XT600E rear shock failure?
 

Info:

About to leave for a 40 day 8000 mile trip from Kazakhstan back to the UK, time is tight and ant really afford massive breakdown delays. We will be doing the Pamir Highway and other rough stuff. I'm 80kg, riding buddy about 100kg and we are probably loaded with 15kg of stuff + fuel (max 24 and 22 L respectively).

Question:

Has anyone ever failed a rear shock and should we take the useable used spare we have (4-5kg)? Both bikes are running standard shocks of unknown quality, they look and feel ok and the plunger isn't rusted at all. If the damping were to fail, has anyone experience with the rubber and duct tape trick?

Thanks.

I wouldn't worry, they're as tough as the rest of the bike.

The xt I took to Mongolia last year didnt fail and I had more loaded on it that that, also It had already been to mongolia and back via kazakhstan the year before with another rider too.

Wouldnt worry mate.

Thanks chaps. I've shouted "I told you so" at my buddy and refused to carry it. It's now consigned to the garage, where it shall remain.