when should i change rear shock? (sorry. posted wrong)

sorry for the double-post. i posted in the wrong forum

is there any tell-tale sings of when it is a good time to replace the rear shocks.

also, does anybody have experience switching them out? is it an easy job, or a pain?

Thanks!

 

If the suspension feels spongy or the bike is unstable when cornering, it could be time to swap out the units.
It's fairly easy to replace the shocks, just change one at a time, if you remove both shocks & the bike comes of the stand, it will come down with a hellofa clump.

 

my bike almost feels like the swing arm is loose or the tire is low when i corner at low speeds. could this be the shocks?

 

If your tire is at the correct pressure & you can't feel any movement in the swing arm, it could well be the shocks, have you tried adjusting them?

 

not yet. i just got the bike around thanksgiving and haven't had much good weather to ride it. is the preload the only adjustment on these shocks?

 

Uzi has a monoshock Maxim we don't want to give him dual-shock advice.

Fuferman, it sounds like you might need shocks. Most of these bikes (with the possible exception of the XJ900) came with preload-adjust only KYB shocks which were marginal even when brand-new, and all done by about 6000 miles. Replacing the stock KYBs is one of the most noticeable handling improvements you can make to any '80s Yamaha.

 

Hey Fitz, read Uzi's first post again, does he say shocks, plural? WTF. Wiz.

 

my fault...to be honest, bigfitz knows more about my bike than i do. i'm very much a newbie and he's been teaching me quite a bit about it. it is mono-shock. sorry for the mix-up.

 

Just so you know, I haven't found any aftermarket shocks for these guys yet..... checking around to see if something else will fit...

 

There are definitely aftermarket - There are some fancy units with multiple adjustments. I'm trying to think of the name.
http://www.progressivesuspension.com/productsearch.aspx

The biggest suspension woe on these bikes is the back end (talking XJ650/750)... many people put spacers up front, change the oil at very least, and put in aftermarket springs. The way the bike sits though, most of the weight is on the back. Also - given the angle of the front forks, movement on the back end is applified and gives the front a hunting feeling. That's the back end changing the geometry and literally changing your turn radius.

When the back is REALLY bad it will pogo over bumps and you can feel it hunt around pretty badly.

Progressive I think makes a shock - 418 is coming to mind. Can't be sure. This is 5 years after the fact. YUP

Anyhow - once you control the back end, the front end will be a lot more stable.

Other things to check are the swing arm bearings, and the front headstock bearings. If either of those are bad (notchy) you'll have all kinds of weird feelings you couldn't put a finger on.

These bikes can really fly - they require smooth lines and a steady rider. However, once you can ride one of these quickly, a super sport is a walk in the park (handling wise). Probably some of the best training you'll ever get.