shocks leak

[Guest]

OK so I get what I paid for. I pulled my air shocks off the rear and picked up this pair from an 850G parts bike for $10 and put them on during the winter. I put 200 miles over the last week(maybe 500 since swapping) on a lot of frost heaved roads and they ride great except I noticed that the right one just started leaking. Probably been asked before, but is it rebuildable or worth trying?

[Nessism]

Those are not stock 850 shocks. Can't tell from the photo if they are rebuildable but my guess is no.

[robertob]

Looks like our old friend S&W again!

Not rebuildable, just like your stockers. Dump 'em.

[lurch12_2000]

I just ordered the new shocks based on info here on the forum. plus $3 shipping.

[lurch12_2000]

Here's what I ordered:
SHOCKS

Fits: GS1100GK (82-86), GS1100G/GL (82-83), GS1000G/GL (80-81), GS850G/GL (79-83), GS650G/GL (81-83), GS550/E/L/T (78-81), GS450E/L/TX (83), GS450E/L/S (80-81), GS450GA (82-83).
Black classic type shock body with 4 position spring pre-load adjustment. Progressive heavy duty chrome springs. Bushings, Inserts, and Washers.
335mm (13 3/16") - Eye to Eye.
High Quality Shocks.

$75.00US /Set

Part#06-3601

[Nessism]

Please post a review after you've had a chance to try them out.

[duaneage]

Not a bad price, anything is probably better than the rusty ones you took off,

[lurch12_2000]

Received and installed the new shocks today. Didn't test ride yet as while I was working on the bike, I noticed the rear brakes pads were down to next to nothing. Have the old pads out, caliper cleaned and ready to pick up new ones at the dealer tomorrow.
Seat is still off due to removing the rack for getting at the shock mounts. In case you're wondering those aren't temperary wooden brake pads, but blocks to keep the pistons from popping out if someone decides to step on the brake pedal. When you have six kids you never leave things laying around to chance:shock:.

[lurch12_2000]

and since you all love more pics....
I'll give a report on the shocks after a few hundred miles.

[lurch12_2000]

shock report...

Alright, I finally took the bike to work and put 35 miles on the new shocks.
I promised to give you a review (not that I am an expert!).
The ride is nice and smooth and they absorbed the bumps fine. Nice and steady and predictable through the turns. I have them on the lowest preload setting as I am only 170lbs and usually riding solo without much baggage.
Everything I needed for mounting, such as different size rubber bushings and washers were included. They shipped exactly 5 days as promised. So thumbs UP on these $75 a pair($6 shipping in the US) MDI progressive shocks for now.
But now I'm going to revisit my front fork. Last year I put 20w fork oil(that's all they had) and I'm thinking it's too stiff and twitchy when hitting the bumps. So I'll track down some 10w fork oil and replace this week if I find it and have time.

[bwringer]

In case you're wondering those aren't temperary wooden brake pads, but blocks to keep the pistons from popping out if someone decides to step on the brake pedal.

Believe it or not, I've seen this... I was walking up to AutoZone one day and a car pulled up with a temporary plate and oddly fragrant smoke wafting from the wheel wells. A guy jumped out, tossed a jack underneath, and had the wheel off pretty quickly to see what was happening. Curious to find out what was happening, I stopped to look and lent him a few tools to pop the caliper off. We were both puzzled because it didn't smell at all like normal hot brakes.

Sure enough, someone had jigsawed replacement rear brake pads out of 1/4" plywood. They actually worked OK on a test drive around the block, but after the guy bought the car and drove it further, the wood started to overheat a bit...

Fortunately, AZ had the correct pads and a retractor tool in stock, and he buttoned it up quickly. He was headed back to that car lot with the receipt and the charred "brake pads", and I 'm pretty sure he was getting his money back from someone.

Several times at AZ, I've gotten used parts tucked into the new parts box. They don't always bother to look in the box before issuing a refund, so once in a while someone works them over for a free part. I always make a point to look before I leave the store. Definitely not the sharpest bulbs in the drawer, but at least they're open late.

[lurch12_2000]

....
Sure enough, someone had jigsawed replacement rear brake pads out of 1/4" plywood. They actually worked OK on a test drive around the block, but after the guy bought the car and drove it further, the wood started to overheat a bit...

That gives me an idea to develop and market...designer brake pads using hickory and cedar blocks...maybe short life span but you'd have the nicest smelling brakes in traffic!!:-D
Any takers?

[lurch12_2000]

another 200 miles and...

still ok with these shocks after a few more miles, but as others have said they are on the stiff side. Steady in the turns, fine on the bumps but not like riding on air.

[seuadr]

they sure look nice anyhow.. thats important too!