Sabre Shock Swap on the Aero

Back to the Punisher

This modification is pretty simple, at least in theory. Find a used set of Sabre shocks from any 00-05 model and swap them on. They fit like a glove, but there are a few differences, and an important note.

This modification was gleaned from the All Aero forum on DelphiForums, where this sort of modification is increasingly common. Another important, related, recommended and pretty much necessary modification is the rear caliper relocaton kit, which I did not do before the swap, was warned about, and now somewhat regret not doing first.

First off, the Sabre shocks are shorter, as the following images will demonstrate. After install, the bike sits 1.5" lower, as measured from the top of the caliper to the bottom of the fender. The height, as measured with the bike on its kickstand, from the ground, past the caliper, and to one of the rear seat mounting points changed by the same amount: 1.5".

Only a few tools are needed for this swap. A 12mm socket is needed to remove the seat, and the left side lower shock bolt. A 14mm socket is used for the other three shock bolts. A screwdriver is needed to remove the stock Aero shock "bullet" caps. A jack is recommended.

I started by removing the seat, then the bullet caps, then moved on to the shock bolts. Here's where my biggest problem lay: I was going solo. I am a large guy, but this is a heavy bike. I got the right side shock off, then with a box put between the caliper and fender, removed the other side, sort of. In retrospect, the jack should have been in place at this time, keeping the chassis up. So, do not follow my lead, either have your bike on a motorcycle lift, or use a short auto jack to keep the frame and swingarm from getting too intimate. I found a nice jacking point, though those with a stock exhaust will need to find another spot.

After I got the jack under it, and the bike up a bit, I was able to get the replacements in, with very little trouble. I would highly recommend installing the bottom of the left side shock first. When you get to this point, you'll see why. I snugged everything up, installed the seat, admired my work, then went for a spin.

The bike is lower, no doubt about it. I don't have an NBA player's inseam, but my legs aren't short either. Moving the bike around has always been a bit of a ball-of-the-foot task for me, but no longer. That extra 1.5" makes moving around much easier. Riding seemed a little bit stiffer in the rear for some reason, but I had made sure the shocks were on their highest preload setting. Everything was fine until I hit a relatively large hole in the road, where some city workers had cut out a piece of asphalt and filled it in temporarily with some dirt. *CLANK* Oh no. I felt down and, sure enough, there was a piece of paint missing. Now I feel like a heel, but I knew better.

Do the caliper relocation kit FIRST!