Shock tube/sock

[Caffs]

Considering getting a "shock sock/tube" R&G but its neoprene, has anyone fitted one or had experience of one before I take the plunge.

[Brockett]

It's the sort of thing I would fit if only I had not been warned that if dampness got in there it would stay in and cause rot. So I would welcome other owners experience of these things

[kwackboy]

Yes, a neoprene sock can keep shite in and also cause overheating ...

[graingerblaze]

I have used a shock sock on all my bikes for the last 20 years, never had trapped moisture or corrosion issues.

I always use a velcro sock for the simple reason that it keeps the shock looking like new! I remove it once a year to check the shock, clean and lube if needed then stick it back on. Dirt doesn't get in there and the shocks always look great, would highly recommend one.

[Caffs]

Any problems with heat considering the proximity of the exhaust?

[graingerblaze]

Never! As you say the rear shock is very close to the exhaust but I have never had any issues with it getting hot or damaged because of its proximity. I have attached a photo below, I have had this velcro sock for about 15 years on various bikes and the its been fitted to my DL650 for the last 3 years with no sign of wear or tear or heat damage.

[graingerblaze]

If you want really close to the exhaust, this is the same sock fitted to my old BMW R1100S 10 years ago. This was virtually touching, and yet still no damage or heat issues.

[Rixington43]

Yeah but preventing heat damage by never riding the bike is cheating, I mean how bloody clean is that thing ;)

[graingerblaze]

Yes I know, I did spend far too many hours back then cleaning my bikes. I had done over 30k on that bike when I took that photo, but I probably spent as much time cleaning it as I did riding it. Hence after the spline shaft went (costing my over £2k) I moved over to Japanese bikes and spent more time riding than cleaning.

My OCD is better now I promise 

[Rixington43]

Fear not, you're in good company. My bike is as much a tinkering hobby as a riding hobby, considerably more so this past year

[graingerblaze]

I take a more 'clean to protect' approach now, rather than polishing it to showroom standard. I still clean as I like a smart bike, but I tend to cover areas that are likely to see road grit etc. where I can.

I rebuilt the front forks last year and in doing so I never realised how pitted the stanchions can get. After I cleaned them up in a lathe and reassembled, I fitted Velcro neoprene socks to protect them. I bought some slightly too short so too stop them riding up I have tapped the top... will look to get longer ones at some point but these should negate me cleaning them up again.

[Mr Nick]

You turned down the o.d. of your stanchions to get rid of pitting?

[graingerblaze]

Skimmed would be the word, a few microns is all it took and some of polish. They came up like new and no issue with seal leakage as I barely touched them. 

[clutchspring]

When people have mentioned about damage through heat there not necessarily taiking about damage from the exhaust , I was lead to believe that putting a sock on a shock absorber can make it over heat as your probably aware the shock contains oil / gas & gets warm when in use !.

Ian.

[Rixington43]

I've always been of the view that, any device designed to be sold globally, is unlikely to overheat in Yorkshire

You're right of course, dampers will generate heat during use, I'd be surprised if general road riding would create an issue though even with a shock sock. Certainly something that could be fitted for winter riding and then removed for the summer though I guess.

[graingerblaze]

Good point... not noticed any damage to the shock or its function to date. I suppose if the sock was air-tight then perhaps, can't say either way as my sock is fabric and although does a great job of keeping dirt out, I don't think it limits air flow that much. Plus when the shock is working, the rear wheel will be making a fair bit of wind in that area which may help dissipate the heat... maybe.

[fitzee]

I have 6" neoprene Shok Sox mounted on my forks.  I like to think they protect the finish of the forks from flying rocks and bugs etc. which in turn helps prevent seals leaking.
I found that if I did them up tight they would eventually ride up and leave a section of tube exposed at the bottom.  I now do them up very loosely so they can ride up and down while resting on their lower ends.  Keeps the tube nice and shiny and clean....the loose fit also prevents moisture from building up.  Seems to work.

[RoadWarrior1978]

+1 for shock socks,  been using them for years without issue.