?

Any guidance gratefully received.

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The journey is the destination.