Vintage Dirt Bike Q & A

I see fox air shocks go for top dollar on ebay and local vintage classifieds somewhat often. These always say "need rebuild". So by the time i purchase and have them rebuilt, i am most likely the same price as a new set of works shocks. Other than the nastalgic(sp?) reasons, why would one go out of his way to run fox airs over a new set of works? I once saw a guy finish a moto on a set of blown fox airs, i wasnt pretty, i think springs are a good thing.

The honest answer is because they work well enough and look the part. If you need to change the spring rate you just use an air pump which is hell of a lot cheaper than popping for a new spring. I believe internally the damping is controlled by standard carb jets. BTW it's rare to blow both the high pressure bladder and the seal so in a pinch you go for an average pressure in whichever chamber is working OK and holding air. But technology-wise the air plus coil spring approach won out and those with deep pockets should go for a set of Ohlins. If you buy a set of second-hand shocks it's false economy not to factor in the chance of a re-spring, re-valve and re-build. It's very easy to pay as much as new shock like Works Performance.

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Michael Stiles
1979 Honda CR250R Elsinore | 2006 Husqvarna SM510R | 2007 Service Honda CR500R-AF

I have raced with fox air shocks back in the day and they are vastly better than the stock offerings,however with the price of old fox air shocks on e-bay and prices for rebuild kits /shafts, etc, You are much better off purchasing a set off ohlins piggyback shocks from VMX racing I have used both and the ohlins definitely out perform the fox shocks. I believe they are $750 ,which is not cheap but you know what you are getting.The only problem is they work so well the short coming of the stock forks is much more apparent. Try 83/83 250-480 forks
JR #84