I just picked up a 1998 748 Showa rear shock on eBay for a song.  From what I've read in other threads, it seems at the very least I need to pick up a 10.0 spring for my weight (190 fully geared).  Does anyone have a reccomendation for a spring, or better yet, a part number?

I've watched a few videos on replacing a shock spring, and it looks straight forward enough.  Will I be alright replacing just the spring and putting off a complete rebuild until later down the road?  Is there a standard check I can carry out on the shock to make sure it is in working order?   

I'd at least change the oil in it.  Shocks don't hold a ton of oil and it breaks down over time.  Any decent moto shop should be able to change oil in the shock - probably ~$100.

I'm the same weight, and was spec'd the 10.0 (newtons/mm I think) spring as well.  It's an Ohlins and the number on the side of it is: 1092-36/105 L0511

  My shock is a 749R Showa going on a s2r1k

Ah, thanks guys.  If it's going to be 100 to just change the oil, I feel like the better idea might be sending it to GP.  They will change the oil, refill the nitrogen, and put new seals on for ~190.

GR, thanks for the part number.  Starting to think just sending it in and getting a nice refreshed shock with new spring for 300 is the way to go.

That makes sense (FWIW you'll always get a nitrogen refill with an oil change - hard to change that oil when its under pressure  ). Nitrogen is cheap and simple - its basically fancy air - many cage dealers use it to fill tires and stuff now.