| Author | Message | ||
     Rellim51 |
My 2000 X1 has had the shock collar recall performed already but I read some where in recall 820 that they would replaced the shock with one of the updated Showas even if the collar had been installed already. What are the chances that my dealer will replace my shock if I request it? | ||
| Djkaplan |
Ask the dealer... I had my SRP shock replaced under a 'goodwill' program... but the program didn't create much 'goodwill' because the greedy bastards at the local Harley Buell dealer (in Columbus, Georgia) charged me $100 as an 'administration fee'. I friend of mine with an X1 had the same issue and went to a dealer in Dothan, Alabama (Dothan HD Buell) and had his SRP shock replaced with a shorter reservoir shock totally free (and got the upgraded Y-mount free too). That $100 I paid the dealer in Columbus cost them all future business with me. I hope it was worth it to them. They don't sell Buells anymore, anyway. | ||
| Mikej |
The $100 fee became somewhat commonplace after the initial surge of non-SRP new shock availability had passed. Nowadays I'm thinking you'd be hardpressed to get one goodwilled with or without a $100 bill. | ||
| Rellim51 |
Knowing my luck the newer Showas have probably been discontinued. I may not have a problem with the shock but is seems spongy when I go over a dip in the road. It still rides pretty smooth but it just feels like the rear suspension is soft. This may be normal. | ||
| Djkaplan |
I'm thinking your Showa leaked most of it's oil out years ago. | ||
| Rellim51 |
Can I replace the oil? | ||
| Djkaplan |
I don't know. Apparently, the shock can be rebuilt, so someone knows. | ||
| Natexlh1000 |
I think I remember that the rebuild price was $350. I lucked out and got one off of ebay for $70. It actually worked too! Remember that there are two different lengths. unload your rear and measure from center of eyelet to center of eyelet. I just did a search. This one has the front bracket included: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Buell-X1-Lightning- Shock_W0QQitemZ250121657709QQihZ015QQcategoryZ3556 9QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem | ||
| Bluelightning |
Well, being that Race Tech sells all of the parts to rebuild that factory Showa shock, one of their "centers" should be able to rebuild it or know where you can send it to be repaired, heck might as well have a Gold Valve put in and a new spring set up just for you while they are in there! Check out this link to find a center close to you and give them a yell: http://www.racetech.com/cdsearch.asp?showPage= I have had a gold valve new in the box for 2 years now that I have been wanting to put in, I just need to send mine out and get it done. | ||
| Bluzm2 |
After Shocks will rebuild them too. Their proce for a Buell shock is now up to $250. I just checked last week... Brad | ||
| Rellim51 |
Why would a shock be worn out after only 10K miles? I know there is only one compared to a car's 2 per axle but that would be the same as a car's shocks wearing out at 20k. | ||
| Beatx1 |
I quizzed the Racetech guys and they said that the shocks wear out due to engine vibrations at highway speed. The front of the shock is mounted to the engine which moves all the time because the engine is rubber mounted. So the shock moves with the suspension and engine. I'm on shock number 3 in almost 60,000 miles and this one is worn out also | ||
| Rellim51 |
That makes sense. I never thought of that. | ||
| 46champ |
So when I need a shock for my 99 M2 should I step up to the plate for a Works Performance or a Penske. Does any one know the price to O/H and can it be done without $1000 in tooling. | ||
| Rellim51 |
I am also interested in knowing what tools are needed to rebuild a shock. | ||
| Djkaplan |
When I got my used Penske, I called Penske and asked them what a rebuild costs. To change the seals, replace the oil, and recharge the reservoir with nitrogen, Penske charges... $90 + shipping. They also told me the actual rebuilding part is easy to do at home, it's the nitrogen recharge that you need special stuff for. | ||
| Beatx1 |
I was also told by racetech that a Works or Penske won't last under a tuber but they are easily rebuildable. For the nitrogen charge go to a aviation shop. We use high pressure nitrogen for servicing struts and tires. Be careful to discharge the nitrogen before removing the valve, I heard stories of a guy planting a schrader valve into his arm because it shot out of the strut under pressure (Message edited by Beatx1 on May 30, 2007) | ||
| Rellim51 |
How do I know how much nitrogen to put in the shock? How do I know if the nitrogen is low? How do I know if the oil is low? | ||
| Djkaplan |
I don't think there is anything serviceable on the Showa without special tools. What those tools may be are beyond the scope of my knowledge. | ||
| Bluelightning |
I am also interested in knowing what tools are needed to rebuild a shock. I know there are a bunch of "special tools" that are listed in the Racetech site if you do a search for your model Buell. Here is what I came up with in doing a search for my X1: http://www.racetech.com/evalving/english/Srchpr.as p?bikeid=34&manufacture=Buell&model=X1&year=99%2D0 2&TABLEINFO=street&langname=english It shows all of the seals, parts, and tools that they have for the Buell forks and shocks. BTW, I'm not a Racetech salesman, I just have their parts page bookmarked for when my stuff needs to be repaired. | ||
| Beatx1 |
My shock is dead. Most of the oil sprayed out on the muffler and engine bottom. The bike seems springy-push down on the seat and it rebounds out of control. Being low on nitrogen probably feels like the shock has no return or maybe no damping. More knowlegable people could chime in. I'm going to dig up my dead shock collection and see how much pressure is in there. Sometime ago I found a nice article on Showa shock rebuilding for dirtbikes on the web. It seemed the hardest part was cutting the peened end off the shock to get the nut off.Try searching at Yahoo "Showa shock overhaul". I made a copy and it's buried in the garage somewhere. Sorry I can't dig it up but I sure it's still out there on the web. (Message edited by beatx1 on May 30, 2007) | ||
| Eshardball |
PM 98 S1 lightning. He has a friend that rebuilds them. I am running his rebuilt one with the upgraded collar and it has been great. Mine was shot at 14K miles. | ||
| 89rs1200 |
Just my 2 cents. Bought a Works shock for my 1997 S3 in 1998. Have 45,000 miles on it so far with no problems. The Penske have a much smoother ride as I have it on my other S3. If you are going to keep your tuber, I recommend you NOT waste money rebuilding the stock shock. Buy the Works or Penske now. | ||
| Djkaplan |
"I was also told by racetech that a Works or Penske won't last under a tuber but they are easily rebuildable." "Bought a Works shock for my 1997 S3 in 1998. Have 45,000 miles on it so far with no problems." I wanted to chime in on the first statement because I've never heard about any durability issues with Penske or Works shocks, but the fact or the matter is; I don't have enough experience with my Penske to comment. I will say this; my Penske was used on a race only X1 for 3 or 4 racing seasons and sold when they (Liberty HD) retired their tuber racebike. It was guarenteed to be 'fresh', not leaking and not in need of any recharging or oil. To my knowledge, the shock had not been rebuilt since new. 6 months later... so far, so (very) good. "If you are going to keep your tuber, I recommend you NOT waste money rebuilding the stock shock. Buy the Works or Penske now." If your tuber still has that silver cannister Showa, a pox will infect your livestock, a blight will destroy your crops, and your children will become telemarketers. | ||
| Beatx1 |
I can service it, as mentioned. Most parts are not available, other than seals and maybe the bushing. The root of the problem is not the shock. The problem is the severe engine vibration at highway speeds causes the shock to vibrate a lot and wears it out prematurely. There is no perfect shock for this application, even the Penskes have problems, but at least service parts are available. If you'd like to ship it: Trackside Engineering, LLC 2447 N. 65th Street Wauwatosa, WI 53213 Thanks, Ed TSE, LLC This is the reply to an email I sent about rebuilding Showa shocks. I can only quote what the experts tell me. | ||
| Ratbuell |
I run a (currently non-leaking) recall Showa on my 17k mile S2, <nok,nok> no trouble. The recall shock on my S1W, however, pissed all its oil out last season and that bike now wears an ex-race-team Penske. IIRC Penske advertises their stuff as "hand tool rebuildable" except for the aforementioned nitro recharge. If the S2 shock goes, I'm going with another Penske. Mainly because their basic assembly is still being manufactured and used; only the mounting system is Buell-specific, but all the valves, seals, etc. are "standard" Penske stuff and easy to get a hold of. Yes, it tickles when you have to explain to the (non-riding) wife why you spent anywhere from $500 to $900 on a *shock absorber*...but I know I only have to buy it once unless I wreck and bend it. | ||
| Af226 |
If this is so wide-spread an issue should there not be a factory supported solution. I have a call into my dealer reference the above discussion of "goodwill" program but I'm sure that they will tell my that my VIN has no recalls open as they did a month ago. I keep trying to get something out of them  My showa is leaking ever so slightly While I try to decide what to do. Guess I'm not the only one. Race tech said they can rebuild it but gave no price?? Anybody had them do it? Is it considerably cheaper than the $1200 for other aftermarket. | ||
| Bad_karma |
Brad I'm in the process of doing exactly that. I bought a works from American Sport Bike and I'm having Race tech do the stock shock. Either way I will be ready for the motor when it's done. Joe | ||
| Af226 |
What's race tech charging? Is it worth rebuilding the 16.5" showa, it seem that it is the worst of the bunch offered. Is it just better to buy a works? The real problem is I live in Canada and both works and race tech are in California so I have to ship anyways for rebuild....I'm flat out scared of the showa now, I knew it was bad but ya know....leaning towards a works. Does anybody know if there is a dealer in Canada so I can avoid the border hassal? | ||
| Bad_karma |
Brad The guy said about $225 for the rebuild and about $115 for the spring. But I'll let you know when I get it back. I want to use these two as a comparison. Check the race tech website for the nearest service center. Joe (Message edited by bad_karma on June 08, 2007) | ||
| 89rs1200 |
Tech. Note: The nitrogen is in the shock under pressure to stop the oil from foaming and oxidizing. It has basically no effect on performance other than the above. You could put air in the shock but then the oil would oxidize and what good would that be? Again,,, why spend all that money rebuilding a Shawa?!?!? It will leak again shortly! Buy the Works or Penske if you intend to keep the bike. Buy a used Shawa on Ebay for $100.00 - $150.00 if you intend to sell the bike soon. |
