| Author | Message | ||
     Team_flash |
Is the shock known for leaking and if so is there an easy fix? After I ride I get oil leaking out of the rear of the can. This is the last fix I have and I am anxious to get it resolved. Thanks | ||
| Harleyelf |
Are you positive it's shock oil? The oil lines from the oil tank route over the shock, and shock oil leaks are often found near the front of the shock. | ||
| Two_seasons |
Yeah, what Elf said. If I were you, I'd follow the breather lines from the heads and see if they are exiting around the shock. If it's shock oil it will be light viscosity, not heavy like motor oil. | ||
| Trojan |
Is the shock known for leaking and if so is there an easy fix? Yes and No. The standard Buell tube frame shocks (all variants unfortunately) will eventually blow the oil seals because of the design of the suspension. Once the shock extends to a certain point it will try to flex and that destroys seals. The enclosed type Showa shocks were never designed to be rebuilt so technically you have to throw it away and get a new shock. There are (were) people that used to advertise that they could strip and rebuild these shocks, but they were never designed to be stripped and I have heard of 'repaired' shocks failing in very short time indeed. Most decent aftermarket shocks are a better design but will still suffer the same fate eventually. The advantage is that they are designed to be rebuildable unlike the original. | ||
| Someday |
Race Tech will rebuild the replacement canister shock. It cost me $160 for new seals, bushing, oil, and nitrogen charge. I live on the east coast and to save on shipping I removed the spring as they don't need that for a rebuild. | ||
| Glide |
Check with Harley, some bikes have not had the shock recall taken care of. A buddy had his replaced free 18months ago. The other choices are nos which will last a couple of years, Works Performance and Penske. | ||
| Macnkor |
I just replaced the rear shock on my 2002 X1w with a Works unit. The base model is a bit spendy though at $744. On the bright side, it is rebuildable, looks nicer and rides better. Still, $744, ouch. Also, I put it on yesterday, test rode it, and now we got our first snow of the year.  never fails. | ||
| Team_flash |
Thanks for all the info. I am sure it is not the oil lines because I just got done replacing the oil pump,right case gasket and the primary gasket. They all were leaking and I cleaned everything when I had it apart. Now all is dry above the shock. I was hoping for a quick cheap fix because I am stretching the swingarm and may end up putting a strut on in place of the shock. My intent is to keep it street rideable and a strut would not be the most ideal. Thanks again | ||
| Foximus |
The stock shock is most certainly rebuildable... send it in if you think its leaking. Throw in a RaceTech Gold valve kit while your at it. Then you'll have a nice shock. | ||
| Jim2 |
Can't you tell if it's leaking by changing the rebound and damping with test rides in between (record where they are now, first). I thought mine was leaking about 5000 miles ago. Glad I didn't panic and spend alot of cash for nothing. | ||
| Ft_bstrd |
Just heard back from RaceTech. They will indeed rebuild the stock unit, can Gold Valve it, and potentially re-spring it for rider weight. I believe total price for all the above was around $400. Being a fairly frugal guy, seems like I can get my forks resprung and Gold Valved at the same time for the price of the base model Works Shock. For street riding, it seems like a pretty good deal. If I need to have it rebuilt again, it'll cost about $160, about the same as having the Works shock rebuilt I'd guess. I think I'm gonna go that route. | ||
| Foximus |
Ft... where do you live? Send me a PM. | ||
| Ft_bstrd |
PM Sent. | ||
| Ft_bstrd |
Hey Jeremy, Yes it is a rebuildable shock from what I can see, this is what you are looking at to have us do the rebuild on it. As far as the spring goes I will have to wait until we see it to determine what spring you will need. Labor- $105.00 SMGV S4603S- $159.99 Shock Gold Valve Shock Spring- $119.99 SPNV 0512- $14.99 Nitrogen Valve Needed to fill shock with nitrogen. SSOS 14S- $19.99 Oil Seal /Dust Seal Set SMSB 1410- $9.99 Bushing US1 PT- $14.98 Oil We are on about a 3-5 Business day turn around time, as long as everything checks out okay and a spring does not need to be ordered. I have also attached a customer service request form for you to fill out and send in with you shock. Please let me know if you have any other questions. | ||
| Hootowl |
I'm in the market for a new shock too. What's the failure rate of the stock shock vs. a works or penske shock? Durability will be a factor in my decision. Do rebuilt stock shocks last longer than unmodified stock ones, or will it crap out on me too? I've gone through three stock ones, all replaced on my dime. | ||
| 01x1buell |
is there anyway to check on the recall online?? or just go to a harley/buell dealer to have it checked | ||
| Jim2 |
Just call them and have your VIN ready. | ||
| Team_flash |
Okay here we go: Jim2- I am going to try changing the settings because it is too soft anyway. I also plan on calling HD customer service to find out if there is a recall for my shock as that would be the best solution. Foximus- I live in the Phoenix AZ area and I am feeling a little dumb because I can't locate the IM. Found the Edit Profile. Thanks again | ||
| Foximus |
That was directed at FT bastard. I knew he lived over in the east coast somewhere but couldnt remember. If your over in Arizona, your better off sending directly to racetech. I was recommending some place different to FT. | ||
| Ft_bstrd |
Ok, I did find out that RaceTech CANNOT respring the rear shocks, BUT they CAN use a heavier valve to help compensate for...ahem....bulkier cyclists.  So for $325, I can get a fresh shock mostly valved and sprung for my weight that has preload, compression, and rebound adjustments. If you're on a budget, that ain't bad. That leaves me another $280 to respring and revalve my front forks. $600 front to back for a streetbike suspension upgrade sounds pretty good to me. | ||
| Koz5150 |
Ft_bstrd - PM Sent I am looking to do the same thing. If I can get the front and back done for the same price as a Works shock I am all for it. |
