How Shocking!

[Barry]

-OR-
Preventative Maintenance can't fix old age.

So a couple of days ago I went to hop on the bike and saw a drop of oil by the back wheel. Since I've been riding vxii's for the last 16 years this immediately caused flashbacks of a failed ring & pinion from many years ago and a different vxii. I pulled the saddle bag and was surprised to see the oil coming from the bottom of the shock. I change the rear shock oil every 2 or 3 years and have always been rewarded with an improved ride. I guess I knew I was on borrowed time since this is the original 30 year old shock! I've got a new set of Progressives for the rear on order and am looking forward to getting away from air suspension.
At least my original front fork seals aren't leaking yet

[Nails]

At least my original front fork seals aren't leaking yet

At 27K, mine sure are. But finding that the PO had 50 PSI in them might have had something to do with it.

And sure enough, changing the shock oil does wonders. Especially 20 y/o oil. (I used a 20cc syringe (no needle) to inject the oil back in -- all of it. Maybe you found a better way.)

[Barry]

I experimented around. 20 wt seemed to give a much firmer ride. Likewise, 5 wt turned it into a pogo stick. Automatic trany fluid seemed to work best for me. I too used a syringe to measure the oil going back in. I'm so looking forward to not having to deal with this any more

[Nails]

Automatic trany fluid seemed to work best for me

I have Dextron III in back now, and it works swell. This week I'll put it in front too, just to find out once and for all whether Sarg is nuts-o or not. The air fork's days are numbered anyway. But I have no reason to dump the shocks right now.

[voyager55]

I'm amazed it took you 16 years to get progressive spring shocks. One of the best improvements you can make to your bike.

[Barry]

I did put progressives in the front immediately since we were touring 2 up and pulling a trailer. With that combination I was running the rear air pressure at 50 pounds and expecting them to fail at any second. The last 5 years have been solo touring and no trailer. The original rear shocks with the right oil in them seemed to work just fine. I may have a different opinion once I get my replacements