GS1150E rear shock question

[83GS1100E_Tornado]

Just picked up an 85 GS1150E that "used" to be mine a few years ago, was just sold back to me over the weekend. Anyway, rode it for about 20 miles this past weekend, seemed to ride and handle well. However, under the bike this morning, I noticed a small puddle of what appeared to be dark "oil", I quick swipe under the bike with my finger isolated it to the line going into the rear shock? I'm not familiar with the rear suspension on this bike at all, but I'm assuming this leak "could" and probably is coming from my rear shock. Are there aftermarket alternatives, or should I just look for a used unit, or maybe get this one "rebuilt", if that is evan an alternative? Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

[Nessism]

I don't know about the 1150 but some similar bikes use a hydraulic spring preload mechanism, which may be what you have noticed as leaking, not the shock proper. End result may be the same either way though; time for a new shock.

[83GS1100E_Tornado]

I don't know about the 1150 but some similar bikes use a hydraulic spring preload mechanism, which may be what you have noticed as leaking, not the shock proper. End result may be the same either way though; time for a new shock.

Do they make these aftermarket, or am I stuck looking for an original one? Anyway to get an original one "rebuilt"?

[bobthebiker88]

I'd contact Works Performance, and Ohlins, I'm willing to bet one of them can either get, or build you a shock for your needs. ohlins will be guaranteed to be rebuildable too.

[jwhelan65]

I think Hagon makes one for your bike...

[jwhelan65]

I'd contact Works Performance, and Ohlins, I'm willing to bet one of them can either get, or build you a shock for your needs. ohlins will be guaranteed to be rebuildable too.

Ohlins is guaranteed to be the most expensive as well...

[bobthebiker88]

Ohlins is guaranteed to be the most expensive as well...

also guaranteed to offer some fine handling, from my Hurricane 600 days I know this. Ohlins shock out back doth a good handling CBR make.

[derwood]

Works makes a shock /spring unit ...for about 600 clams! http://www.worksperformance.com/pdf/...ide/street.pdf pg9
I can'tfind my previous post however.............
All is not lost if the hydrauic preload is leaking at the line connections and the resultant fluid loss has left your unit limp and springy.

The screwing thing is the Master cylinder, when you rotate it clockwise vital fluid is forced into the Slave cylinder that compresses/ preloads the spring.

The loss of vital fluid due to line leaks may be remedied

Remove the shock and the preload/rebound damper unit.
***this is the time to check the rebound adjuster cable thingy as well (they only turn one direction***

Back the preload adjuster out (ccw) all the way, You can unscrew the fitting at the shock to try and seal it (its metric pipe) or if it is loose just tighten it.
Now crank the preloader in all the way (cw) and clamp the line off with a suitable clamp. I used needle nose vicegrips but they may leave marks.
Unscrew the line off the adjuster, submerge the adjuster in a container of ATF and back out the adjuster(ccw) sucking vital fluid in through your orfice. Reattach the line to the adjuster, unlock the visegrips and try it.
Repeat until fully satisfied.
If you are feeling anal you can try preforming this hole thing while submerged in the vital fluid to eliminate the possibility of air infiltration.
Thats what i did.

[83GS1100E_Tornado]

Daggum, this sounds like a lot of work. I may need to bribe Jwhelan65 into helping me with this project!

[Billy Ricks]

Is the oil coming from the hydraulic line at the top of the shock or are you seeing oil at the cable onthe bottom of the shock? If it's just coming from the hydraulic line you can add new oil. If it's the seals within the shock preload mechanism you may be SOL. The oil in the preload stays clear forever. If you're seeing dark oil the shock may have a more serious leak, the shock itself could be leaking its damping oil. If that's happened it's toast.

[jwhelan65]

Daggum, this sounds like a lot of work. I may need to bribe Jwhelan65 into helping me with this project!

Get ready to start wrenchin... didn't know ya bought a leaker did ya..