Rear Shock Issue

[Binky]

Noticed in the last day of riding that the bike is very bouncy. Uncomfortably so. It's never felt this bouncy before.

Even going over undulations in the road it will keep bouncing for a while after, until gradually it mellows out again. Similar to this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ObVJ041Heg

Anyway, i have tried adjusting the pre load but it doesn't want to turn either way. The damper rod is still straight so no problem there. It is quite greasy though, when placing a finger on it there is visibly a bit of clear oil on my fingers. Is it supposed to be that 'lubed' or is that the problem. Is the shock leaking? What sort of consequence is this likely to have if i keep riding the bike how it is...

Sorry for all the questions.

Sounds like the shock is leaking. Damper rod should be practically dry. Looks like you'll be needing a new shock. Aren't you doing a trackday tomorrow? Might not be a good idea!

[Binky]

Originally Posted by madness

Sounds like the shock is leaking. Damper rod should be practically dry. Looks like you'll be needing a new shock. Aren't you doing a trackday tomorrow? Might not be a good idea!

Yeah, this is my worry. What'll happen if i ride with it like it is? Am i likely to die/endager others?

Originally Posted by Binky

Yeah, this is my worry. What'll happen if i ride with it like it is? Am i likely to die/endager others?

You'll **** yourself and be slow!

[Binky]

Thanks for confirming my supsicions.

While mentioning this to Mr Spiers he informed me he has a 6000 mile shock at his disposal. The lovely guy has offered to help me fit it at 7:00 tomorrow morning so i can make it in time for Silverstone.

Gonna be an early start tommorrow.

Thanks Spiers aswell, That nice curvy burner guy.

Just bin the rear shock.

Weld a straight piece of rod in there and go hardtail

Truely hardcore!!

The other plus side of a hardtail,

Think of all the bushes and shock linkages you wont have to clean or service

Hope its works out well for you tomorrow mate.

[fastdruid]

Originally Posted by Binky

Yeah, this is my worry. What'll happen if i ride with it like it is? Am i likely to die/endager others?

You will find:

a) It will spin up far easier.
b) It will skip under engine braking.
c) It will step out.

All of which are not good for a trackday but you can still have some fun if you take it easy.

Druid

[Binky]

Originally Posted by fastdruid

You will find:

a) It will spin up far easier.
b) It will skip under engine braking.
c) It will step out.

All of which are not good for a trackday but you can still have some fun if you take it easy.

Druid

Now you mention that, i experienced all these symptoms today on the way back from the AR.

Does anyone now what might have caused the shock to do this? Is it just general wear and tear or has something gone wrong in the part or my lack of maintanence.

Also, not saying i am going to, but if the bike was to be ridden continuously in this state, would it just seize or something similar leaving me stranded or the like?

[DarrenSV650S]

Originally Posted by Binky

Similar to this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ObVJ041Heg

PMSL most random funny youtube video ever

[fastdruid]

Originally Posted by Binky

Does anyone now what might have caused the shock to do this? Is it just general wear and tear or has something gone wrong in the part or my lack of maintanence.

Nothing you can do to them apart from ride it (maybe a touch of grease on the shaft if you're not going to use if for a while). Most likely it's lost oil and with it all the damping so you *just* have a spring.

Also, not saying i am going to, but if the bike was to be ridden continuously in this state, would it just seize or something similar leaving me stranded or the like?

More likely see you through a hedge than anything else, nothing (mechanically) bad should happen. Personally when it's happened to me I'd rather get a new shock than ride the bike so I've never tested this...

Druid