Changed my rear shock oil.
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Road Master
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 910
Likes: 115
From: Elk Mound, WI
Changed my rear shock oil.
I wanted to pass this info along for anyone who might be thinking of doing the same thing. DO IT!!!! It was well worth the time it took. Easy to do if you have a motorcycle lift and a Mighty Vac. I used Belray 10wt shock oil. 10 ounces in each shock. The difference is noticeable. I won't say that it's as good or better than aftermarket shocks like Ohlins or Progressive because I've never riden on them. I will say that all my thinking about getting new rear shocks is a thing of the past after doing this. It's improved enough that I'll just ride it how she is. Better to spend $18 on a quart of shock oil than $900 on new shocks.
Bottom line - it's worth trying to see if it helps you before going hog wild on new shocks.
Bottom line - it's worth trying to see if it helps you before going hog wild on new shocks.
Thread Starter
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Road Master
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 910
Likes: 115
From: Elk Mound, WI
It's no secret that the stock air shocks aren't very good in comparison to the aftermarket shocks that are available. I've always found the ride to be fairly harsh. I learned of this process to change the oil in the rear shocks to help the issue so before spending all kinds of money on Ohlins or some other brand, it was worth a try. Glad I did it!
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Road Master
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 910
Likes: 115
From: Elk Mound, WI
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Road Master
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 910
Likes: 115
From: Elk Mound, WI
My shocks never lost a bit of pressure so I wasn't too concerned about that. They've always been spot on - at least during riding season. They tend to loose a couple PSI over the long winter months in WI.
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Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 93
Likes: 11
From: South Carolina
I would think that all oil breaks down and would benefit from being changed at some point.
Definitely worth trying before throwing money at new shocks.
Club Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 21,763
Likes: 22,964
From: North Carolina
Stock shocks are the pits.
Too much air, too harsh.
Too Little air too soft.
Air lines leak.
Air fittings break and leak.
Handling can not be understood or appreciated until you try a pair of GOOD coil over shocks.
Ride quality can not be appreciated until you try a truly tuned suspension.
Glad you are happy but start planning ahead. You don't have to spend $900.00. I bought Pro-Action for much less than that and WOW my bike is like a total different machine in a very positive way.
Too much air, too harsh.
Too Little air too soft.
Air lines leak.
Air fittings break and leak.
Handling can not be understood or appreciated until you try a pair of GOOD coil over shocks.
Ride quality can not be appreciated until you try a truly tuned suspension.
Glad you are happy but start planning ahead. You don't have to spend $900.00. I bought Pro-Action for much less than that and WOW my bike is like a total different machine in a very positive way.