Another Rear Shock Oil Change Issue
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Joined: Jan 2009
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From: Gold Canyon, Arizona
Another Rear Shock Oil Change Issue
Reading the threads on this subject, and wanting a better ride, I changed the oil on my 2000 EGC's aftermarket lowered rear shocks (30" inseam). Drained 8 oz. from each. Refilled them with 7.5 weight shock oil (mixed Amzoil's 5 & 10 wt). Pumped in 5 lbs. of air, the amount I used before. Still feels like it's bottoming out on 1"-2" potholes and I only weigh 140 lbs. Only slightly better at 8 lbs of air. What's my next step--more air? More oil? Changing the weight of oil? If so, to what weight? All suggestion appreciated.
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When refilling my rear shocks, I used 10 oz of fork oil (7.5 wt) and only needed 5-7 psi of air, but more than 8 oz of oil were initially extracted. In two years (since the oil change), the rear end has never bottomed out, even with 240 lbs self in its saddle.
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From: Gold Canyon, Arizona
Thanks for responding. The aftermarket lowered shocks were from V-Twin. The shocks seem identical in size (except for length), and I did wonder why only 8 oz. came out instead of the usual 10.
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It may be difficult finding anyone who has successfully modded the same shocks. I would contact V-twin, but they may say that like OEM shocks they can not be serviced. Really no way of knowing what you need, but off the cuff I would recommend trying 10w to slow down the damping. dont know how you are compressing your shocks to pump all the fluid out, but if you can completely compress a shock and fill it all the way up while compressed. Then carefully capture all the fluid that comes out and measure it, then refill with just slightly less than what you measure, so fluid doesn't squirt into the air lines if you bottom out. This is all trial and error stuff, you still bottomed with the 7.5w thats why I recommend 10w, good luck.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2005
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From: Northern Part of the Great Lone Star State
try this on for size
Since now you know just whats involved in the fluid change you can experiment with more fluid or less as well as the wt. of the fluid you find best fits your riding style...
I have done a lot of experimenting on the shocks and have found that if the shocks are filled and then with your weight sitting on the bike and then expelling the extra fluid out the ride the ride has improved...
I then took it a step farther and found that if I ride the bike and let the extra fluid be pushed out with the riding and my weight I got a better ride...
You'll have to devise of something to catch the fluid in so you don't get fluid all over the rear suspension and brakes...can imagine a huge mess if you don't...
Then plug the air lines back in and add some air and see how it performs...
If ride is not satisfactory then add more air, or more fluid, or perhaps a different manufactures fluid or different weight...
Keep in mind that all fluids are not created equal and all weights are not the same from one manufacture to another...
For whats its worth the ride has improved since I have been playing and posted the first post on making stock shocks better but nothing will take the place of a quality pair of shocks...
Since now you know just whats involved in the fluid change you can experiment with more fluid or less as well as the wt. of the fluid you find best fits your riding style...
I have done a lot of experimenting on the shocks and have found that if the shocks are filled and then with your weight sitting on the bike and then expelling the extra fluid out the ride the ride has improved...
I then took it a step farther and found that if I ride the bike and let the extra fluid be pushed out with the riding and my weight I got a better ride...
You'll have to devise of something to catch the fluid in so you don't get fluid all over the rear suspension and brakes...can imagine a huge mess if you don't...
Then plug the air lines back in and add some air and see how it performs...
If ride is not satisfactory then add more air, or more fluid, or perhaps a different manufactures fluid or different weight...
Keep in mind that all fluids are not created equal and all weights are not the same from one manufacture to another...
For whats its worth the ride has improved since I have been playing and posted the first post on making stock shocks better but nothing will take the place of a quality pair of shocks...
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Joined: Jan 2009
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From: Gold Canyon, Arizona
Thanks to all who've responded. Reading these and other threads reminds me there's variables involved, such as amount of air and oil, and oil weight. I'll experiment. I just hope I don't have to go the expensive route (Progressive 440s) and still not be satisfied. Beautiful dog, by the way, Texas Bowhunter.
