Race sag

[84honda 200X]

Can anyone explain Race Sag or give me the address to the thread that was on here a few months ago? Also if you know how to fix the sag id like to know as I just put new oil and such in my shock but it has a sag to it now and i want to know how to fix it. Also what is a good substitute for Nitrogen in a rear shock? Right now as a temorary fix i just have compressed air.

[84honda 200X]

Can anyone answer me??

[TrikeKid]

you want some sag in your shock. you need to go get it charged with nitrogen again to make it work properly. you use the lock rings on the top of the spring to change sag. tightening them down stiffens it and loosening them softens it.

[84honda 200X]

So i want some sag in my shock. Ok but what does it do?

[Lots_Of_Nothing]

ok, i'm sorry, but your post doesnt make much sence, i'm gonna try and help you here...

SAG on a shock is NOT good, it means it wore out and is not returning to top position, if you want to lower your suspension to the the "flat track" look, theres many things you could do. (will explain if thats what you're going for)

now, did you say you put compressed air in the rear shock!?!, this is NOT a good thing to do, it is made for nitrogen, if it needs to be refilled, take it to a atv shop or some other place of that sort, most places will be able to help you.

[tecatecrazy]

actually there is a formula to calclate race sag. yes, shocks do sag. the only timeyour shock should be fully extended is when your wheels are off of the ground. dont ask me what the formula is 'cause I dont remeber but it is a percentage of total suspension travel. if you ask the same question on .org, there is a fellow there that will surely answer this question completely for you.

[TrikeKid]

the sag affects the handling. more sag will make the trike turn slower and be more stable at high speeds. less sag will make the trike turn in quicker and be less stable at high speeds.

[84honda 200X]

Ok i get what your sayin now. The reason i have just compressed air in it is because im lookin for someplace that will put nitrogen in it. Its only a temporary fix.

[tecatecrazy]

I didnt ever see the part where you put compressed air in. lots_of_nothing is correct, that is a real bad idea unless you want to totally ruin your shock. compressed air has moisture in it, which can cause damaging corrosion inside your shock. you should completely empty that thing out and have it professionally refilled including new fluid.

[84honda 200X]

K ive been callin aroudn and no luck so far but im still tryin.

[cliff2302]

try a welding supply shop. They have all gasses at hand, and will most likely do small jobs. My father is a salesman at a supply shop, and i have him fill my shocks. It should cost you much at all. Good luck

[84honda 200X]

What about muffler shops they have to do alot of welding do you think they would have nitrogen?

[buschlightcans]

Most cycle shops should be able to do that for you. If not, they all have a place they send their shocks to get rebuilt. Maybe they'll give you that info.

[TimSr]

Sag is how far your suspension compresses when sitting in place. It is not adjusted to lower or raise a machine, or to affect its handling. It is to get maximum benefit from your suspension. 8" of travel is of little benefit, if you sit on the machine and it sags 6" before youve begun to ride it. The idea is to set everything as soft as possible, still being able to use as much travel as possible, without bottoming frequently. It is a setup adjustment done with spring stiffness and preload. It has nothing to do with your shock being worn, or needing serviced. The actual shock inside of your spring only regulates the speed at which the shock can expand and compress. There is a guideline formula for how much a machine should sag empty, and with the rider on it. Actually adjustment really depends upon use. You want a machine setup a lot lighter for cross country style riding than for MXing, especially supcross style MX tracks. I dont remember the formula, but mine is setup for zero sag without a rider, and probably about 2" when Im on it.

As for shock maintenance, a shock should never be "recharged" without being rebuilt. If your nitrogen is gone, it got out somehow. If some of your oil is gone, it got out somewhere. This means seals need to be replaced, they are cheap. Its the labor that costs. Atmoshpere is about 85% nitrogen. This means nitrogen has no special functioning properties, and is nothing but compressed air minus oxygen, hydrogen, and a handful of other gases that are normally in air. If it has no functional differnces, why do we use it? Hydrogen and oxygen that are in air, form water (H20), and contaminate your oil, and cause it to break down, and to foam. This is why fork oil must be perodically changed, while shocks do not unless something has caused them to see atmosphere or leak. Once youve put air in your shock, the oil is contaminated. It will work fine for a few months, but then the oil will need changed. You can't just let out the air and add nitrogen. Your oil is contaminated and must be changed, and also they are supposed to be put under vacuum to remove any air before the nitrogen is added.
The best you can do is send it out to a place that services shocks. You did not mention what kind of shock it is, and some are not serviceable at all. Some bike shops service shocks. Many send them out.

[84honda 200X]

Its out of a 84 200X. I was told it couldnt be rebuilt but on here people have gotten theirs rebuilt so i dont know if you can or not because ive heard two different explanations on if they can or not.