Rear Shock Safewty Warning
10-25-2014, 03:19 PM
#1
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Rear Shock Safewty Warning
Wasn't sure this should be in the Knowledge Base or not. It can always be moved if needs be.
This needs posting over here as it's a safety issue which members need to be aware of.
Recently over the pond we had a member who's original VTR shock preload adjuster ring snapped and the shock collapsed on him, luckily this happened at low speed.
www.vtr1000.org • View topic - My rear shock collapsed!
After a bit of investigation and keen eyes it's looking like the preload adjuster ring is not manufactured as one piece and has been spot welded together. Others have checked their OM shocks and it seems the same for all.
Shocking to say the least (no pun intended).
Anyone that is still running a standard rear shock be aware of this and include it in one of those vital areas that should be checked and please don't go using a hammer and drift to move the adjuster as this would weaken it. Always use a C spanner.
I'd be interested in JD's opinion on this.
(:-})
This needs posting over here as it's a safety issue which members need to be aware of.
Recently over the pond we had a member who's original VTR shock preload adjuster ring snapped and the shock collapsed on him, luckily this happened at low speed.
www.vtr1000.org • View topic - My rear shock collapsed!
After a bit of investigation and keen eyes it's looking like the preload adjuster ring is not manufactured as one piece and has been spot welded together. Others have checked their OM shocks and it seems the same for all.
Shocking to say the least (no pun intended).Anyone that is still running a standard rear shock be aware of this and include it in one of those vital areas that should be checked and please don't go using a hammer and drift to move the adjuster as this would weaken it. Always use a C spanner.
I'd be interested in JD's opinion on this.
(:-})
10-25-2014, 06:52 PM
#4
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Another good reason to not use a hammer as a suspension tool.. Millions and millions of motorcycle rear shocks use a stamped, rolled spot welded steel preload adjuster,,
Did that ONE preload adjuster fail, looks that way....but it's not a reason to condemn them all. By all means have a look at yours and see if the spot weld is fractured
Did that ONE preload adjuster fail, looks that way....but it's not a reason to condemn them all. By all means have a look at yours and see if the spot weld is fractured
Last edited by E.Marquez; 10-25-2014 at 07:05 PM.
10-25-2014, 09:26 PM
#5
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Once that failed, how far can the shock collapse? Completely? It seems it could only collapse the thickness of that collar(?).
My Penske shock failed and the shock (slowly) collapsed completely. I think the only reason it didnt tip the bike was that I have the shock spacer. Had to ride back from Manhattan to Brooklyn. What an uncomfortable ride. Bone jarring I would say.
My Penske shock failed and the shock (slowly) collapsed completely. I think the only reason it didnt tip the bike was that I have the shock spacer. Had to ride back from Manhattan to Brooklyn. What an uncomfortable ride. Bone jarring I would say.
10-26-2014, 03:49 AM
#6
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Millions and millions of motorcycle rear shocks use a stamped, rolled spot welded steel preload adjuster,
Once that failed, how far can the shock collapse? Completely? It seems it could only collapse the thickness of that collar(?).
The preload adjuster ring has snapped in two, allowing the spring to rise right up to the top mounting bolt area.
10-26-2014, 03:24 PM
#8
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Your not wrong.... collapsed in shock that it happened and that it's designed that way. I got to say it played on my mind a couple of times while riding on faster laborious motorway (freeway to you) style riding. I think I will be getting an aftermarket shock sooner rather than later now. Having something like suspension linkages seizing up is one thing but the thought of a shock collapsing at high speeds is something else
(:-})
(:-})
10-26-2014, 07:33 PM
#10
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But by all means, get yourself an aftermarket shock if you can afford it. The benefits are great!!
10-27-2014, 06:16 AM
#11
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Agree'd Erik. This is the first one I've scene or heard of. I wouldn't get our panties in a bunch quite yet. Check out what ya got and if you don't use a hammer/punch/drift you are probably fine.
But by all means, get yourself an aftermarket shock if you can afford it. The benefits are great!!
But by all means, get yourself an aftermarket shock if you can afford it. The benefits are great!!
Personally I'm going to put an aftermarket shock on mine as I have something in mind already. This has just been the final push to get it fitted. Upgrade opportunity LOL
(:-})
10-27-2014, 07:58 AM
#12
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That's my thoughts exactly, I don't mean to panic everyone. Just want to bring it to peoples attention as another area to check/keep an eye on and also bring it to attention to those not in the know, not to use a hammer. That could only weaken it and cause problems over time IMO.
(:-})
(:-})
10-27-2014, 05:58 PM
#14
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I am going to go on record and call that a one-in-a-million failure. Most likely due to abuse of the shock and/or overloading.
Its a showa shock right? How many shocks you figure showa made? How often does this happen?
Case sovle-ed.
Its a showa shock right? How many shocks you figure showa made? How often does this happen?
Case sovle-ed.
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