So, I ordered a Racetech spring more suitable for my size. Followed the OEM Service Manual, but dang that was a PITB to remove/install the shock. Without good old brute force--and some undesirable cosmetic damage--I don't think it was possible. Am I wrong, or is there another way or steps not in manual?

The only thing I saw that would have helped would have been to remove the bash plate before I started so maybe that bottom link would swing just a little lower, or something ridiculous like remove the airbox, or part of.

 

Been a while since I pulled mine but as far as I recall it should come out of the left side. Bike does need to be on a stand, and (here is the trick) lift the rear wheel up against the fender as high as you can. That should let the swingarm clear the linkage and you can wiggle the shock out.

 

Yeah, had it on a stand and it is the left side. I even enlisted my neighbor to hold the wheel in all positions. It was just too long to clear the bottom or top. Had to clear one at a time basically prying and banging. Guess I could have taken the locking rings all the way up and compress it? I moved the rings (with the wrong tool, of course) about a half inch and didn't help at all so I left that idea. Oh well, hopefully I won't be doing that again...

 

If you use a tie-down strap looped over the seat and to the swingarm it makes it MUCH easier to do if you're alone.

 

Good idea. Actually I had a bucket just the right size to hold the wheel all the way up, but no position seemed to help much even when I had a helper.