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2,520 Posts
Hey Gang,
First off, the Wing is an '08 Level II and has right at 38K on the clock. I rebuilt the front forks back about a year ago and just finished the first coolant change since the bike was new. So, I figured I should delve into the back shock and at least, check the operational level of the preload. I've had it at 25 now for at least 5+ years. I don't adjust it 'cause we ride two up about 99.9999% of the time and I just leave it there. But, we get some pretty harsh bottoming out on a frequent basis so, time to see whatever I can do about it.
So, since the very expensive SERVICE MANUAL was of zero help, I basically consulted Freds videos. The one that was specific to the rear shock service was of great help. I guess the SM doesn't want you to mess with checking the hydraulic oil. So, the first thing I did was to do the old shock motor sound difference test. In Freds video, his shock motor made no sound difference 'till around 5 or 6. He said, in the video that, he'd seen or heard of reports of no resistance sound, 'till around 8, 9, or 10.
Well, I didn't know if mine would have any lag in free spinning to resistance or not but, I thought why not try? So, the first thing that happened was of course, the UP and DOWN switch DIDN'T work because, I'd not used it in years. BAD MOVE! So, some manipulation of that switch and, the memory ones started things working. I brought the level all the way back to ZERO from 25. I then made sure things were dead quiet in the garage. I pushed the UP button and finally it started to rise. 1-2-3.....6.....8....11...13..15 and finally, on 16, it made a sound change to a resistance type sound.
I thought "Wow", that bad? I better do it again, just to make sure. Same thing, all the way to 16 before a difference in sound was detected. NOT GOOD! So, now it's time to apparently do some hydraulic oil adding. Now, the question is, Fred did it while the shock was off the bike. Can I do it WITH the shock ON the bike? Based on some other info, I think I need to remove the right side storage box in order to obtain access to the shock reservoir. Once that's done, I think the hydraulic hose and banjo bolt is right there.
Scott
First off, the Wing is an '08 Level II and has right at 38K on the clock. I rebuilt the front forks back about a year ago and just finished the first coolant change since the bike was new. So, I figured I should delve into the back shock and at least, check the operational level of the preload. I've had it at 25 now for at least 5+ years. I don't adjust it 'cause we ride two up about 99.9999% of the time and I just leave it there. But, we get some pretty harsh bottoming out on a frequent basis so, time to see whatever I can do about it.
So, since the very expensive SERVICE MANUAL was of zero help, I basically consulted Freds videos. The one that was specific to the rear shock service was of great help. I guess the SM doesn't want you to mess with checking the hydraulic oil. So, the first thing I did was to do the old shock motor sound difference test. In Freds video, his shock motor made no sound difference 'till around 5 or 6. He said, in the video that, he'd seen or heard of reports of no resistance sound, 'till around 8, 9, or 10.
Well, I didn't know if mine would have any lag in free spinning to resistance or not but, I thought why not try? So, the first thing that happened was of course, the UP and DOWN switch DIDN'T work because, I'd not used it in years. BAD MOVE! So, some manipulation of that switch and, the memory ones started things working. I brought the level all the way back to ZERO from 25. I then made sure things were dead quiet in the garage. I pushed the UP button and finally it started to rise. 1-2-3.....6.....8....11...13..15 and finally, on 16, it made a sound change to a resistance type sound.
I thought "Wow", that bad? I better do it again, just to make sure. Same thing, all the way to 16 before a difference in sound was detected. NOT GOOD! So, now it's time to apparently do some hydraulic oil adding. Now, the question is, Fred did it while the shock was off the bike. Can I do it WITH the shock ON the bike? Based on some other info, I think I need to remove the right side storage box in order to obtain access to the shock reservoir. Once that's done, I think the hydraulic hose and banjo bolt is right there.
Scott