Can you rebuild rear shocks?

[Sojourner]

Had a look in the maintenance section and didn't see anything regarding the rear suspension specifically. I finally got my '79 XS11 Special home and was doing some pretend riding with my 6yo son on the back (bike's been sitting and the wife says no kids on it anyway). One of the things I noticed while going over some make-believe potholes was that the rear shocks, mainly the one on the left side (rider's point of view) was making a big sucking sound after it compressed. Now I'm of the opinion that any bike not being ridden makes a sucking sound (or more correctly it just sucks when it can't be ridden, haha ). All joking aside, the shock definitely doesn't sound healthy. Can they be rebuilt or is it better to just replace them?

Thanks

[cywelchjr]

I'd recommend going to XJ1100 shocks. They are pretty close to a bolt-on, and improve the ride, and are rebuild-able to boot. The only issues are clearance for the air line (you either have to put them on backwards (flipped around), remove the helmet lock or swap the bottom bushings and swap them side to side) and on the right hand side, you have to clearance the ring to get it to mount. I just ground a tiny bit off the ring and it fit fine even though it was a little tight getting it on there. But the difference in ride is night and day. Being that they are air shocks, gives a lot of adjustment as well, so you can soften it up by lowering the pressure, or firm it up by increasing it.

I don't see really good deals right now, but I picked up the set I installed for less than $30 before shipping. I'm going to swap things around I think in the next few weeks, I have them flipped, but I think I'm going to just remove the helmet lock, seeing as I've not used it in almost 2 years, and frankly my helmet fits in the Vetter trunk just fine, and I figure that's actually more secure.

[mack]

Damper

On the top of your shock you'll see a dial indicator that has the numbers 1 to 4 on it. It's the damper. It controls the speed of return of the shock after compression. The sucking sound you heard was the shock working as it should. They can be rebuilt to a degree, but depending on the condition of the coil spring, may not be worth the effort.

[bikerphil]

Spend $200 on some 12 series Progressives. Handling will be much improved. JMHO

[Sojourner]

Is there any kind of rule of thumb to follow with the damper (rider weight + luggage for example), or is it all rider preference?

[crazy steve]

Is there any kind of rule of thumb to follow with the damper (rider weight + luggage for example), or is it all rider preference?

A little of both...

Generally, in my experience with the Progressive rear shocks if you're of 'average' weight (say 250 or under), don't ride two-up or rarely do, and keep max 'luggage' weight to around 60 lbs, the 'standard' version will be fine. These have enough pre-load adjustments to handle any variations in weight. Go over these numbers and you'll want to look at the HD model, but be aware that 'light load' ride quality will suffer with the much-stiffer springs. Progressive does sell the springs separately, so you don't have to replace the entire shock.

As far a being 'rebuildable', almost no rear bike shocks are (including the XJ) except for a few high $$ fully rebuildable models. The XJ shock features 'air assist springs' (and that's the part that can be repaired) but the actual 'damping' part of the shock is sealed and once it's worn internally replacement is the only option. The vast majority of modern shocks are also 'gas-charged', and once the gas pressure is lost they're done...

[Jamie]

Absolutely, they can be re-built. I just dropped off a set of XJ1100 shocks that are going to be re-built and re-finished. This company specializes and makes custom springs and other cool stuff. Their specialty is shocks and forks and they can and have worked on many different models of these great bikes they said.

BTW, I have an extra set of XJ1100 shocks that are for sale. Anyway, good luck!

[cywelchjr]

They can indeed be rebuilt (the XJ ones that is), but the OP IIRC has a 79 special, so unless he has something other than stock shocks, they are NOT rebuildable. And the problem I have seen with most shocks is that the external seal goes and the fluid leaks out, and for gas charged ones the gas gets out. Since pretty much all the actual wear parts on the XJ shocks actually can be replaced (excepts as mentioned, the damping portion, with in my experience is not usually what wears out) they are for all practical purposes able to be rebuilt. They can ALSO be retrofitted to the XS's and since then are designed for a bike of the same weight, they work well, and leave you with the load handling capacity as well as being smoother and softer at the same time (air ride is almost always softer than spring, even when it's partial as in the case of the XJ shocks).

[mack]

owners manual

this is from page 108 of the original owners manual:

-solo rider- front fork 5.7-14 psi, spring seat (A-E) damper -1
-solo rider w/ passenger- front forks 5.7-14 psi, spring seat (A-E) damper -2
-with passenger and light luggage- front forks 14-21 psi, spring seats (C-E) damper-3
-with passenger fully loaded, front forks 21psi,spring seats E, damper-4

note that the on the spring seats, A is the lowest notch and E is the highest

[Sojourner]

So at 235lbs clothed, plus fairing/bags/trunk, I'm looking at around D2?

[mack]

Sure I'd say

that was about right. Probably should have at least 14 psi in the front forks. See how responds. Make sure you have it on the center stand and someone sitting on the back of the bike when checking and putting air in the forks. (Be careful and use a hand pump. A compressor will blow your seals.) Should be no load on the tire. If it feels a bit sloppy, you may want to play with your tire pressures as well.

[Cobia]

Hey Sojourner,
As far as the rear shocks, I just replaced mine and you may want to check out this thread:

http://www.xs11.com/forum/showthread.php?t=30050

And regarding the XJ shocks, pay particular attention to my last entry.

Good luck.

[Sojourner]

Yep, already read your Showa post. My only issue is that I prefer the look of the coil over stock shocks. The Showas appear to be a hell of an upgrade though...