Shock Rebuild

ViperVixen

ViperVixen

New member
Joined
Jan 11, 2006
Messages
16
How does one know if the shocks can be rebuild or NOT?

I was told it's approx $380 to replace one of my front shocks. To be honest, I didn't notice any visable damage to the shock nor a difference in the ride after a minor mishap mid-season. The dealer recently replaced the hyfax/carbides then pointed out that the shock needs to be replaced (it's slightly bent, not leaking oil). I hoping that it could be rebuild since cash flow is tight this season. Anyone in central wisconsin rebuild shocks? Otherwise, would non-yamaha one be cheaper?

I own a 02 SXViperER and took advantage of the upgrade shock package offered by Yamaha for first time viper owners (ride was very stiff with the original shocks, what a difference the new ones made)! I want to maintain the same riding comfort that I'm used to since upgrade.

Forgive this chick is not mechanically incline, she just wants to ride her machine!

Thanks,
VV (new to TY, referred by snowtracks.com member)
 
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Those shocks are rebuildable. Give a call to max perf, pioneer Performance, or B-Line traction control. One of them will be able to fix it. Maxdlx
 
Ifyou send bothfronts in, they cn be vvled for your riding style and weight. Way better value then. Maxdlx
 
Call Bruce at B-Line Control (651)257-0828. He can repair your shock most likely for about $50-80. If you want, send him all your shocks and he can rebuild and revalve all of them to your sled, sled mods, weight and riding style. I had him do all my viper shocks and absolutely love the ride and handling I got out of it.
Mills
 
Are stock Yamaha shocks rebuildable? Just received a phone call from guy friend who stated the shocks are sealed and can't be rebuild or revalved. He briefly took a look at my shock "as is" on sled (agree it's slightly bent, therefore will only compress partially). He spoke with a Yamaha dealer, who stated that type of shock isn't rebuildable (actually stated that none of stock ones are rebuildable unless have the piggy-back option). It might be a dealer who just wants to make a sale, unknowledgeable staff, or pure fact?

Again I have the 02 viper shocks. If anyone recalls, the first year viper models had really stiff shocks...totally BRUTAL on my body (never had issues with my prior sleds)! So Yamaha offered viper owners an updated shock package valued at $1200 for ONLY $300. I took advantage of this deal and what a difference in ride! These aren't aftermarket shocks still Yamaha, might be the ones used on 03 models....not sure?!
By the way, there is an auction on Ebay for 02 Viper original front shocks...current bid is $102. Great price...I'm just afraid of going back to the STIFF ride experience early in the 02/03 season. I would still have the updated back shock, so maybe it wouldn't be that bad?!


Just curious on your opinions...my preference is to rebuild (if possible). I will call B-Line tomorrow, First have to replace my cell phone due to puppy thinking it was a toy LOL

:rocks:

One last note...I'm happy to be a new member of this site. Everyone has been so helpful :-) THANK YOU! Also check out snowtracks.com....I've become friends with several members on that site!
 
Vixen, do your shocks look like the ones on ebay. Do they look to be aluminum, or gray in color. If they do they are rebuildable. If you want emailme a pic of yours and I can tell you if they are rebuildable. Maxdlx
 
Maxdlx,
Wishing I could head out to the garage and take a quick pic of the shock....I took it over to a friend's house and he's up-north snowmobiling (THE BUM J/K) - I can post pics on Monday!

I recall that the updated shocks on my sled are aluminum and look similar to the ones on Ebay. I prefer not to buy those -- too stiff! Sounds like a REBUILD is looking possible....Vixen is starting to smile!

:WayCool:

It was a TotallySkidoo guy who gave me the information today that yamaha shocks are not rebuildable. That's why I needed to join this site!
 
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Just spoke with Bruce from B-Line Controls. He was very helpful and informative about the reasons/process of rebuilding and revalving shocks. As stated from members on this site my shocks are rebuildable....the dealers don't offer this hence the statement made to me yesterday that it can't be done! Found out that the $300 upgraded shock package offered in 2003 to owners who purchased 1st year viper models, were the same shocks as the originals except the ones in the package had been revalved to be less stiff. Very smart and cost effective on yamaha's behalf!

Typically all stock shocks are set-up for the average male weight, which is 160 - 170. The shocks should be revalved to fit your weight and riding style. You don't want it too stiff...so that it's hard on your sled and body -- nor too soft that it bottoms out! I'm only 110 - most women never have this service done and would greatly benefit given the lower average weight factor.

Rebuilding the shocks should be done as typical maintenance on the sled every season (the oil needs to be changed....just as the oil in your car or lawn mower). I average 2K miles per year, therefore; my shocks have been greatly neglected!

After speaking with Bruce, he'll fix my left front shock then rebuild and revalve ALL shocks. End result it will be cheaper than replacing the one damage shock via the dealer. Plus I'll benefit overall in my riding experience.

Thank you to those members who referred me to B-Line Controls (651)257-0828!

VV
 
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110 lbs, wow my left leg weighs 110 lbs. LOL You will be happy with Bruce's work. He redid my ohlins rear shocks, and they where spot on no adj needed. Maxdlx
 
Speed demon vixen would win ALL races then LOL!!!!!

Very cool, can't wait to feel the difference when I finally get my sled up north. Thanks for your input Maxdlx :-)
 
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