My right rear shock seems to be bad and I have been searching for a new one. I used the search feature on this site and all the links I come up with are a couple years old and most of the links are bad or don't work.

I found some here:
http://www.cheapcycleparts.com/model_years/1067-honda-2002-silver-wing-fsc600/assemblies/15374
But I was wondering if there were better ones or if the stock ones were adequate? There seems to have been a discussion long ago about shocks but nothing recent that looks relevant.

Hints or tips?

I seem to remember that the only possible aftermarket shocks were Ohlins out of Europe, and they were VERY expensive. Maybe PM Dan (dspevack) as he's up on the latest mods.

There is Hagon in the UK. They do a small range, Some are cheap and some are rather fancy nitro ones.

bits4motorbikes in the uk stocks them. I tried to post a link, but got an error because I'm a new member.

I've got Ohlins on mine - well worth the expense but standard ones are probably only available from Honda stealers.

Cheers,

I believe honda-silver also mentioned these folks and they are less expensive than Ohlins while still providing excellent performance.

http://www.wilbers.de/en/scooterpirate.php

Good shock absorbers are very expensive judging by other forums (fora?). I suspect that the 'Wing ones are made to a price like most everyday bikes and that up-grading will be a pricey thing, also choice will be limited due to low numbers of Swings out there.
Has the OP thought about having the shock re-built by a specialist, if it's possible ??

I got a spare used rear shock $30 plus shipping if intersted

Tankyuong: Thanks for the offer. I'd like to take you up on that. I sent you a PM.

I have an "I am curious" question.

How did you know (what symptoms) that one shock was "bad"? What does the bike exhibit that shows you this? Thanks...billc.

Bill:

I was at a rally last week and it rained on the final day. While loading up my bike in the back of the truck using my metal ramps I laid it over in the back of the truck and the weight of the bike fell against the muffler which in turn ever so slightly bent the shock. It was so slight that I didn't even notice the damage at the time. When I rode it to work on Tuesday it felt a lot bumpier. Every little bump in the road jostled me around a lot more than usual. It was after this that I inspected the shocks and discovered that it was sticking in the down position and when I raised it I was able to see that it was bent.

Hope that explains it well enough.

I have actually straightened out slightly bent shocks. Many moons ago I had a CB550, and someone knocked it over in a parking lot. When I rode it later, I had the exact same symptoms... felt like there were no springs on the back. I took a shock off the bike, and rolled it on a table. it was pretty easy to see the bend doing that. Mark the 'high spot' with something, and then place the shock with the high side up, supported at both ends but not in the middle. Give the high spot a rap with something relatively soft (like a wood block), lightly at first. Roll the shock and inspect. If no change, use more force. Repeat until it is straight. It really did not take much force to get it straight, and I rode the bike for many more miles with no problems. Since the shock is already damaged, you really don't have anything to lose. Good luck if you decide to try it.

That was a great explanation of the damaged shock. I just couldn't imagine what it "felt" like when riding or pushing down on the back of the bike that would have indicated damage...but you have explained it and I thank you for that. I will keep that in mind if I ever feel excessive bumpiness in mine. billc.

Thanks Gary, I'll look into that.

Gary,

THANKS a bunch. That worked like a charm. Took me an hour to get into the thing to get the shock off, but once I did it came off and straightened up enough to work properly. I really appreciate the idea.

Tankyuong:

I still want that shock for backup purposes, but I don't think I'm gonna come pick it up this weekend. Thanks for your consideration.