| Author | Message | ||
     Jerrys2 |
Have a 95 S-2 , I'm the original owner. It has only 3900 miles on it. I did receive all the recall notices years ago, but from past experiences with the dealer, didn't want them to touch the bike. I've never had any problem with the bike, other than a paint match issue; thats where the bad experience came into play. Anyway, my question is: Was the rear WP shock a real problem with breaking, or was it a factory risk-management thing? I seem to remember reading somewhere that the shock breakage problems were seen in cases where the bikes were run really hard,(wheelies, stoppies, etc.) and abused. I just creep around on my bike, none of the abuse stuff here.I weigh all of 140 lbs, and I've adjusted the spring preload to as soft as possible, due to my weight. I understand the forces are trying to pull the shock apart, instead of compressing the shock, but then, I've read that the Showa replacement shock wasn't that great either, being recalled again. What is the general opinion out there? | ||
| Doncasto |
Jerry, Please consider the following as subjective, anecdotal and very probably affected by my carrying an AARP card . . . My somewhat suspect memory tells me that there has been no documented failure of the original WP shock in other than race/test conditions. The same cannot be said for anything with Showa on it . . .the Showa failures range from sudden loss of fluid (leakers . . .a common and apparently eventual problem) to structural failures (only a few reported . . .and to my lukewarm knowledge, none on the K1400 kit shocks) . . . Given the proliferate problems with the Showas, I have often wondered . . .in the glaring clarity of hindsight . . .if the folks in East Troy would reconsider the recall replacement of a suspect shock (WP) with a part demonstrating a certainty of failure.  My anecdotal experience with the shocks . . .the WP never gave me any trouble, except for a pesky little delivery dealership oversight that sent me out without adequate preload. It was an absolute bitch to keep clean with its exposed white spring . . .and I suspect it was engineered for a lighter to medium weight rider/luggage load. In order to set the preload correctly (using the old "sag" calibrations), I had to load the spring to the point where I doubt that there was any dampening adjustment possible.  The first Showa (the Leaker Showa) was easier to keep clean . . .but that is its only advantage. It also lacked sufficient preload capacity to allow for decent suspension setup for heavier riders. And, of course, it leaked . . .  The replacement Showa (part of the K1400 kits) did finally deliver adequate preload. Without being able to cite specific incidents, I have the lingering impression that it too has leaked in some cases. If I were to be considering a Showa . . .this one is available frequently on eBay, and perhaps from the dealers, and it would be my only choice. There is another possibility/option that enters into the rear shock discussion . . . rebuilding and or remedying shock deficiencies. There are a handful of companies that can disassemble, repair and reconfigure some of the Buell shocks. Although I have never personally had this done, I believe that the WP and the later Showa are candidates for rebuild . . .and the early Showa leaker is questionable. I hope to have some additional personal experience to offer soon . . .I have several shocks on the bench right now, including a leaker Showa and two WPs. My plan is to make an in person visit to a suspension company and with shocks in hand get a detailed explanation of the possibilities for each. YMMV . . .and always consider the source. (Message edited by doncasto on July 29, 2007) | ||
| Tripper |
Excellent post. | ||
| Bluzm2 |
Don, I await your report on the shock rebuilds. The new K1400's do leak. I have 2 in the garage right now for proof. I can also verify that the first Showa's leaked also. I have K1400 replacement shock on both my and my son's S2's. Mine came with the K1400 in place, Carl's had the old style Showa. I rolled the dice on a Ebay unit for Carl's, they came up snake eyes. It started leaking shortly after I installed it. My S2 shock started leaking this spring. It was quickly not much more than a pogo stick. I had a spare and replaced it. So far so good. Having old tubers around is neat but the shocks are killing me. I wish I could afford to replace all three of ours with Works or Penske's. I checked with After Shock, they now charge $250 to rebuild Showa for Buell. they used to be about $150 but he raised the price due to the hassle and time factor. I wish I could do the rebuilds my self, I do have access to a nitrogen tank.... Brad | ||
| Jerrys2 |
Don Thank you for the excellent explanation and comments. I think I'll leave my WP alone. And yea, I'm an AARP guy myself (maybe that's why I just creep around on my bikes)! Thanks again Don... |
