Leaking shocks.

[BevanPT]

I have a 1997 Honda CB400 with Showa rear shocks. One of these is now leaking fluid. The bike shop I normally go to reckon it's rebuildable, but will take 3-4 days.

My bike is my main form of transport and 4 days without it is rather inconvenient. Does anybody know where in Auckland I could get the repair done quicker, if at all or will I need brand new shocks?

[darkwolf]

I don't know much about bikes but a fair experience with cars (which evidentally also have shocks) but surely the price you pay for a new shock isn't much more expensive (i'd actually guess cheaper) than rebuilding a shock and I dear to say would take less time. If you're needing this bike as a daily commuter surely a new shock would have greater benefit than a rebuilt shock - or am I completely missing part of the picture.

[FROSTY]

dude-3-4 days is pretty darn good turn around.
If thats not an option why not pony up for a new set of shocks -I used to suggest Koni but i think they are long gone

[BevanPT]

According to the bike shop, rebuild is cheaper and end result is just as good as new. Checking my options before booking repairs in with the bike shop.

[imdying]

dude-3-4 days is pretty darn good turn around.I agree... this is New Zealand, the average NZ tradesman doing something in 3-4 days... count your blessings!

[FROSTY]

According to the bike shop, rebuild is cheaper and end result is just as good as new. Checking my options before booking repairs in with the bike shop.
Bevan--much at Robert Taylor and I take the piss outa one another on here I TOTALLY agree with him in theory in most cases .
Yes a rebuild will get your shocks back as good as new -but that is nowhere near as good as a decent set of after market shocks for your bike .notice emphasis on the word decent)
You wont believe the difference if you fit quality back shocks

[Robert Taylor]

I have a 1997 Honda CB400 with Showa rear shocks. One of these is now leaking fluid. The bike shop I normally go to reckon it's rebuildable, but will take 3-4 days.

My bike is my main form of transport and 4 days without it is rather inconvenient. Does anybody know where in Auckland I could get the repair done quicker, if at all or will I need brand new shocks?

3-4 days is excellent service! At one stage in the middle of the year my waiting list was in excess of 2 months. NZ has a shortage of skilled tradesmen and the situation is getting worse.

[Robert Taylor]

Bevan--much at Robert Taylor and I take the piss outa one another on here I TOTALLY agree with him in theory in most cases .
Yes a rebuild will get your shocks back as good as new -but that is nowhere near as good as a decent set of after market shocks.
Yoy wont believe the difference if you fit quality back shocks

Frosty, no malice, have only made comment when I thought you have said something completely wrong. ( Bark but no bite ) It is well noted that you take the time to go out of your way to help people.

[FROSTY]

so robert--what shocks for his bike do you suggest? I was gonna say the Koni replacements

[Robert Taylor]

so robert--what shocks for his bike do you suggest? I was gonna say the Koni replacements

There is an Ohlins listing at $1199 per pair incl but not one I stock and have never been asked for. If we had 40 million people it would be justified, so I guess Hagon / Ikon if there are listings. But the performance is ''budget replacement'', you get exactly what you pay for. Cheap shocks have nearly no compression damping in combination with a heavily preloaded spring and lots of rebound. This is aside from materials and tolerancing cost cutting another way that they keep the price low, just like basic passenger car shocks. The first giveaway is very poor ''g'' out resistance when riding over the downramps of raised pedestrian crossings at more than a very sedate pace.

Sorry, a ''bigger'' answer than both expected and asked for!

[Buddy L]

can't the motorbike shop give you a lone bike?? even a scotter?

[hospitalfood]

there is a specialist in ellerslie or penrose, somewhere around there.
if you google shocks/suspension in nz he should turn up. he may be faster.??

[Mental Trousers]

I thought Showa were towards the better end of the suspension spectrum. Not as good as Ohlins or White Power but significantly better than the budget brands. Is that not correct??

[Robert Taylor]

I thought Showa were towards the better end of the suspension spectrum. Not as good as Ohlins or White Power but significantly better than the budget brands. Is that not correct??

Budget level oem Showa are nothing flash. Neither is budget level Sachs, a world away from racing Sachs used on Kimi Raikonnens Ferrari. Get my drift?

[Mental Trousers]

Cheers :2thumbsup

[BevanPT]

Thanks for the advice robert and frosty. My biggest issue is $$. It's not a fancy bike and mainly used for commuting and weekend rides with the odd long distance trip. Wanting to upgrade in a few months hopefully so not really wanting to spend a lot of money on it at the moment, but still want to maintain it in good condition. Given it's only got a trade in value of about $3k it comes down to how much I spend on it.