Quick rear shock question

[chris___]

I'm looking at used bikes at the moment and just wanted some advice on what to look at on the rear shock.
If the spring has lost its colour and slightly rusted but the rest of the shock looks OK, is the shock going to be OK? Basically I looked at a bike the other day and the shock looked like this but I'm guessing its just because the bike has been used in winter etc.
Cheers
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Yamaha rxs100 > Kawasaki ZZR600 > Kawasaki ZX6R > Honda Hornet 600 > Honda Bros 400 > Suzuki SV650S K2
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[sharky91]

the state of the spring paint is neither here nor there (although it may give more of an indication about how the previous owner looked after the bike)

you need to find out if the shock still has its damping
bounce the rear of the bike - if it feels like it bounces back without resistance that may give an idea of a knackard shock

also, what bike, how old and how many miles may also give an indication

most modern shocks are re-buildable for not too much money

[chris___]

Cheers for that mate
____________________
Yamaha rxs100 > Kawasaki ZZR600 > Kawasaki ZX6R > Honda Hornet 600 > Honda Bros 400 > Suzuki SV650S K2
Bikepics page