Had a conflict in so far that my rear shock damping was non existent but I did not want to spend the money on a quality replacement. I had doubts over a cheapo pit bike item so purchased a cheap used oem shock and set about changing the oil to something more viscous. The bottom clevis / end cap unscrews from the the shock body once the lock nut is released (45mm spanner). Before I drained the oil, I removed the spring and screwed the end cap back on and confirmed that there was both compression and rebound damping but just not very much. By the time my considerable bulk is stroking the spring the damping is virtually nil. Measured the oil level before I drained it (27mm from end of threaded body) and it was rather thin and very silvery with contamination. Whilst it was apart, it got a dose of wire brush and some paint. Refilled it with my go to suspension fluid (ATF) and reassembled the whole show.
Very happy with the result. The rebound damping is now quite pronounced. I took it out for a spirited run around some bends where the bumps previously would upset the bike mid corner like a pogo stick to where the bumps are barely noticeable. The shock body builds heat but not any more than with the previous thin oil.
Damping has improved to the point where I have backed off the preload for a more compliant ride.
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Very happy with the result. The rebound damping is now quite pronounced. I took it out for a spirited run around some bends where the bumps previously would upset the bike mid corner like a pogo stick to where the bumps are barely noticeable. The shock body builds heat but not any more than with the previous thin oil.
Damping has improved to the point where I have backed off the preload for a more compliant ride.
