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.