Time to remove the rear end of the Gixxer. After some second class carpentry to create a stand, I was ready to remove the rear end.
The upper mount of the shock was attached to the frame by four socket head cap screws threaded into the strut between the frame rails. I've never seen so much lock-tite in my life. Aluminum threads are notorious for tearing, so I reluctantly used a 16" piece of pipe to extend the leverage on my allen wrench. Even after breaking them loose, it took a lot of force to back them out.
The swingarm pivot shaft came out easily, but the swing arm remained in place, because of a threaded spacer. I browsed some Gixxer forums, and learned my options were to buy a specialty tool ($$), use a hammer and screw driver (ouch), or make my own tool.
My tool consists of a 5/32 hex wrench, ground to fit between points in a 32mm socket. Note the angled ends of the hex wrench. Worked like a charm.
