Anyone have any problems with the rear shock? I noticed a puddle of oil under the bike 2 weeks ago, checked it out, washed it down, couldnt find anything. Went out for a ride, no problems. Havent ridden in a week, had the bike in the garage while I was away this weekend with the ATV. Went in the garage tonite, saw another puddle under the bike, A good size puddle, saw a drip on the dogbone link, and felt it. It was real thin hydraulic oil. Bounced the bike and hear a good bang as the spring unloads. WTF. Also wiped the shaft down and it was wet. So it appears the shock is blown out. Is this something thats happened to anyone else? Naturally I didnt get the extended warranty, it ran out last month.
What am I up against here? Big money? Can I rebuild/reseal this shock, or am I doomed to a ride to the stealership?

 

Sounds like it needs a new seal case all right.The shock is rebuildable. But it is not a "beginner" project and you need access to a special nitrogen tank and regulator/gauge to do the nitrogen refill. You would be better off sending it to a suspension specialist than taking it to the stealership. Since it needs rebuilding you might as well have it revalved for your weight and riding style.

 

I knew you would say that
I am not sure who to send it to.
I am pulling it out tonite, I have 2 weeks to get it done, as I plan to take the bike up to Laconia for Bike Week.
I will put a new spring on it now, hadnt realized I needed to revalve it also, I figured with the 20 clicks on compression and rebound was pretty good.
hhmm

 

Hey Fourty2ri I don't know what level of mechanical experience you have. If you have the service manual you can read up on the procedure and see if your comfortable with doing it. It's really not that difficult. You will still need to refill the shock with nitrogen. Most shops will just charge a minimal (spelling?) fee to refill the shock but some won't do it unless they rebuild the shock (stealerships). So if you decide you want to try it yourself make sure your local shop will refill it first. If you were happy with the way it performed before the leak you certainly don't need to revalve it. Thats personal preference. Try doing some research on the net there maybe a step by step tutorial on how to rebuild your shock. I have always rebuilt and revalved my own shocks so I don't have any first hand experience as to who does the best work. I'm pretty sure reputable companies like Race Tech, Moto Pro ,etc could do a fine job of rebuilding it and have it back to you on time for Laconia. Most likely other members reading this will have some suggestions on who to send it to. Good luck.

 

If you've got decent mechanical ability and tools, with a shop manual and parts from MotoPro you can do the job yourself. You will have to take it to a shop to have them pressurize the nitrogen charge for you. Or you could call MotoPro and find out what their turnaround time is for a shock rebuild.

 

Try calling Razee. They're relatively close to you.
http://www.razeemotorcycle.com/

 

My brother-in-law knows Gil in service over there. He said Just Suspensions in NH can turn it around in a week, with a new spring to carry my fat a$$.
Told me about $300, no matter where I take it.
I dont know if I should have him revalve it, make it a bit stiffer on compression. Wont that help it launch a bit better over rocks and get better grip in the mud?
But the more we play with valving, the more we play with $$?
Is it worth it?

 

Getting the right spring for you weight will give you the most 'bang-for-the-buck' It would also be a good idea to go with front springs for you weight since they make an even bigger difference.

A re-valve is done to optimize the bike for how and where you ride.