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Leaking rear shock?

1K views 7 replies 3 participants last post by  Maedron 
#1 ·
Good morning forum members.

I think my rear shock is leaking, I can't see what else it could be. I've never had this before on any of my Sporty's. Can anyone second my opinion?

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#2 ·
Could be the shock. Check the shaft to see if it is oily also.

But take a look at how your engine breathers are routed also, and see if you are blowing oil from them or out of the oil tank also.
 
#3 ·
Thanks Phaedrus. After my initial shock (pardon the pun) and disbelief which recoiled me to the forum, I did think to check the shaft. It is oily. My bike is a daily runner so it's a bit of a scruff, however I can't see oil anywhere else. Unfortunately both of the breathers from the heads are still attached to the airbox, I haven't got around to rerouting them.
I searched an old forum thread and it indicated the shock is a sealed unit and Harley don't do parts for them. I cast around for an available budget replacement and settled on some basic Hagons which a local distributor had in stock that were exactly stock length. They are assembled on order from parts so I asked for a heavy duty spring, taking into account the extra weight of the rubber mount frame.
They should arrive shortly and far sooner than having some shipped from overseas. I don't fancy buying a single replacement that is difficult to service and may do exactly the same. The weathers been terrible the last couple of weeks and I guess some grit worked up into the seal and compromised it.
The imbalance caused by the leaking shock may account for the odd clunk from the front end upon first applying the brake after resting. If so I hope it doesn't do any damage and disappears with the new shocks. It might pay to park it up until they arrive.
 
#4 ·
Hi Maedron,

Yep, agree the shock is leaking. Seals, obviously. My X Showa's have done it a few times, worse on the R side, needing servicing. A good bike suspension place can service them, contrary to whatever Harley say. However, you are swapping out the shocks so that is no longer a live option. Good luck with the Hagons.

J.
 
#5 ·
Hi Shackman. I did email a shock specialist and he said he couldn't fix them, offering me Bitubos for $1280. Considering the Hagons are only $520 for black ones I grabbed them. I'll put the stock ones aside, if I ever sell it the next owner can have the option of servicing them. I'll continue to look for somebody that can and may do it if the price is right. Since it's my work bike it can't be off the road for too long. The Hagons have good reviews but I ordered a basic model. I figured it's better to have a heavy spring on a light setting than an inadequate one on the highest, I guess I'll find out.
 
#6 ·
Sounds a fair approach. Let us know how the Hagons work out. Where are they made?

The guy who is doing mine has a business named Pro Mecha suspension. He's in Clunies Ross Crescent, Mulgrave, here in Melbourne. I know it's unlikely you would freight parts to Melbourne for work but just in case you ever contemplate it, that's him. Only issue is he works from home at his own pace and is always busy with numerous bikes on site so you have to be patient. Just the way it goes. I don't dare give him a hard time over waiting because there's no one else who will work on my X Showa's! Currently had one with him for 3 weeks and counting...

J.
 
#7 ·
Thanks for that Shackman. The rep tried to sell me the Hagon Nitro shock for $1000 but I declined. The budget option is on the way. Hagon are made in England and are a good shock for the price. They have good reviews on Harley forums by those who want better than stock but don't require designer bling.
 
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