Is it worth replacing a rusty shock?

[ginny]

Simple question- The rear shock on my 2001 hornet looks to be slightly rusted. I don't think the actual metal spring is rusted through, more that the red plastic-y coating has degraded in places- and rust is showing through

They are selling for £60- odd delivered on the bay from the EU...
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/AMMORTIZZATORE-POSTERIORE-PER-HONDA-HORNET-99-06-/261124011698?_trksid=p5197.m1992&_trkparms=aid%3D111000%26algo%3DREC.CURRENT%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D14%26meid%3D3552620945000219389%26pid%3D100015%26prg%3D1006%26rk%3D3%26sd%3D180269426784%26

Any opinions? Im slowly trying to make it look a bit tidier and the spring is pretty unattractive. also want to keep value of bike from deteriorating too much. If its only aesthetic damage I can just put a sock thing/fabric/neoprene around it.

Also.... if I were to swap this out, I might be looking at possibly taking the swingarm off, to sand it down (it has a 5 inch gouge, approx 2 mm deep on each arm- not sure how that happened) and paint it black (along with possibly downpipes if I can remove them in the future). Anyone got experience removing the swing arm/shock, this is a step up from what have so far only been basic maintenance tasks/ chain and sprocket fitting. Understand it involves removing footpegs and supporting the bike somehow etc which is a bit daunting!

Any thoughts about any changes appreciated.

[Fizzer Thou]

If your bike has a centre stand there should be no problem with removing the swing arm and shock/linkage.This is an area on the bike that does suffer from neglect and is best done to prevent things like seized bearings,which only causes a higher price when it comes to replacing worn items.A tub of bearing grease is nothing compared to the price of new parts.

Concerning the rust on the shock spring,a friend recently brought his shock over to my workshop and,after removing the spring,he had it shot blasted and plastic coated.Once refitted to the cleaned shock it looks like it is brand new.And all for £10.

As for painting the swing arm,if you are going to replace the bearings it is a good idea to remove the old ones before rubbing it down to remove any blemishes.Then have it stove enamelled.I find this a far better finish than plastic coating.
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