Opinions on shock mod

[olpanrider]

Hey everybody. Looking for some feedback. i've been running the small bar type struts for months now, but was wanting something different. I took the stock shocks apart and partially removed the rubber "damper" at the top to give me approximately 9 3/4 inch eye to eye which is about what my struts are. I installed the shock portion only (no springs) on the bike and it gives the appearance of a small diameter shock. Here's my question: do ya think that the weight of the bike and rider will keep the shock piston rigid? I've been trying to think of a scenario where the shock could extend and bend and be a potential safety hazard. The only way it would extend is if the swinging arm dropped down. What yall think? No pics yet. :sweatdrop

[AirportFF]

If I understand you. You're wanting to put the shocks on with no spring? I don't think that will work very well. The shock and spring are made to work together and removing the spring will not allow the rebound of the entire assembly. It definately won't support the weight of rider and bike. If you want to keep the shocks on cut a coil or two off of them.

[olpanrider]

so you don't think that the internal cylinder assembly is structurally sound enough to go rigid by it's self then?....I still want the rigid ride and lowness, just a little beefier look. I don't care much for the flat bar type struts.

[AirportFF]

Why not bring the shock and a strut to a machinist and tell him you want something that looks like the shock but is the same length of the strut only solid?

But no, the shock alone won't work.

[RustyJake]

The piston in a shock is not designed to support weight. It's function is to dampen the action of the spring. Allowing for the spring to function without a yo yo effect. You can kind of get an idea of it with your stock shock. Set the preload to the lightest and sit on your bike. Watch how far it compresses, then set the preload to the stiffest setting. You'll see the bike doesn't drop as far. Take the spring off, it'll compress right down.

[T_Sebastian]

Why not bring the shock and a strut to a machinist and tell him you want something that looks like the shock but is the same length of the strut only solid?

But no, the shock alone won't work.

and if you get them to make it, stick your tounge out at tangled and repeat after me...na na nana na

[AirportFF]

It shouldn't be hard to do. And I think it would look great. My only concern would be the small diameter area that would simulate the shock rod being too thin.

But hell it never hurt to ask a machinist what he would think.....Terry??

[T_Sebastian]

if it were me, what i would do is just run a solid bar strut through the spring, kinda like a lot have already.
I do think that the rod would be too thin if it were the only thing supporting the weight of the bike, but if its gonna be machined, then make it larger in diameter to support the weight.

[Tangledj]

and if you get them to make it, stick your tounge out at tangled and repeat after me...na na nana na
lol to late bro,already being made!!!!! heheheheheeeee,but
as far as running that shock without a coil there are guys doing it all the time.
My coil/shock has no rubber bushing,and absolutely no function.
Pics,and prices on the fake shock coming soon! hheheeee

[Shadowflame]

Ok,, I've done a search, and everyone talks about cutting the rear coil springs, but no one says how to do it. I pulled mine off, but I couldn't figure out how to compress and get off the retaining ring. Any input is appreciated.

[RustyJake]

Ok,, I've done a search, and everyone talks about cutting the rear coil springs, but no one says how to do it. I pulled mine off, but I couldn't figure out how to compress and get off the retaining ring. Any input is appreciated.
There used to be some pics on here I posted of a tool I made. Kind of a Flintstone tool for shock compression

[AirportFF]

There used to be some pics on here I posted of a tool I made. Kind of a Flintstone tool for shock compression

I still have the one I made out in the garage. The thing works great for the few times you would ever need it. A little slow, but works great

[RustyJake]

I'm all about cheap, just ask my wife.........okay, I guess with some parts on the bike I'm not.

[Wild Coyote]

Compresing those damn springs is a pain in the ass!! Once you do what RJ has, it's a lot easier. Then cut about 2 1/2 coils off the top of the springs. Grind it so it's flat on the top, and reassemble. I had my springs powder coated black after they were cut. I love them and the ride is lower, especially when my ass is on the bike.

[barthel]

check out the new billski struts

[AirportFF]

The struts are nice. But cutting the springs is next to free. I cut hers a full coil at a time. It took longer this way but I didn't want to end up with them too short. Ended up with 3 full coils off.

[Free Spirit]

Hey everybody. Looking for some feedback. i've been running the small bar type struts for months now, but was wanting something different. I took the stock shocks apart and partially removed the rubber "damper" at the top to give me approximately 9 3/4 inch eye to eye which is about what my struts are. I installed the shock portion only (no springs) on the bike and it gives the appearance of a small diameter shock. Here's my question: do ya think that the weight of the bike and rider will keep the shock piston rigid? I've been trying to think of a scenario where the shock could extend and bend and be a potential safety hazard. The only way it would extend is if the swinging arm dropped down. What yall think? No pics yet. :sweatdrop

Billski makes an adjustable strut that is cylindrical (like a springless shock)...
http://www.billski182.com/struts.htm

[Mr.Sinister]

That is a very old post. Olpan has a hardtail kit on now. Ardcore choppers makes it and riged frames for our bikes.

[Shadowflame]

Thanks guys for the info. I'll probably be doing this mod today, with two last questions. First, what size hole saw, I'm thinking 2 1/2 inch? Last, how did it affect your ride by cutting these down? I already ride with a preload setting on the third notch, how's this cutting gonna affect all this?
bump

[Shadowflame]

Just wanted to refresh to see if anyone can answer about the preload and the ride quality of cutting springs on stock shocks.

[RustyJake]

I went with progressives, I had to adjust my preload a bit stiffer especially with the bigger back tire. I've also got travel limiters in to keep from bottoming out.
The ride for me isn't bad, and my back isn't the best.

[olpanrider]

my 02 - I'd keep the shocks and try some bar struts. Then ya could swap back if ya didn't like the ride. Seems like shocks are harder to come buy (and just as expensive) than the sturts......IMHO
Just wanted to refresh to see if anyone can answer about the preload and the ride quality of cutting springs on stock shocks.

[Tangledj]

and if you get them to make it, stick your tounge out at tangled and repeat after me...na na nana na

Screw you buddy it took along time but I finally got it done!!!!!hehehhe:thumbsup:

[Tangledj]

LOOK if your worried about the way it rides keep it stock...shit! then it doesnt even ride good.If you want looks.get Billski struts,...OR pay shipping both ways
send me your shocks and I'll cut as many as five coils and a bushing out free of charge.Add 20 bucks and I'll anodize them the color of your bike.
It all comes down to comfort,or look.??...you can ride two up either way!

[RustyJake]

Add 20 bucks and I'll anodize them the color of your bike.

You can do anodizing...........hmmm, we may have to talk next fall!

[croach1]

The struts are nice. But cutting the springs is next to free. I cut hers a full coil at a time. It took longer this way but I didn't want to end up with them too short. Ended up with 3 full coils off.
Airport,

How much do you think it lowered the rear with 3 coils? Also, do you think it would support two up riding with this much removed?

[AirportFF]

Airport,

How much do you think it lowered the rear with 3 coils? Also, do you think it would support two up riding with this much removed?

I forgot to measure before I cut them. So I don't know the difference in height. If anyone still has a stock suspension on their bike, do me a favor and measure from the floor to the upper shock bolt and post it here. I'll get a measurement on hers later.

As for 2 up. Probably too much spring is gone for it. I did take hers out with my son on it last year. It didn't bottom out. But he only weighted about 90 pounds at the time.

I know it would be a pain in the ass. But cut 1 coil at a time and remount them and try it out. Don't forget to grind the cut end flat so the cover fits on it flat.

[croach1]

Thanks. I will do it one at a time. I don't mind spending the time in the garage with the bike anyway.

[croach1]

I am at two coils out right now. I think I am going to ride there for a while to make sure I can still go two up on the bike. I would like to go lower for looks but want the ability to put the passenger on and enjoy a ride.

This is really an easy mod to do once you make the tool for compressing the shock.

[AirportFF]

I am at two coils out right now. I think I am going to ride there for a while to make sure I can still go two up on the bike. I would like to go lower for looks but want the ability to put the passenger on and enjoy a ride.

This is really an easy mod to do once you make the tool for compressing the shock.

I cut the coils with an abrasive wheel on my dremel. Surprisingly it went right through and I only used one wheel per cut, per shock.

[croach1]

That's what I used too. Went real fast.

[ames77us]

Compresing those damn springs is a pain in the ass!! Once you do what RJ has, it's a lot easier. Then cut about 2 1/2 coils off the top of the springs. Grind it so it's flat on the top, and reassemble. I had my springs powder coated black after they were cut. I love them and the ride is lower, especially when my ass is on the bike.

OK Im a little slow here os if you can help me out a bit. What does RJ have and how do I cut the coils off the top of my springs and can I do this to my stock rear shocks that I have now????

[ames77us]

LOOK if your worried about the way it rides keep it stock...shit! then it doesnt even ride good.If you want looks.get Billski struts,...OR pay shipping both ways
send me your shocks and I'll cut as many as five coils and a bushing out free of charge.Add 20 bucks and I'll anodize them the color of your bike.
It all comes down to comfort,or look.??...you can ride two up either way!

What is the bushing you are talking about taking out???

[ames77us]

lol to late bro,already being made!!!!! heheheheheeeee,but
as far as running that shock without a coil there are guys doing it all the time.
My coil/shock has no rubber bushing,and absolutely no function.
Pics,and prices on the fake shock coming soon! hheheeee

Are those the Bilski adjustable struts on your ride bro??:jamming:

[Trg]

Ames, you can make the coil compressor that RJ did or if you have access to a Harbor Freight, you can buy a coil compressor for less then $8. I plan on doing that mod after the seat mod.

[ames77us]

I have actually already done the mod I just used our Hydraulic press at work, but I will have to check out what harbor freight has. Besides Snap-On Harbor is one place I like to get alot of my stuff from.:drink: