Success - I fixed my existing rear shocks

[8Track]

You all know the common problem with standard Valk rear shocks - they give up the ghost and get real soggy after about 25,000kms.The typical options are to either replace with aftermarket or try to get some good Interstate shocks.

I went the Interstate shock route, but that didn't work out as they wrecker listed them incorrectly on Ebay and sent me another pair of standard Valk shocks.

I didn't want to spend $500+ on aftermarket, so my engineering mate took the standard shocks apart to inspect. He found that the dampers were in fine condition, but the springs were not up to the task. The OEM springs are progressive rate, and the softer section is just too soft. He worked out that when new, the soft end is around 180 pounds per inch, and the hard end is about 240 pounds. After the use they had, he estimated the springs were down about 25% on original strength. Definitely the cause of the saggy ride, high pre-load needed, and bottoming out too easily.

For $85 we ordered a pair of 300 pound linear rate springs on ebay from China. They turned up in less than a week being off the shelf items. They are 1/2 inch shorter than stock so another friend turned up two metal spacers to fill the void.

The bike now feels very comfortable and controlled on the road, with better turn in. It rides much, much better and you can push it through the twisties with total confidence.

If any of you want specifics on the springs and where they came from I am happy to post up a link.

Cheers,

Mark

[quexpress]

Well done! 
Please post the spring info, links, etc. It could certainly be useful to others.

[YoungPUP]

Yes please post!  Pics, instructions, problems, etc.  A ride report as to how it hadles would be good too.  Thanks!

[8Track]

Hi there lads,

I will get the links and other info for you in the next few days.

Cheers,

Mark

[old2soon]

Hi there lads,

I will get the links and other info for you in the next few days.

Cheers,

Mark

Way kewl.  That bit of info could be very handy here bouts.  RIDE SAFE.

[csj]

I was told that my original equipment showa shocks were NOT
rebuildable. Several people (including my mechanic) have said it.

Is it possible that the Aussie version original shocks are a different
kinda shock, one that CAN be rebuilt?

If mine can be rebuilt, that'll be awesome. I'm bottoming out.
Want to fix the problem.

[Mildew]

+1

[8Track]

Hi lads,

The standard Valkyrie rear shocks are only rebuildable insofar as replacing the springs. The dampers are not rebuildable. Note the Aussie bikes carry the same shocks as the rest of the world.

To take them apart you simply need to compress them and unscrew the top shock mount. Depending on the condition/age of your shocks, the top mount may have bonded itself onto the thread of the damper rod because it is made from aluminium. In this case you need to find a way of preventing the rod from turning when unscrewing the top mount.

Once apart, you simply need to take out the stock springs and replace with your new ones, put it all back together, taking care to set up you preload indicators correctly, put it back in the press and replace the top mount. Job done!

The dampers are a sealed unit. You can check if they are ok by making sure there are no fluid leaks and pulling on the damper rod. It should pull out easily and push in slowly with a good level of resistance.

You can order custom springs made to the correct length of 8.5 inches, however to save money we used an off the shelf spring (8 inches) and had a friend machine up half inch spacers out of metal.

Here is the link to the springs:

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=170907114322#ht_500wt_1054

They are DNM branded 300 pound, 200mm long dirt bike springs. They have an inner diameter of 45mm and outer diameter of 65mm. The Ebay seller is called mini-parts-porter.

The job was a complete success. It cost $85 inc shipping and took about 1.5 hours total. The ride and handling is greatly improved.

Regards,

Mark

[John U.]

Good Job Mark and thanks for posting your experience. This will add the the general knowledge pool.