Rear Shock Question

[Erika]

I see some wear on my rear shock. Does this need to be replaced? If so, do you suggest an oem shock or something better?

[åsaka]

The same lack of mine, good or bad. What can happen?

[The Buddha]

That rubber bit is a last resort bumper.
I wont worry about just that part ... other than the fact that its a GS shock.
Cool.
Buddha.

[Erika]

Oh good. I don't have a chunk of change to drop on a new yet so close to tax time. I thought about swapping it out, but it would be dumb to put something stiffer on there as I don't weigh that much, and would be pogo'ing off of potholes. But I did notice Hagon shocks wouldn't be much more price-wise than oem. Which means the oem shocks are darn pricey!

[gsJack]

OEM prices on parts like brake rotors, calipers, shocks are ridiculous.  I resisted ebay used parts for years but finally signed up for ebay and paypal about 3 years ago getting excellent like new parts from low mileage parted out probably wrecked bikes which are totaled for relatively minor damage because of oem part prices.  Only use top rated ebay sellers and probably pay more than many bargain shoppers do but am still getting great bargains.

Put an ebay shock on my 02 GS last year at 97k miles that was good as new and I paid $40 plus shipping for it.  It was the 3rd one for my 02, the original one started leaking around 6k miles and I let it go until it was out of fluid and all of a sudden became uncontrollably dangerous like a bike without a shock so replace leakers right away.  Although I installed  Progressive front springs at the end of my first GS season years ago I was always satisfied with the stock rear one.  At 90k+ miles that oem shock I put on at about 6k miles was just starting to bottom out with my 230-240# weight on it.

 

[bombsquad83]

That bumper at the top of mine is all but gone, but the shock still functions fine.  It's just disentigrated due to age.  I have a replacement from an '07 with less than 5k miles that I got on ebay that I got for less than $30 including shipping.  I plan on installing it whenever I feel like it, or when I see any leaks from the old shock. 

[The Buddha]

That bumper was in the top eyelet part. It sorta stays out of view, till it starts to die. Then it will slide down and disintegrate at the same time.

Cool.
Buddha.