Rear shock leaking: replace or repair?

[Lukey]

I noticed some light oil under the bike and traced it to the rear shock.  Local dealer said it needs to be rebuilt or replaced.  What are my options?

1. Someone told me maybe RaceTech in So.Cal is the answer, that they could rebuild the shock.

2. Also wondering what a stock replacement would cost and where's the best place to buy one?

3. Would it make sense to get a used one from a wrecked bike somehow?

4. Should I go nuts and buy an Ohlins or Penske or....?  If so, why, other than just knowing it's "the best".

[CairnsDuc]

What sort of budget do you want to spend?

Repair/Rebuild is roughly about half the cost Replacement (allowing for Aussie pricing, will be different in the USA)

I was going to get a rebuild on my OEM Showa on my S2R 800, but it was limited in what I could have done, So I have ordered an Ohlins to replace it, I am having revalved and resprung to suit my weight, should be a shit load better than the OEM unit.

In my case that is going to cost 3 time what the rebuild/revalve was going to cost, but long term the Ohlins should be better quality and cheaper to have serviced and maintained.

[Lukey]

Well...budget is definitely a consideration.  A rebuild for just a couple hundred dollars (I'm dreaming, I suppose?) would suit me better than $1100 plus tax plus installation for the Ohlins.

Part of the problem is I don't know whether I'm keeping the bike or selling it.  Arg.

But really, anybody with experience, please speak up!  If Ohlins really is amazing, it might be worth it to me.

[Munch]

Look around, you can find used ohlins rears from time to time. I nabbed one for $500.

[Hedgehog]

But really, anybody with experience, please speak up!  If Ohlins really is amazing, it might be worth it to me.

From my own experience, Ohlins is cool, but not amazing.  When you get your shock, it will be tuned for the track, and most likely very harsh on the street.  Rebuild your old one.

[He Man]

is the 04 S4R a sachs or showa unit?

AFAIK S2R800 was a sachs.

you can rebuild a sachs, but get a price quote first. A rebuild at most places only cost ~$150+parts if you bring them the shock. If its damaged to the point where the shock needs replacement parts then see what hte price difference is between that and say a used ohlins, or an ebay replacement stock 04 S4R shock and just drop it in.