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Thread: Leaking shocks.

  1. #1
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    11th June 2007 - 13:16
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    Leaking shocks.

    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?

  2. #2
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    4th November 2007 - 21:36
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    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.
    You only need two tools in life:
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  3. #3
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    13th January 2004 - 11:00
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    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
    To see a life newly created.To watch it grow and prosper. Isn't that the greatest gift a human being can be given?

  4. #4
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    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.

  5. #5
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    17th February 2005 - 11:36
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    Quote Originally Posted by FROSTY View Post
    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!

  6. #6
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    Quote Originally Posted by BevanPT View Post
    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
    To see a life newly created.To watch it grow and prosper. Isn't that the greatest gift a human being can be given?

  7. #7
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    11th June 2007 - 08:55
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    Quote Originally Posted by BevanPT View Post
    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.

  8. #8
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    Quote Originally Posted by FROSTY View Post
    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.

  9. #9
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    13th January 2004 - 11:00
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    so robert--what shocks for his bike do you suggest? I was gonna say the Koni replacements
    To see a life newly created.To watch it grow and prosper. Isn't that the greatest gift a human being can be given?

  10. #10
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    Quote Originally Posted by FROSTY View Post
    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!

  11. #11
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    can't the motorbike shop give you a lone bike?? even a scotter?

  12. #12
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    25th July 2007 - 19:27
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    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.??

  13. #13
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    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??
    Zen wisdom: No matter what happens, somebody will find a way to take it too seriously. - obviously had KB in mind when he came up with that gem

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  14. #14
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    Quote Originally Posted by Mental-Trousers View Post
    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?

  15. #15
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    Cheers
    Zen wisdom: No matter what happens, somebody will find a way to take it too seriously. - obviously had KB in mind when he came up with that gem

    Artificial intelligence is no match for natural stupidity

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