(15-03-13, 10:45 AM)Gnasher link Wrote: They were crap when new so there still be crap refurbed and I use that word with caution, these shocks are NOT designed to be rebuilt anything done will be a dodge.
You can pick up a White Power (WP) for a little over £100 at the low end up to £160 top end they can be totally ie you will get as good as new once rebuilt. Not only that you can customise them to suit your weight and riding style for a bit more you can get an Ohlin's but in my opinion your paying for the name and there not any better then WP.
Of course there are many others all will be better than standard.
Don't agree with you there.
You're right that an aftermarket shock is likely a lot better than the oem shock. Trouble is most high quality aftermarket shocks start at over £300. The basic Ohlins is almost £500. 2nd hand units seem only to appear once in a blue moon. If you can share where you can find WP shocks for the Fazer (new or used) for between £100 & £160 that'd be great... and a revelation to me to be honest.
There are some that go for less (e.g. Betor, YSS, Hagon) but these units are usually more basic and still cost £200 +. For somebody who doesn't want to shell out that amount of dosh, a refurb is not a bad option.
As for the OEM shock being crap brand new I'm not sure, for a lot people who are in the right weight bracket I reckon it'd be pretty decent. A refurbed shock combined with new fork springs & service and maybe new linkage bearings if they're shot, you're likely to notice a big difference.
In my mind there is nothing dodge with refurbishing FZS600 shocks. Lots of reputable companies can do it and it's easy to do - and a standard refurb should involve pretty much everthing a refurb of a WP would involve. New oil, gas, seals and if necessary a new rod. If spring rate's an issue, last time I checked Falcon did some springs that seemed suitable for under £30.