HGBLACKBIRD

I have this same shock. I got it for my 97. (Actually, they make/made two or three different versions....) Mine did pretty much the same thing when it got about 104,000 miles on it. In my case, the "Doughnut/o-ring went south, blocking some of the internal orifices.) I let GMD Computrack do a rebuild on mine. (I got to see the rebuild.) Depending on the date of it's build, Penske has upgraded a few of the internals in it. Also, you should try to find out the total Bike/Rider weight of the Original owner if possible,... and compare that to your total Bike/Rider (Plus any gear), because if there is enough difference, some of the internals/the Spring weight might need to be changed to give you a better ride. Or,... you can just let Penske know your total bike weight with you and any gear/clothing. (The bike should be about 550 Lbs. with a full tank of fuel.) Penske did a pretty good job making these shocks...(Excellent ride quality...) but with time/mileage, they do need the occasional rebuild. Hope this helps.

OOPS! I Posted above/below?... here somewhere on the page.... still learning how to use the forum/reply. Someone here is RIGHT!... This is an EXCELLENT forum with some very knowledgeable/very helpful people! (Over 200,000 miles on my Blackbirds,... almost all GOOD ones!

It can easily reach 230f + at which time I do whatever I can to cool it down. I make... frequent... trips to Tampa (100 miles each way.. ) The ambient air temp is often in the mid 90's. I usually make the trips at 5,000 RPM to no more than 5,500 RPM. Then off the interstate to surface streets for a few miles. When I get down to 15 to 20 MPH, it gets really up there fast. (The bike temp)... To me, going from 180f on the highway to plus 45 or 50 degrees hotter seems like too much of a change in temp. Maybe that is okay, but it seems to be too much of an increase in the Temp to me. So, I need to make sure that the fan IS functioning,... and that the coolant system is fully "Burped".

Thank you for your post. It is the plus... that gives me concern... I do realize the cooling efficiency of pure water (especially with a lower surface tension factor...), but I also want to do a good job of protecting the aluminum internals from any corrosion. (Also, my 97' Bird seems... [no digital read-out...] to run much cooler.) THANKS!

Everything is 100% stock. everything is good/up to specs with the overall cooling system (I am reasonably sure...), but at idle, (Especially after normal riding...) it gets up to 225 degrees Farenhiet way too fast! As far as I know, all of the system is functioning correctly... Is there any.... Clean?,.... simple?,....(Not so simple/easy?...) easy?... fixes to have it run cooler at idle after a ride? Radiator is clean, I have tried Redline Water Wetter, fresh 150.000/Five year quality 50/50 mix Name Brand Antifreeze,.... etc. Any help/suggestions will be greatly appreciated! Even if no-one is able to help, Thanks! P.S. I have both the Factory Honda Service Manual, and the Haynes Service / Repair Manual.