Marzocchi rear shock worth rebuilding?

Fulvia-hf

Hello forum members. I have a 1989 monoposto strada which has hardly been used. 14.000Kms in 30 years. All fuel lines are crunchy and so are other rubber parts. I assume the rear shock has suffered too as it feels most gas has escaped during the years. Is this shock worth rebuilding (costs are aprox 200euro) or will it never be a great shock absorber and is it wiser to start a search for a used Ohlins and have that rebuild? I will keep the M1-R and will leave this fork 'stockish' changing only springs, seals and oil wgt.
I read somewhere that riding old motorcycles which are not perfect are part of the charm. So upgrading to get them in the league of modern motorcycles is a waste of time as a better steering Ducati can be had for less than the price of uprated 851 components. If this is true the Marzocchi might be just perfect for the job...I tend to agree but have fallen for the 'Old stuff can be as good or better than new stuff modification trend' many times.

Cheers,
William

brad black

i had my duo shock done locally recently by a specialist who makes stuff work as required. he said the shims are an unusual diameter and he had to adapt some other parts to fit. but it seems nice.

Fulvia-hf

Thanks Brad,
I have discovered the original monoseat Marzocchi isn't such a bad quality unit at all. It is just that Ohlins has the quality name and that's why anyone wants one. I heard also that some Ohlins shocks are showa design inside. Not confirmed however.

I have decided to get my Marzocchi rebuild and slightly improved during the rebuild with low friction seals and better oil.

This means the only improvements over stock will be the 2019 tyres, magnesium rims, cast iron full floaters, Mosfet VR, Lithium Ion battery and the improved fueling Emprom together with the Verlicchi reverse cone mufflers. Enough I think.

Cheers,

William