Rear suspension

REAR SUSPENSION

The rear suspension uses a fully adjustable progressive hydraulic monoshock (1). The system consists of an upper rocker arm (8) and a non-adjustable tie-rod (19), which is fixed to the single-sided swingarm.

The swingarm pivots on the frame and the engine to achieve maximum rigidity; the rear end of the swingarm supports the eccentric wheel hub which allows chain tension adjustment.

For adjustment of the rear shock absorber, refer to Section D 4, Adjusting the rear shock absorber.

Operation	Section reference
Remove the presilencer	L 8, Removal of the exhaust system

To remove the rear shock absorber (1) from the swingarm and from the upper rocker arm, remove the rubber plug (3) and remove the upper bolt (5) and lower bolt (15).

On removing the lower bolt (15), the lower ball-joint end fitting (6) of the tie-rod (2) is also released from the swingarm. Recover the threaded bush (16) and the bushes (4) located either side of the lower ball joint of the tie-rod.

Before dismantling the shock absorber, measure the spring preload length (L). The same length must be restored on re-assembly.

Slacken off the locknut (A) and the spring adjuster nut (B) with a pin wrench or special tool.

Remove the retaining ring (C) and the spring.

Visually inspect the shock absorber for oil leaks and other problems.

Renew the shock absorber if necessary.

Fit the spring into its seat in the shock absorber with the tapered end towards the lower mounting.

Refit the retaining ring (C).

Screw in the spring adjuster nut (B) to obtain the previously measured length (L).

One full turn of the adjuster nut changes the length of the spring by 1.5 mm.

Tighten down the lock nut (A) against the adjuster (B).

Disconnect the top of the rear shock absorber from the rocker arm as described in “Removal of the rear shock absorber” in this chapter.

Separate the linkage assembly (2) from the rocker arm (8) by undoing the bolt (7) and recover the bushings (6) at the sides of the ball joint (4).

Before removing the rocker arm (8) from the frame, check the play of its internal needle roller bearings (9).

Grasp the rear end of the rocker arm and push and pull it in all directions.

If excessive play is encountered, the bearings need to be renewed.

To remove the rocker arm (8) from the frame, unscrew the nut (14) and withdraw the spacer (13).

Slide out the pivot bolt (12) and remove the rocker arm assembly (8) from the frame.

The rocker arm's movement is obtained by needle roller bearings (9) rotating on an inner spacer (13). Two seals (10) keep the lubricant inside the roller cages.

Remove the inner spacer (13) and remove the seals and the roller bearings using a drift with outside diameter Ø 21.6 mm.

Take care not to damage the bearing housings on the rocker arm while driving out the bearings. Once disturbed, the seals (10) and needle roller bearings (9) may not be refitted.

Insert a new roller cage (9) on the service tool no. 88713.1071 and lubricate the rocker arm bore with the recommended grease.

Support the rocker arm and drive the needle roller bearing into the rocker arm bore until the tool seats against rocker arm.

Make sure to drive the bearings perfectly square into the bore without jamming. Use a press, if necessary.

Fit a new seal (10) onto the drift with its metal side outermost. Seat it against the previously installed bearing (9).

Repeat the above procedure for the other roller bearing (9) and the other seal (10).

Lubricate the bearings and seals with the recommended grease and insert the inner spacer (13).

Lubricate the shank and thread of the bolt (12) and the underside of the head of the nut (14) with the recommended grease.

Insert the complete rocker arm assembly between the frame supports, as shown in the figure.

Drive the bolt (12) fully home against the frame.

Fit the washer (13) and the nut (14).

Restrain the nut and tighten the bolt to the specified torque (Sect. C 3, Frame torque settings).

Apply grease to the thread and under the head of the bolts (5) and (7) that secure the upper part of the shock absorber to the tie‑rod and insert them in the rocker arm.

Position the shock absorber (1) with the reservoir at the top, on the left-hand side of the frame.

Insert the upper ball joint of the shock absorber, aligning it with the rear hole in the rocker arm.

Tighten the bolt (5) to the specified torque (Sect. C 3, Frame torque settings).

Install the bushes (4) on both the ball joint end fittings of the tie-rod (2).

Insert the upper end of the tie-rod in the rocker arm and tighten the bolt (7) to its specified torque (Sect. C 3, Frame torque settings).

Insert the lower end of the shock absorber (1) and the tie-rod (2) in the swingarm.

Grease the sliding surface of the threaded bush (16) and insert it in the bore on the swingarm.

Grease the thread, underside and sliding surface of the lower retaining bolt (15) and insert it in the swingarm from the right-hand side.

Tighten the bolt (15) to the specified torque (Sect. C 3, Frame torque settings).

Operation	Section reference
Refit the presilencer	L 8, Refitting the exhaust system