Do shocks have air in them?

[Gazz]

Maybe a stupid question, but I have given this some thought and I was wondering if you have air inside shocks as well as oil.

The reason that I ask, is because my Honda Deauville has too much travel when you brake heavily or go over bumps and is bottoming out.

There are no signs of any leaks, so I would wondering if some air has leaked and this could be the reason for that?

Any other theories I would appreciate hearing about.

Thanks

[DrDonnyBrago]

My CBR600f shock has a compressed nitrogen reservoir.

No idea if your bike does.


EDIT: Why is the shock bottoming out under braking? Do you mean forks?

[Pete.]

Yes, the air gap is a part of fork setup. Some forks were actually pressurized - I've had three bikes that were - all 1980's bikes. Fournales made forks/shocks that used air as the spring.
____________________
a.k.a 'Geri'

132.9mph off and walked away. Gear is good, gear is good, gear is very very good

[Gazz]

Yes, I meant forks.

[arry]

Sounds like you need to renew the fork oil

[Gazz]

[YBR Ric]

When changing the oil it might be worth checking your springs to see if they're within serviceable limits.