K7 Rear Suspension - No Oil? Pre-Loders Seized ?

[JHR9891]

Hi folks,

So the GSX I have been trying to recomission has probably been off the road stood for over 10 odd years. Bike is a 2007 (red springs? does the colour make a difference to the damping ?) Rear suspension appears to be totally devoid of any damping action, you can compress the rear of the bike with one hand to the bump stops with both shocks fitted.

The rear pre-loaders appear to be jammed solid - how easy should it be to turn those ? Easy enough by I hand I assume?

I am looking at taking apart the shocks and rebuilding them - just the main shock body, not the gas cylinder at the back. Is this possible on these bikes? Is taking apart the main shock body safe ?

If any body has any pictures of the insides/video of them being disassembled it would be appreciated. I've seen the instructions as a sticky but it'd be nice to visually see what we are dealing with in there.

TIA

[GSXKING]

If you feel mechanically sufficiently experienced go ahead & service them.
I personally have had mine serviced twice over 21 years of ownership by a professional.
Both times the shocks have returned to normal.
I've never felt the need to replace them as they do the job they were intended for. IMHO 😁

[JHR9891]

If you feel mechanically sufficiently experienced go ahead & service them.
I personally have had mine serviced twice over 21 years of ownership by a professional.
Both times the shocks have returned to normal.
I've never felt the need to replace them as they do the job they were intended for. IMHO 😁

Mine are absolutely not doing their intended job I'm serviced shock absorbers before. Just not these. I am assuming the nitrogen filled bladder can be serviced/removed/topped up etc and wont cause me too many issues. It'd just be nice to see one in bits before I start ...

[Jeykey]

I´m a mechanically inclined, aircraft technician; thought of doing it myself. But then would have to buy (oem or not) seals, tools for nitrogen recharge,... So handed it to a professional Ohlins dealer. Wasn´t cheap, but came out oem spec.
Maybe this vid can help, the model is Ohlins SU133, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0DjQWDit_5w

[JHR9891]

Thanks for the video Jeykey, that's spot on that is thank you very much.

Helps me visualise it a bit, I'll report back of I get one apart and find all of the bits. Not sure who in the UK would fix them but I am pretty sure the issue I have is the oil seals have blown. If I can find a schrader valve I might be able to check the pressue myself and refil it. Who knows!

[gsxbarmy]

Thanks for the video Jeykey, that's spot on that is thank you very much.

Helps me visualise it a bit, I'll report back of I get one apart and find all of the bits. Not sure who in the UK would fix them but I am pretty sure the issue I have is the oil seals have blown. If I can find a schrader valve I might be able to check the pressue myself and refil it. Who knows!

You'll be lucky finding OEM spares for the rear shocks, they haven't been around for years, so you may have to get it to bits and then research alternates. Only place I know who used to service them and do spares was Maxtons https://www.maxtonsuspension.co.uk/

[grog]

JHR, had mine rebuilt by suspension shop. Work fine for me. Cost $400 which is way cheaper than replacement prices which i find ridiculous. $2026 price listed for Ohlins.Paying for a name.  Thats Aussie prices, no idea where youre located.

[JHR9891]

Hey all, thanks for the replies, I'm in the UK so this might limit my options. But I assume if folks are building them abroad then the parts are available at least.

[beekay]

Hi Mate,

Here's a link to a you tube video which will help you. Unfortunately the commentary is in Russian (I think!) but you'll get the jist of how its done. Hope this helps.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S9rTlGb7Nc8&ab_channel=KorenbGSX

Cheers,

Kev.

[Eric GSX1400K3]

See also the other thread on here by Sam61 and where DDibley has posted a 3d animation link to rebuild these units.

[Fast1400]

Hey there,

My opinion only, if its valuable to you...
I looked at many options, including refurbishment & replacement.
As mine gets ridden quite hard & I expect a lot from the bike (yes I know, not what it's designed for etc, etc), I wanted more adjustability.
Purchased a pair of YSS shocks for around $1100 after months of deliberation, & can assure you they are fantastic!
Not Ohlins or any of the other highbrow brands, but neither is the bike a GSXR or R1...
It has provided me with a lot of adjustability, additional (safely achieved!) ride height (so you don't drag everything through corners), and a far safer and better handling machine that I am very happy with.
Best of luck with whatever you choose.