leaking shock -- rebuild, replace?

[JofCoRe]

Howdy all! Got my XS out of the shed a couple weeks ago (just before that big ice storm in michigan, actually...). Been doing a look over of everything, and I noticed that my right rear shock seems to be leaking -- the shock is wet, and so is the arm where it mounts. The bike still seems to be riding good, but I figure that it's probably not supposed to be leaking , so I'm wondering what the replacement or rebuild procedure is for the rear shocks? Can they be rebuilt, or do I just replace it? Either way, what would be a good place to look for the parts? MAW, dennis kirk, other...?

I also noticed on the list that someone mentioned you'd need a spring compressor to do the job. I don't have one, but autozone likes to loan out these "specialty" tools, and I was wondering if the spring compressor they loan out - presumably for a car - would also work on a bike.

Thanx!

k

'79 XS11 special

[xssiveone]

Several places to purchase replacement shocks. I have a set from Dennis Kirk and no complaints yet. Of course, there are LOTS of others and I am sure you will hear about all of them. A friend of mine even adapted a set of Hardley shocks for his '78E. He had to modify them slightly to fit, think it was the swing arm side on the bottom he had to cut thinner and he also had to fabricate a bushing for either that side or the other side, can't remember which. This also lowered his m/c an inch or two as the HD shocks were shorter.

As for the spring compressor, no, it's not needed. If you were going to change just the springs, or just the shock absorber, then yes, you need a spring compressor to relieve the spring pressure and remove the keeper. In my opinion, this isn't worth the bother. Chances are if the shock is worn enough to leak, then the spring is probably past it's useful life as well.

[sixtysix]

Sorry, but stock shocks can not be rebuilt. You will need to buy new ones. <-price is scary, but worth the $$

[JofCoRe]

Hmmm... but if I were to just replace the shocks, I would need a spring compressor, correct? Looks like dennis kirk has them both ways... $239 w/springs, $163 for just shocks...

I have absolutely no extra money right now, so may end up just replacing the shocks... sigh.

[JofCoRe]

looks like MAW has them for a little cheaper, but I really don't know which of these would be right for my bike:

(41339) $205.95 Progressive 412 Series 12.5" Shocks Chrome Pair #4124205C
(41340) $205.95 Progressive 412 Series 12.5" Shocks Chrome Pair #4124206C
(41341) $205.95 Progressive 412 Series 12.5" Shocks Chrome Pair #4124207C
(58222) $205.95 Progressive 412 Series 12.5" Shocks Chrome Pair #4124209C


anyone?
guess i may have to call maw....

[sixtysix]

Take a look at JC Whitney and Partsnmore, they both have cheaper shocks for under $100 a pair (with springs and ready to bolt on)

[Wayne]

I put a pair from JCWhipme on my 81H last year. They aren't the greatest in the world but they do the job. Do you carry a passenger much, if so I would go with Progressives. Otherwise the JCW's will work. If I remember correctly the shocks were just over $70 for the pair.

Ride Safe.