How to check/tell if shocks are bad/good?

[Kiwirider]

Hi all.
Ive browsed through the suspension pages looking for info on shocks, to no avail.
Does anyone have any info or recommendations on how to check if your shocks are in good condition? I have an 08 Mastiff and have the swing arm off to change the bearings. So I thought Id do a check on the shocks, but have no idea what they should feel like or how to check them.
I'm not fussed on how they feel, but I want to know they are working so the Mrs is cumfy when she's on the back. Happy wife, happy........ :up:

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Ride safe.

 

[KaptinAmerika]

The easiest way to tell is when they are installed.
When you bounce gently against the seat you should get a about 1 to 1-1/2" of rebound.

 

[8ball]

they are rated at a certain poundage and to tell you the truth where it's rated you shouldn't be able to pull the shaft out on one when it's removed from the bike. If you can by hand they will want to interview you for the next Hulk movie.

 

[Kiwirider]

Ok that's good. I had the swing arm off and was trying to figure if I should pull them off too. The swing arm bearings were fairly well seized, so hopefully replacing them will free the end up a little. If not, I couple Shiny Works shocks might be in order. I'm not too fussed about it, but when the Mrs is on the back she can really feel it, even with a new gel seat (looking into finding a bucket type seat for her next, instead if the flat slider she has now).
Thanks gents.