Making the Stock Shocks Better
Thread Starter
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,416
Likes: 27
From: Northern Part of the Great Lone Star State
RE: Making the Stock Shocks Better
Thinking out load here
It kinda sounds like you have to much air in them...
if indeed you are experiencing the topping out then you would be experiencing basically the same thing we have experienced as well...
The stock fluid seems light
By replacing with heavier fluid the dampening is slowed down in both directions..
If the air pressure is excessive it would simulate the topping out I would think so try and reduce the air volume...If thats not the ticket then try replacing the wt. of the fluid...
Hope this helps
It kinda sounds like you have to much air in them...
if indeed you are experiencing the topping out then you would be experiencing basically the same thing we have experienced as well...
The stock fluid seems light
By replacing with heavier fluid the dampening is slowed down in both directions..
If the air pressure is excessive it would simulate the topping out I would think so try and reduce the air volume...If thats not the ticket then try replacing the wt. of the fluid...
Hope this helps
6th Gear
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
RE: Making the Stock Shocks Better
TBH,
Thanks for the response. I have tried running them with 0 -15psi with the only change being the initial dampening effect but there is no change in the recoil. Is there a possibility that air is mixed with the oil? Is there a bleeding procedure?
Thanks for the response. I have tried running them with 0 -15psi with the only change being the initial dampening effect but there is no change in the recoil. Is there a possibility that air is mixed with the oil? Is there a bleeding procedure?
Thread Starter
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,416
Likes: 27
From: Northern Part of the Great Lone Star State
RE: Making the Stock Shocks Better
Thats what happens when you apply the air to the shocks to firm them up is that the air will mix with the oil...
Bleeding can be done one of a couple ways...
A) remove the airline from the quick connection and the air will bleed...
B) remove the valve stem from the air valve which will allow the air to bleed...
One more thing you might want to check...
The amount of fluid in the shocks...Has the shocks ever been layed over and lost alot of the fluid in the reservors? Just thinking out load if there wasn't enough fluid above the springs then ecentially you would be riding purely on the spring and I might be inclined to think that this would give the rebound effects you speak of...
For whats its worth and I know you are beside yourself, but, I'm just kind of grasping at straws here...
I would like to be of more help
If you want I'd more then happy set your shocks up with fresh fluid if you were to send them down here and pic up the dime to send them back to you
Fluid would cost you $20
Food For Thought
I believe I can find someone that is very close to your weight to set them up for your weight...
Bleeding can be done one of a couple ways...
A) remove the airline from the quick connection and the air will bleed...
B) remove the valve stem from the air valve which will allow the air to bleed...
One more thing you might want to check...
The amount of fluid in the shocks...Has the shocks ever been layed over and lost alot of the fluid in the reservors? Just thinking out load if there wasn't enough fluid above the springs then ecentially you would be riding purely on the spring and I might be inclined to think that this would give the rebound effects you speak of...
For whats its worth and I know you are beside yourself, but, I'm just kind of grasping at straws here...
I would like to be of more help
If you want I'd more then happy set your shocks up with fresh fluid if you were to send them down here and pic up the dime to send them back to you
Fluid would cost you $20
Food For Thought
I believe I can find someone that is very close to your weight to set them up for your weight...
6th Gear
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
RE: Making the Stock Shocks Better
TBH,
You have provided a ton of good information. The symptom that these shocks exhibit is the same as if the oil had leaked out so I think you are taking me down the right path. I talked to the owner and he said that they have been laying on their side for a couple of years and while there was a grommet on the opening I would be willing to say that they are really low on oil. This weekend I will see just how much is in them and what I can do to follow your instructions. If I come to an impass I will be getting in touch with you soon.
Thanks so much for you help! I will keep you advised of my progress.
Heavy
You have provided a ton of good information. The symptom that these shocks exhibit is the same as if the oil had leaked out so I think you are taking me down the right path. I talked to the owner and he said that they have been laying on their side for a couple of years and while there was a grommet on the opening I would be willing to say that they are really low on oil. This weekend I will see just how much is in them and what I can do to follow your instructions. If I come to an impass I will be getting in touch with you soon.
Thanks so much for you help! I will keep you advised of my progress.
Heavy
6th Gear
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
RE: Making the Stock Shocks Better
TBH,
This weekend I put the shocks in a vise and turned them upside down. Not a drop came out so I used a vacuum pump and the fitting to draw the oil out. I applied 15 inches of vacuum for 15 minutes to no avail. So it looks like I was just riding on the springs. I am off to find a shop locally that has the required oil.
More to come ...
This weekend I put the shocks in a vise and turned them upside down. Not a drop came out so I used a vacuum pump and the fitting to draw the oil out. I applied 15 inches of vacuum for 15 minutes to no avail. So it looks like I was just riding on the springs. I am off to find a shop locally that has the required oil.
More to come ...
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 818
Likes: 1
From: S/W Ohio
RE: Making the Stock Shocks Better
I suggest you guys contact the manufacturer for guidance.I think you said it is Showa. They may give you some information such as the volume and type of oil for the application. ButI doubt they'll touch this one with a ten foot pole! Can you say LIABILITY. Otherwise you are way out of the park on this one. I've worked for a shock and strut manufacturer for over thirty years and you don't just "fill" a shock with any oil. These shocks may require special additives for heat, freezing, and the valving they use.
What you are doing is very crude, reckless, and possibly dangerous. If nothing else you will have an imbalance between the sides of the bike. Although it's not noticeable as it would be on the wide stance of a car it's there. You are no doubt putting more load on one side of the bike. What you thought was bottoming out may be hydraulic lock. Imagine your pet project failing in a sweeper at speed...........
For God's sake do your experimenting with unmanned vehicles!
Ride well,
Jim
What you are doing is very crude, reckless, and possibly dangerous. If nothing else you will have an imbalance between the sides of the bike. Although it's not noticeable as it would be on the wide stance of a car it's there. You are no doubt putting more load on one side of the bike. What you thought was bottoming out may be hydraulic lock. Imagine your pet project failing in a sweeper at speed...........
For God's sake do your experimenting with unmanned vehicles!
Ride well,
Jim
6th Gear
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
RE: Making the Stock Shocks Better
BF,
One thing is for sure ... you never get a second chance to make a first impression.
If your response was intented to let us know how inferior we are as oppose to you the only thing you succeeded in doing was showing your inabilty to communicate effectively.
Your message simply told us of your arrogance. Maybe its true that you have 30 years in the shock business but I would seriously consider getting some commincation skills.
One thing is for sure ... you never get a second chance to make a first impression.
If your response was intented to let us know how inferior we are as oppose to you the only thing you succeeded in doing was showing your inabilty to communicate effectively.
Your message simply told us of your arrogance. Maybe its true that you have 30 years in the shock business but I would seriously consider getting some commincation skills.
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Road Master
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 818
Likes: 1
From: S/W Ohio
RE: Making the Stock Shocks Better
Please forgive meI guess I should have remainedquiet and watched you walk off the roof!There's adifference between arrogance and establishing credibility for ones position. In either case your concern for my interpersonal skills is overwhelming but won't change my concern for your safety. It's kind of like yelling at a kid to get off the railroad tracks and the kid is mad because you yelled at him. I love to tinker as much as anyone but there can be serious and devastating consequences to our actions.
I really didn't mean to offend you but when I read this post andsaw others blindly followingIsaw kids gathering on the tracks. I guess I'd rather offend you than see you hurt.
Ride well,
Jim
I really didn't mean to offend you but when I read this post andsaw others blindly followingIsaw kids gathering on the tracks. I guess I'd rather offend you than see you hurt.
Ride well,
Jim
