Author Topic: Softer shock for Wee  (Read 1395 times)

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Offline Andy52

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Softer shock for Wee
« on: March 10, 2019, 16:44:55 »
I find the standard shock too hard (more the damping than the spring I think) as I'm light and I don't carry a pillion or much luggage. Just asking before I order a custom made one.

Offline Gassoon

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Re: Softer shock for Wee
« Reply #1 on: March 12, 2019, 17:37:51 »
Is it definitely a standard shock though, Andy? Your steed has a lot of mods :shrug:
Most shocks get softer as they age (I believe).
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Offline tallpaul

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Re: Softer shock for Wee
« Reply #2 on: March 12, 2019, 18:47:39 »
Can you post a pic of the bottom of the rear shock (both sides from underneath) ? There should be an adjuster for the damping.

Edit: picture courtesy of Graham62
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Offline Andy52

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Re: Softer shock for Wee
« Reply #3 on: March 13, 2019, 22:19:49 »
Thanks tallpaul, I believe it is standard but have no way of being sure. I backed off the damping and pre-load when I found it was too firm but the damping made no appreciable difference. Here are some pics of the embarrasingly grubby shock. I had a similar problem with a Triumph some years ago - the shock had gone hard with age, gummed up internally perhaps.

Offline tallpaul

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Re: Softer shock for Wee
« Reply #4 on: March 14, 2019, 08:57:03 »
It all looks original. My thoughts were that it had a damper from a vee or another bike altogether in there. Is the linkage free? It may be that the bearings need greasing or replacement.
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Offline Andy52

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Re: Softer shock for Wee
« Reply #5 on: March 14, 2019, 22:37:31 »
I'm sure the bearings will need greasing but the suspension compresses OK, just not when the wheel hits a bump in the road (plenty of those round here!).

Offline tallpaul

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Re: Softer shock for Wee
« Reply #6 on: March 15, 2019, 06:52:35 »
Take the bike to an independent mechanic. Get them to cast an eye over it. Unless you weigh 3 stone wet through the suspension should move when it hits a bump. Are you sure you turned the damping screw in the right direction? It could be possible that the previous keeper wound the damping up to the max then kept going until the mechanism inside broke, meaning it is stuck with maximum compression damping, which is the situation you seem to be describing.
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Offline Andy52

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Re: Softer shock for Wee
« Reply #7 on: March 15, 2019, 23:37:10 »
If the damper adjustment is broken, then it will need a new shock anyway (unless it can be rebuilt?) I'm thinking in terms of Hagon, not something fancy. At 10st in full bike gear I'm not taxing the suspension much, and the bike weighs less than standard (about 190Kg fully fuelled if my scales are accurate).

Offline tallpaul

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Re: Softer shock for Wee
« Reply #8 on: March 16, 2019, 05:51:15 »
I'm thinking that weight may be a significant factor here. The bike may need respringing to suit the mass it is dealing with. I think it is oversprung, so a chat with Hagon may be the route to take. Damper failure is not unheard of, but nor is it common. A new spring is cheaper than a full new shock absorber.
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Offline kwackboy

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Re: Softer shock for Wee
« Reply #9 on: March 16, 2019, 07:00:40 »
Oversprung is a good point tallpaul...  :thumb:
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Offline Rusty Nuts

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Re: Softer shock for Wee
« Reply #10 on: March 16, 2019, 07:46:14 »
( so is the rider at 10 stone suited and booted )

Offline kwackboy

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Re: Softer shock for Wee
« Reply #11 on: March 16, 2019, 08:03:21 »
Those were the days ..   :old: :bawl:
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