Hissing Rear Shock

[FFDougK]

Hello all,
   Usually when I ride my bike I'm either going to or from school toting a 20-40 lbs. backpack.  Today I was out riding around and the bike felt significantly lighter and bouncier which I though was the lack of engineering literature in a knapsack.  After about 50 mi. and some really wierd feeling (wobbly) twisties I decided that the suspension wasn't right.
   Upon returning home I found that my rear shock is hissing upon extension.  When pressing on the seat I'm able to compress the shock moreso that usual, and when the bike raises back up a distinct hissing sound can be heard.  Is this normal operation for the shock or do I need to finally do a Katana mod?  I haven't noticed any leaking fluids anywhere on the bike.

Wierd?  Thanks,

[vfrocket]

that does not sound right. You may need to replace it.

[rritterson]

bad bad bad bad bad. Eventually, the shock will have no damping and you're going to bounce over a bump, and then keep bouncing and bouncing and bouncing.

The shock is shot. Time for a new one, sorry.

[JamesG]

Blown shock.
Either all the oil has bleed out already or the leak is in the upper air space of the shock. either way, time for a new or better one.

[WAP]

There's really no way you can service a shock that I'm aware of. Do yourself a favor and get one from a katana. You'll love the improved feel going over bumps.

[FFDougK]

Thanks for all the feedback.  With my school schedule and the fiance spending my money faster than I make it I guess this means I'll have to put the bike to bed for the winter until I can afford (or find cheap) a good Kat shock.  Oh well, I was planning on tearing the bike down this winter anyway for the following:

**Install Kat 600 Rear Shock
Install Progressive Springs
Valve Adjustment
Adjust Cam Chain Tensioner
New Drive Chain
Build/Install Digital Speedometer
Build/Install Gear Indicator Circuit (using seven-segment display)
Build/Install Battery Voltage Indicator Circuit
Build/Install Audible Turn Signal Reminder Circuit

The last 4 are more for fun than necessity.