Motorcycle Repair: Side mount license plate, honda shadow ace, shock absorber

Question
Hello Chris,

 I was told that is was ok for me to remove the bottom bolt from the shock absorber to install my side mount license plate holder there.  If I remove the bottom bolt, will the shock expand?  Is the shock currently in the expanded mode normally?  What I do not want to happen is to remove the bolt and have the shock expand only to not compress it to put it back on.  I only want to use that bolt to attach my side mount license plate holder.  I ride a 1996 Honda Shadow ACE VT1100 with two outside shock absorbers.

Thanks,
Chris

Answer
Hi Chris.

If you are just removing the bolt and not removing the shock from the affected mount, then all should be well.  The shock normally is extended as far as it can be when the bike is up on a centersand or other device for keeping the bike upright (like a bike repair stand or jack).

Just put the bike on some type of stand to keep it upright while you do this and you should have no problems.

Good luck and ride safe.
FALCON