Rear shock disassembly

[johnpclynch]

Has anyone ever taken apart the rear shocks?
I hear they are not servicable, but can they be modified...

It looks like the spring will come off with the help of a spring compressor which would reveal a big nut at the top of the shaft - so I assume the top mount can be taken off?


Could you then cut an inch off the top, re-thread the shaft, shorten the spring (and center rod) then re-assemble ???

Here's what a guy did to "service" his V65 shocks (they look pretty similar)
http://v4musclebike.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1952

 

[one2dmax]

Simply cutting the length down I don't think will work correctly? I am really not sure though?

 

[johnpclynch]

Yeah, just thinking, normal suspension travel is 3-4 inches
I cut the top inch off and I'll loose quarter of that - it's not the wheel that'll bottom out, it's the shock itself...

 

[one2dmax]

The shock bottoms anyway but externally on the rubber bumpers. Not sure what effect internally the change would have if any on the same body size. I just don't know enough about them. We do have a shock specialist guy in the area that custom builds as needed and could probably rework a stock shock. Not sure what he'd charge or what benefit you'd get?

 

[johnpclynch]

If I cut an inch off then the rubber bumper will be an inch closer to the piston, increasing the chance of it bottoming out

If I'm going to spend any money I'll get a pair of 11.5" 418s for Christmas, then I'll have an old used pair to experement on

 

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If I cut an inch off then the rubber bumper will be an inch closer to the piston, increasing the chance of it bottoming out

True but, cutting the spring will make it stiffer and help provide resistance against bottoming.