Rear SHOCK trouble. help please

[poman]

When I bought my bike I found a receipt in the bags for front springs and rear shocks of some sort. the price tag was 800 bucks total out of Atlanta shop.

Well now 4 years later I see some sort of fluid leaking out onto the tire and rim. looks yellow or like hydrolic fluid. these shocks have a small valve on them as well. I cant see them good because of the bags. but I'm guessing I need new ones. (or do they repair this sort of thing?) dumb question...

I would post pictures if I can figure out how later

If I get new shocks what should I buy to be easy on the budget but quality. I ride 2 up some times with bags loaded and a t bag on back but not often. mostly just 1 up and no gear short rides.

Also what is the stock length (13 Inches?) and if so can I put 12's on it and lower it a tad. I want to lower but not screw something up or sacrifice handling.

Sorry for all the questions but I depend on you guys for all my info and its greatly appreciated.

PoMan out!

[The emperor has no clothes]

It sounds like you have leaking Progressive shocks on it. Some are rebuildable and some not. Many have went to 12" with no problems. I had leaking 412's on mine and went to used Showa's. If cost wasn't an issue I would go with Works Performance shocks.

[sandy]

If you ride 2 up loaded, get the 13" stock length. You need the suspension travel. Shorter rear shocks change the fork angle which affects the turn in . Basically it wants to go straight more than turn.

[gordonv]

Posting pictures from photobucket is easy, even I can do it. UL pic. Click on it, and on the right, last option, click in the box and it copies. Post that in your post, and the picture is there.

As for the shock. There is only 4 bolts holding the saddle bag on, only takes a minute to take it off, so you can figure out what you have, and where it's leaking. If it is a Progressive (most popular), then you can write them to find out if it can be fixed.

As for height, some have also gone to a smaller diameter CT on the back. 205/60 is closest to the OEM. 205/55 and you lower the bike almost an inch. Lowering the shock, and you may have to worry about the tire rubbing on the inside of the fender. There is the "nut cage" (do a search) and wires for the tail lights in there.

[..]

When I bought my bike I found a receipt in the bags for front springs and rear shocks of some sort. the price tag was 800 bucks total out of Atlanta shop.

Well now 4 years later I see some sort of fluid leaking out onto the tire and rim. looks yellow or like hydrolic fluid. these shocks have a small valve on them as well. I cant see them good because of the bags. but I'm guessing I need new ones. (or do they repair this sort of thing?) dumb question...

I would post pictures if I can figure out how later

If I get new shocks what should I buy to be easy on the budget but quality. I ride 2 up some times with bags loaded and a t bag on back but not often. mostly just 1 up and no gear short rides.

Also what is the stock length (13 Inches?) and if so can I put 12's on it and lower it a tad. I want to lower but not screw something up or sacrifice handling.

Sorry for all the questions but I depend on you guys for all my info and its greatly appreciated.

PoMan out!

Just sent you a Private Message about some rear shocks.

[flash2002]

You say there is a small valve on them, they must be air shocks. They might be progressive if they are, they can be rebuilt.

[vanagon40]

The Works shocks also have what appears to be a valve, but they are not air shocks.