Replacing rear shock on my Falco

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NeverNeutral · #1 Post by **NeverNeutral** » Thu Jun 29, 2017 11:19 am

I wonder if I can get a second opinion? I've read up on the advice guidance on this forum and on ApriliaForum regarding rear shock replacement. I'm going to get rid of the original Falco shock - the adjusters have seized and also the stop bumper at the bottom of the shock has crumbled under my 15stone weight!! I've found this shock for sale for £69, which looks cosmetically a little crusty - what do you think?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Aprilia-RSV-M ... 1438.l2649

The other option would be to spend a bit more on one for about £50 more that looks in better condition. In either case I am going to get it serviced and a new spring put on for my weight, so not sure if it makes any difference - especially as the cheaper one includes the dogbone and link plates... I'm tempted by the cheaper shock...

What do you guys reckon?

P.S> There is an excellent condition one in the US but $70 shipping to the UK is a little much!

#2 Post by **mangocrazy** » Thu Jun 29, 2017 4:13 pm

When buying shocks secondhand it's always wise to budget for a service, no matter what the seller says about condition. That's a good price for a yellow spring Sachs, and the fact that it comes with linkages just makes it better value. I'd jump on it, if I were in your shoes. Even if you spend £90 on a service, you've still got a shock and linkages for £150.

NeverNeutral · #3 Post by **NeverNeutral** » Thu Jun 29, 2017 5:17 pm

Thanks Mango, Appreciate the advice! I went for it - I would kick myself if I lost it, and it does say good usable condition. Local bike shop in Reading (Baltech) do shock rebuilds so with any luck I'll be on a smooth riding Falco within a couple of weeks :)

fatboy · #4 Post by **fatboy** » Thu Jun 29, 2017 6:18 pm

Good move that man, don't forget to give the linkage bearings and seals a little look see.
The lower two suffer from rain and road shit ingress

NeverNeutral · #5 Post by **NeverNeutral** » Thu Jun 29, 2017 7:05 pm

If the needle bearings in the dogbone are rusted, am I better to replace?

blinkey501 · #6 Post by **blinkey501** » Fri Jun 30, 2017 7:31 am

NeverNeutral wrote:If the needle bearings in the dogbone are rusted, am I better to replace?

#7 Post by **mangocrazy** » Fri Jun 30, 2017 8:05 am

NeverNeutral wrote:Thanks Mango, Appreciate the advice! I went for it - I would kick myself if I lost it, and it does say good usable condition. Local bike shop in Reading (Baltech) do shock rebuilds so with any luck I'll be on a smooth riding Falco within a couple of weeks :)

Excellent. Don't really see how you could go wrong at that price.

Karmakanik · #8 Post by **Karmakanik** » Fri Jun 30, 2017 11:10 am

mangocrazy wrote:When buying shocks secondhand it's always wise to budget for a service, no matter what the seller says about condition.

Bugger, does that include the "just been serviced" one you sold me???

NeverNeutral · #9 Post by **NeverNeutral** » Fri Jun 30, 2017 2:33 pm

Karmakanik wrote:
mangocrazy wrote:When buying shocks secondhand it's always wise to budget for a service, no matter what the seller says about condition.
Bugger, does that include the "just been serviced" one you sold me???

#10 Post by **mangocrazy** » Fri Jun 30, 2017 4:11 pm

Karmakanik wrote:
mangocrazy wrote:When buying shocks secondhand it's always wise to budget for a service, no matter what the seller says about condition.
Bugger, does that include the "just been serviced" one you sold me???

Hah! What was that quote from Shakespeare - 'hoist on your own petard' ...

I was of course talking about untrustworthy ebay sellers there, not reliable, honest pillars of the community such as myself. Ahem...

fatboy · #11 Post by **fatboy** » Fri Jun 30, 2017 6:22 pm

NeverNeutral wrote:If the needle bearings in the dogbone are rusted, am I better to replace?

YES, they are rusted so will never be smooth again, suppliers can be found using the search option.
Mango put me onto ACF corrosion block waterproof grease which is perfect for such applications, new seals,new bearings, waterproof grease.... good to go