How do you know shocks need changing?

[Sampi1099]

So i have a 2012 spyder RT Limited with 33k miles on it and i do believe the stock shocks is still on it. So my question is when do you change them? How can you tell when they are all used up?

Thank you

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

So i have a 2012 spyder RT Limited with 33k miles on it and i do believe the stock shocks is still on it. So my question is when do you change them? How can you tell when they are all used up?

Thank you

Generally speaking they leak ..... Mike

[ARtraveler]

Made it to 45K on two Spyders (2011) and (2014). Shocks were still good.

[askitee]

One side rebounds faster than the other
One side compresses less over bumps than the other
Rough roads cause the bike to move around a lot with no distinct pattern.
Nervousness in corners at speed
Sag cant be set to correct level (front or rear)

Its hard - I just took a 202 RTL for a test ride and it felt 'agricultural' compared to my 17 RTL with Wilbers shocks.

[PMK]

For a technical answer, if both shocks have the same amount of miles and calendar time, if gas charged, you remove the springs. Then using a scale, measure the force in lbs, at say 25% shaft compressed. Ideally, they are equal, but a 10% difference would be ok.

And as Mike mentioned, no leaks.

Spyder front shocks have a pretty easy task. They are used on paved surfaces, the wheel travel is not much and the leverage ratio is not aggressive. Those factors make the shocks life very easy.

[Sampi1099]

No leaks detected on them. Thanks for the reply.

[trikermutha]

When your bottoming out all the time and bouncing more maybe a sign its time to replace.

[2dogs]

Yep, when it starts leaking. Kinda the same way you realize the baby needs changing.