[xBhp Universal Thread]: Shock Absorbers!

[dcs]

Hi All!

I have a few queries about SHOCK ABSORBERS
which one is better.... the usual types tht we have in our Indian Bikes or the USD as in Comet!
how to check if the Bikes's Shocker is working fine or if it needs a replacement.
I have a Karizma R and of late I feel that the Front shocker is not that smooth as it used to be earlier. though there is absolutely no oil stains on the Rod, no rough rails/tracks on the rod either.
How can i check if the Shockers are good to go or I need to Burn a Hole in the Pocket.

I intend to use a smoother shock absorber at rear too, the Stock ones are not half tht good as in Pulsar. I knw the pulsar ones cant be a direct fit owing to the Body/plastic work of ZMA

need suggestions and inputs regarding this...

[Sunny]

Topic Approved

[MG]

Poll edited and opened for better results.

[wings_of_fury]

i too feel if some expert can provide good 'gyan' on the same..

i have a 2006 apache and feel that the front suspension has gone really soft! dont see any oil strains on it too!! done around 26500 kms..

read somewhere in the maunal that the oil should be replaced every 10k kms..is it neccesary?
Also, do we need to change gas in the rear gas shockers?If yes, how often?

Waiting for a good explanatory reply

[dcs]

funny isn't it...am posting in my own started thread without much of a response!

so, was my query too Dumb or was the query too difficult for OUR team mates to Put some light on???

[wings_of_fury]

don't think it is that big a ordeal to answer!! cmmon ppl, comments pls!

[leon_nerd]

USDs are generally considered better than the normal ones. USD came into use for two main reasons: to reduce unsprung weight by having the heavier components be suspended, and to improve the strength and rigidity of the assembly by having the bulkier and stronger component being directly supported by the pivot.

Now what is unsprung weight? Check out this : Unsprung weight - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Regarding how to check if the shockers are ok or not the best way is to experience it yourself. With time the shockers tend to divert away from their usual working characteristics. Also, we don't have to usually get shockers changes that easily. You have to rather get oil seals and oil level checked for proper functioning. A mechanic will be able to tell you better by opening it up and telling you the condition of the forks.

[MavericK46]

Originally Posted by dcs

I have a few queries about SHOCK ABSORBERS
which one is better.... the usual types tht we have in our Indian Bikes or the USD as in Comet!

As leon just mentioned.. The USD's are THE choice for performance machines as they reduce the unsprung weight..
Lower Unsprung weight aids the handling of a machine.. Technical details are on the wiki link that leon's posted..

Originally Posted by dcs

how to check if the Bikes's Shocker is working fine or if it needs a replacement.
I have a Karizma R and of late I feel that the Front shocker is not that smooth as it used to be earlier. How can i check if the Shockers are good to go or I need to Burn a Hole in the Pocket.

The Zma uses telescopic front forks like every single desi machine..
There's no need to replace the unit when they become spongy or hard..
A fork oil change and if necessary a replacement of the fork springs will get your Zma's front end back to its best..
As for checking em for problems.. If they are extremely unresponsive and hard or very springy, you need to get em checked...

[dcs]

Originally Posted by MavericK46

As leon just mentioned.. The USD's are THE choice for performance machines as they reduce the unsprung weight..
Lower Unsprung weight aids the handling of a machine.. Technical details are on the wiki link that leon's posted..



The Zma uses telescopic front forks like every single desi machine..
There's no need to replace the unit when they become spongy or hard..
A fork oil change and if necessary a replacement of the fork springs will get your Zma's front end back to its best..
As for checking em for problems.. If they are extremely unresponsive and hard or very springy, you need to get em checked...

At last...I heard on this topic! thnx mate for the information... will chk for the unsprung weight later on on the WEIKI.
@ Leon.. Well, Leon...No offence mean...I prefer going to The mechanic with a problem and an answe/solution then to walk like a DUMBASS! so I would always be more interested in knowing what is the problem.,whats the remedy, how to do it!
so that the reason why I asked about how to check the Shoks.
more over...some how the query is not very well answered about checking.
Mate...I believe a shock has two primary functions...
1) Absorbtion
2) Release/cushioning.

So when a vehicle feels a bump/pothole... the jerk is transvered to the shock. inside the shox, the Shock is ABSORBED by the contraction of the COIL/SPRING. then, as per Newton UNCLE, every action has an equal and opposite reaction, so the energy that gets into the coil/spring is released back. Now the hydraulics/OIL/gas Charging comes into picture and it GRADUALLY lets the energy released,without Sudden throwing of the Energy in the form of Compression of the spring. so we experience a releatively smooth bump.

Now , even if the shocks leak out the last drop of oil/gas it has, it will still be able to ABSORB the bump/pothole( this would however be in the case when the Springs are working), but would also reletively THROW the bump back on the vehicle...

So buddies...NOW my question is...My shockers( I mean My Bike's Shocks) are able to absorb and reduce the Bump but the question is ....How to check if they are justifying or do they need service/oil change


P.S: I still Reiterate, I am Not a technical person at all and the last time I studied any science was in my High School so Mates, please forgive me if I was some how not able to understand the solution u guys gave or if I was not able to clear out the point.!

[leon_nerd]

Don't worry mate. You have a good understanding of the basic working of the shockers. But, the thing is we cannot tell you precisely what is the problem unless we physically see your bike. Yes, the experts can comment given that they do.

Regarding wiki, I feel wiki is a good starting point to understand the components of a system. Even if you cannot pin point the problem you will at least know what components can go wrong in a shocker.

I will still say that if you feel confortable on your bike then don't worry about the shockers. And if you are not then you know you bike has fallen in love with the mechanic .