'97 California rear shock

[MotoKuzzi]

Just noticed a film of oil on the left rear shock on my California. Brand is Bitubo I think. Any advice about means of repairing appreciated, I prefer to try and do the work myself if it's straight forward and doesn't require machining or special tools. It's a gas filled shock does the pressure need to be relieved before it can be dismantled?

[Robert Taylor]

Just noticed a film of oil on the left rear shock on my California. Brand is Bitubo I think. Any advice about means of repairing appreciated, I prefer to try and do the work myself if it's straight forward and doesn't require machining or special tools. It's a gas filled shock does the pressure need to be relieved before it can be dismantled?

Special tools are required and training / experience. As its too easy to get the job wrong ( unintentionally ) I do recoomend that it is only done by an experienced ( with emphasis on experienced ) suspension technician. This is very much a safety issue as well.

[MotoKuzzi]

Special tools are required and training / experience. As its too easy to get the job wrong ( unintentionally ) I do recoomend that it is only done by an experienced ( with emphasis on experienced ) suspension technician. This is very much a safety issue as well.
Thanks Robert, is it ok to ride as is for a while? Do you have a rough estimate of cost to repair?
Cheers,
Mark.

[Robert Taylor]

Thanks Robert, is it ok to ride as is for a while? Do you have a rough estimate of cost to repair?
Cheers,
Mark.

If its leaking its going to get worse, not only are you losing damping but also ultimately internal lubrication. Its a little difficult to estimate sight unseen as Bitubo are a relative orphan in this market.