This isn't the stock rear shock, is it?

[D-Lec]

Just picked up the '93 and the rear shock is u/s, but it has an air valve. i thought the stock one wouldn't have air pre-load, so is this aftermarket and if so, which brand and is it rebuildable?
Both ends feel like they are bottoming out on the sharp stuff, not sure why yet.

Back in the saddle after 6 years and to quote that recent song: " this is f...ing awesome!"
 

[Sabie]

Hi D

I'm not overly mechanical so I can't help that much, but I did find this website from the USA.

http://www.motosport.com/motorcycle/oem-parts/HONDA/2002/ST1100/REAR-SHOCK-ABSORBER

Cheers

Sabie

[Streak]

Hi D,

I replaced my stock rear shock when it gave way with an Ikon shock, best thing I ever did, would give it 10/10 from me, below is the link to the thread, about what I went through to make my choice:

http://ozstoc.com/index.php?topic=965.0

[pault]

My own standard rear shock is not the best. i have a white power i could get rebuilt. only thing is all replacement shocks have these two collars one must turn to adjust the preload. So if my child bride wants to come its a good 15 min job to adjust the spring and then one has to be sure of the setting. This is some year in the 2000's, surely by now someone has a built a similar system to the tried and true c spanner and cammy things on the originals. i have drawn up a few ideas from electric wormmy drive thing to simply building a stepped cam as per the original. More time in winter now as the grass will slow growth a bit, time to fiddle.

[D-Lec]

From looking at all the pics on the net, I am wondering if the air valve is to charge the nitrogen gas, not an air valve to add preload? It didn't have any gas in it, and adding air didn't help.
It compresses ok but then takes a long long time to rebound, basically it stays stuck down while riding.

Closest match from hundreds of pics was a Bitubo brand, but not sure till I rip it out.

In any case, it looks like a good quality aftermarket shock, so may be cheaper to rebuild, than just get a new one.
Is there a motorcycle shock rebuild place in Perth? Or only RAD in Qld?
Deano
 

[saaz]

I think you are right about the air valve.  Air shocks (I had some on my suzuki and have a fournales on the ST) have an air valve at the top of the shock if it is to do preload.  I don't know offhand of any places over in Perth but there must be some who can do rebuildable shocks.

[pault]

there are other rebuilders. have a look in the free bike mag at bike shops. bike torque isn't it. there are adds in there.
 be carful with RAD in qld. they did mine quickly enough but the oil leaked out in a few weeks.fixed OK but now a few months later the tell tale oil mist is back
 i'll be looking at other options paul... i do 800k plus a week am i expecting too much in asking rebuilds to last?
paul

[D-Lec]

saaz, I wasn't sure if the Fournales was a contender when looking at all the pics, but the alloy ends look different. It doesn't look like yours does it?
I will ring around the bike shops and find who they use.
Cheers,
Deano
 

[saaz]

It is nothing like a fournales. The fournales is pure air, so no spring at all.  It looks like it might be a decent shock so worth a refresh.

[D-Lec]

For any one still intrigued... It is a Bitubo shock. Has 'soft to hard' adjustment at the top via a 1/4 turn valve. Hardly any oil left in it and no gas - supposed to be 8-10 bar worth of nitrogen. Top seals shot but shaft looks ok.
Cheers,
Deano