Has anyone had to replace the small shock that lifts the seat to get to the underseat compartment? Mine no longer holds the seat up and it's a pain. Thanks Dan

Seat Strut:

http://www.silverwing600.com/silver-wing-accessories-modifications-f5/stronger-seat-strut-replacement-t2058.htm#17889

ridr44,

What year is your bike? Ours are 2005's and the strut is holding up well.

We typically leave them fully open in our garage when parked.

I have an 02, and i only have it 1.5 years and it never worked..

I had an 02 previously from new and I thought the lifting shock was always rather weak

If the seat is stock---then shock is done. Get new one from Honda or piece of wood.If seat is not stock and or heavy backrest installed you probably have exceeded stock design capability....and shock cannot support extra weight.


John Grinsel

Well the link I provide to a post Bill made for a replacement Seat Strut will work just fine for a replacement or for a heavy seat:

http://www.silverwing600.com/silver-wing-accessories-modifications-f5/stronger-seat-strut-replacement-t2058.htm#17889

John is right a stick will work just fine or use the measurements Bill provides in the post to find another replacement.

I also have a 2002 when I added the Back rest Extension the piston would not hold the seat up I replaced it with a new stock piston works fine now I also keep it open when in the garage
http://www.cheapcycleparts.com/products/357176-honda-83590-mct-003-hard-parts-damper-opener

I have an acquaintance that rides a 400cc Suzuki Burgman. He was annoyed at the under seat shock and removed it entirely and took an old broom handle and cut it to length so as to make a prop rod to hold the seat up when needed. Last I talked to him, he was very satisfied with this option because it solved the problem of the bad shock, solved the problem of having to duck under the seat to get in there and also was very cost effective.

I'm not saying this idea is for everyone, but it certainly made him happy.

I'm about to buy a 2006 Silverwing with a bad seat lifter... and I was told to make sure the seat was closed and latched all the way because otherwise the light will stay on and drain the battery....

I think I will get a heavy duty office paperclip or similar clamp and stick it on the silver part of the piston when I need it to stay up.

LOL, I had that in the back of my mind. or put it on a manual switch in case I need it at night.

As mentioned, many folks have had some issue with the damper giving out, or being weak. You can fix it by going the stick/prop route, the heavy duty replacement route (mentioned early in the thread) or just by a replacement damper. The OEM part is about $28.

http://www.ronayers.com/Search/N/687/PartNumber/83590-MCT-003/Source/HO

Good luck!

I took out the bulb and use something similar to this:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Rolson-Tools-60702-Magnetic-Lamp/dp/B001B4PINI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1289999537&sr=8-1

Mine has just three big bulbs - when I need it I stick it on the metal plate which is part of the Utopia Backrest.
Works a treat!

I also made a removeable prop out of two different diameter aluminium tubes and a length of bungee-cord so it's sort-of telescopic - it works a treat, too!

Or you can superglue the strut and use it as a prop

Thank you to all. I have detached the strut and I am going with the piece of wood, and I truly love it. It is a great improvement to be able to open the seat all the way without having to bend my head to see inside. I recommend it to everyone. Actually the strut was a poor design by Honda. But as usual...you guys are great and I really appreciate all your advice!! dan