New to me Steamer. ..???s

[JHB]

Hi just picked up a  1996 tiger  . I think it's been lowered and was wondering how long are the stock dog bones? And are the forks even at the top of the trees when stock?   Thanks Jim

[rf9rider]

Welcome, good choice of bike.
Forks are  flush with top yoke, and the usual way of lowering these is to rotate the rear eccentric adjuster, have a look to see where the rear axle is sitting, should be towards the top if its been lowered.

[JHB]

Thanks for the reply. Axle is still on bottom. the forks are lowered 1 1/2 inches and the bike is still nose high a little .  Jim

[Mustang]

that could be one of two things

1. the shock is shot (more than likely this is it )
the shock probably has no pressure in the external cannister on side of engine

2. The dogbones have been replaced with aftermarket

3. or the shock has been changed with an incorrect spec one (doubtful)

stock 96 tiger dogbones are approximately 7.625 inch  center of hole to center of hole

[JHB]

1. the shock is shot (more than likely this is it )
the shock probably has no pressure in the external cannister on side of engine

Bingo.... Not much pressure.

Do you know what the pressure should be at the canister?   I have the ability to recharge it. May last a while.
Does any one rebuild these?  Thanks Jim

[Mustang]

inside the cannister it is just a rubber bladder , works like air shocks do

put in at least 125 psi

nitrogen is preferred but ................
compressed air works too

[97tiger885]

1. the shock is shot (more than likely this is it )
the shock probably has no pressure in the external cannister on side of engine

Does any one rebuild these?  Thanks Jim

Shocks by Sasquatch.  He has done quite a few for folks here -including me - with good results.

[Mustang]

Highly doubtful you will get an answer from him ...............


Lets just say it could be 10 years or so ........................

[JHB]

Thanks for the help. I see there's a how to post to rebuild your own. Any idea were a guy can get parts ? Thanks Jim

[Mustang]

Its a Kayaba shock on a 96 so start by finding a good dirt bike suspension shop and see if they can rebuild it .

but an alternative would be a Hagon or works shock .

[ned37]

there are companies that make a replacement seal head for about $30.  the steamer kayaba takes a 44/16.
only thing to be careful about is filing the end of the shaft where they peened it over above the retaining nut.  i used medium shock oil on mine and it's just right.