Can a shock go bad from sitting too long?

[SweetT]

I am needing to replace the rear shock on my K75 as it has WAY too many miles on it. I am putting myself through grad school so I cant really afford the $400+ that a new works or progressive shock costs.

On IBMWR I occasionally see people selling used low milage rear shocks off of older K bikes that have been sitting for the past several years. My question is can a shock wear out just from sitting unused?

Thanks!

[deilenberger]

I am needing to replace the rear shock on my K75 as it has WAY too many miles on it. I am putting myself through grad school so I cant really afford the $400+ that a new works or progressive shock costs.

On IBMWR I occasionally see people selling used low milage rear shocks off of older K bikes that have been sitting for the past several years. My question is can a shock wear out just from sitting unused?

Thanks!

They may not go bad from just sitting, but they may go bad WHILE just sitting unused. The stock K bike shock is supposed to be a gas charged shock, and if the gas leaks out, it's not going to work correctly.

To check one - take the spring off - the shock should extend itself without a spring. It also should be difficult to compress and less difficult to extend by hand.

BTW - paying more than about $30 for a used one is just plain silly - there are way too many of these laying around unused for there to be any real market for them. I'd suggest posting in the IBMWR marketplace - under K bike, parts wanted. I've gotten them given to me for free (too good for people to throw out and too worthless to sell..)

Best,