| Author | Message | ||
     Bigdog_tim |
Hi All, I have a 2000 M2. I am getting a HUGE pogo stick on my ride with the shock that came with the bike (I am 2nd owner - bought the bike as a basket case). My friendly HD dealer ASSURES me that this shock has already been replaced (I know about the recall) - the suspension sucks. I have already called Buell Customer Service (I own 3 Buells currently - so they sucked up big time) they assure me that is how the ride is supposed to feel. I am looking for feedback on aftermarket shocks for the M2. I would like a stiffer ride. Note that I bought the bike as a basket case - am on a budget. I know about Works shocks - but pocket book won't allow them (although would appreciate real feedback rather than dealer recommendation). Thanks! | ||
| Reepicheep |
Does the current shock have an external resovior? Thats the way to tell if its a post recall shock. | ||
| Mikej |
 That is NOT how the ride is supposed to feel. Whomever told you that needs to feel something akin to a boot up their backside. Post a pic of your shock if you can. I assume that you have already adjusted it up some, or all the way. It should have some dampening, a pogo stick has none. It is possible that the shock has a blown seal and all the juice leaked out of it. It is also possible that someone adjusted everything to the weakest settings. Grab the service manual if you have one and go thru the setup procedure from scratch and see if that helps any. Or try to hook up with one of the NorthWest folks over there and get a second set of eyes on it. I know first hand that there are some good people in at least one of your regional dealerships, but I have no idea who you talked to, but hopefully someone in a decent shop's service department could do a parking lot test sit/bounce on your bike and hopefully at least confirm if your shock has simply been adjusted too weak or if it is really in pogo mode pumping nothing but air. And as for the "Customer Service" person you spoke to, they need an up close and personal attitude adjustment from someone internal. Just my opinion based solely upon what you've reported here above. Hope you get it sorted out, aftermarket shocks are well outside of my price range and budget. I've currently got my rear shock cranked up well into the stiff side of things, and it definitely does not pogo. | ||
| Blake |
To whom did you speak in Customer Service? | ||
| Blake |
Feel free to PM me if you'd rather avoid announcing their name publicly. In furtherance to your issue, have you tried adjusting the damping setting on the rear shock? If not, that may solve your problem. If it doesn't, it sounds like your shock has failed. It can be repaired by a competent suspension workshop. | ||
| Bigdog_tim |
Thanks for the posts. My shock does NOT have the external resovoir. I THINK I have it fully set to the "stiffest" setting - tomorrow I will verify. | ||
| Djkaplan |
The stock M2 shock only has compression damping adjustments, the rebound can't be adjusted. If the rear end is pogoing, the rebound damping isn't working at all - it's a sure sign the seals have blown. Most of the damping is in the rebound direction, even with the compression damping adjustment set at maximum. | ||
| Bigdog_tim |
Hmmmm.... DJ - that is most likely what is going on. I made it as stiff as I could - rode 120 pogo miles today - no change. So - I am a reasonable wrench - is that something that just requires normal mechanic tools to do? If not - how do I find a "rebuilder"? | ||
| Bigdog_tim |
Ok - pulled the "cone" off. The bible shows an adjustment nut and a locknut. I only have the locknut. It was set to WIDE OPEN. So - will snug it down a bunch - see what that does. | ||
| Blake |
The compression damping adjustment screw has a locknut? And I don't recall ever seeing any stock Buell M2 shock that had a "nut" for adjusting compression damping. Are you possibly referring to the preload adjustment jamb nut? The entire shock cover/can turns in order to adjust the preload and the only actual nut there is the jambnut. The damping adjuster is the little screw near the rear clevis of the shock. | ||
| Blake |
Here's a pic...  | ||
| Bigdog_tim |
Here is a pic of my shock. I removed the cone so you can see I have no preload adjuster. Also - the locknut was spun out the furthest it could be.  | ||
| Bigdog_tim |
Ok - I reread Blakes posting after I posted my pic. When I look at the bible (or Blakes pic) I see a locknut and a preload adjuster. If the can just turns, then I guess only the lock nut is required. How do I get rid of the excessive rebound? Which way do I turn the can? The bike is rideable (barely). Do I snug the locknut up closer to the can? Secondly - should I revisit this with Buell Customer service assuming that the recall shock does indeed have the resovior? I do see where the shock "reinforcement" recall (the parts at the front of the shock not in the picture I posted) are there (although, they are IN the bible which was produced prior to the recall). All I am trying to accomplish is to get rid of the pogo effect. The previous owner was less than fastidious about maintaining the bike - so anything is possible. Thanks again to all that have posted. | ||
| Blake |
That jam-nut/locking-nut should be engaging the can to prevent its movement over time. Be careful, the threads are fine and aluminum alloy. They can strip fairly easily. The can itself is the preload adjuster. The version of shock that you have does not have a nut engagement on the end of the can as shown in the illustration above. It isn't real easy, but if you have large hands and a decent grip you can turn the can by hand. A little WD-40 on the threads is a good idea. Otherwise you can use the holes visible at the aft end of the can to engage a home-made tool--I once used a customized (bent) galvanized nail and vice-grips. If you can find an adjustable strap wrench or an oil filter wrench that you can get around the can, that would work even better. Turn the can so that its top moves away from you (clockwise as viewed from in front) to increase preload. This will reduce the sag (reduce the amount of rear suspension static rebound travel). If you are not familiar with sag settings, please familiarize yourself with that as described in the owner's manual and/or service manual. Preload/sag adjustment however will have little to no effect on a pogoing behavior, which is due to a lack of adequate damping in the suspension. As stated previously, screw in (turn screw clockwise) the damping adjustment screw to increase the rear shock's compression damping. If you screw it all the way in, just until you feel a bit of resistance, but still have the same pogoing problem, then your shock needs serviced or replaced. Please, please, please, before you do anything, try to familiarize yourself with the various suspension settings and their effect. A properly setup suspension will make your Buell riding experience so much more enjoyable. I don't know offhand which motorcycle suspension specialist shops rebuild the Buell OEM Showa shocks. What is the "cone" that you are talking about? Sounds like some kind of aftermarket cosmetic/dirt shield. | ||
| Djkaplan |
The cone was part of the SRP package that also included the cage for the front shock eye. It clamped the rear of the spring cannister to the rear shock eye mount. Some people call this the 'Frankenstein' shock. I think all of them had seal problems and leaked. Mine didn't make it through the first year. The shorter reservoir shock it was replaced by lasted a year and half. | ||
| Mikej |
These work nicely for adjusting the shocks:  These probably work well too:  Most of us got rid of the SRP shocks when that became an option("For cosmetic reasons"), others paid to have them replaced. The SRP made it very difficult, or at lease a significant hassle to adjust the rear shock for variable loads, like when going from commuter mode to tour mode and throwing on a set of saddle bags or picking up a passenger along the way. I'd like to have an old SRP'd shock just to hang on the garage wall, but the dealership kept mine when my shock was upgraded. In any case it looks like you're on the way to getting this figured out, hope the shock hasn't leaked and is still functional for you. In the mean time I'd be keeping an eye open for a replacement and saving a few dollars for the eventual cost. | ||
| Bigdog_tim |
Thanks again to all who have posted. I am pretty certain the seals are gone. I have tried adjusting the preload but the pogo-ing continues. Only explaination I can come up with is that the seals are gone - thus no damping. I called Buell Customer service (am talking to a different person now) so there is hope the factory will help. | ||
| Buellfart |
email Aftershocks,in Palo Alto,Ca.He used to rebuild them,I believe,even though they are not rebuildable.I think around 300 bucks-I just got a used one on ebay. | ||
| Bigdog_tim |
Thanks! I just ordered a new shock from Chicago HD. 350 delivered to me. Stay tuned - will post more on this saga. | ||
| Bigdog_tim |
Had more than one thread on this topic - catching up on the forum today. Chicago HD punted - this part is now a "vintage" part. I found a replacement shock on ebay. I had to chase down the mounting clamps (that wasn't easy) but now bike is up and running with proper suspension. |
