The original 2003 rear shock didn't have any damping adjustment only spring preload, so yes the 2009 shock will fit and it will be a improvement over what you have now, it also has a damping adjuster screw so you can set the suspension more to how you like it.
Make sure that the 2009 Olle shock is in good condition, slide the bump stop down so you can check the shaft for any wear or pitting, make sure the seal isn't leaking, check both bearings as these can be expensive to replace and check around the top and bottom of the shock for any damage.
Your other option is to get your original shock serviced, the oil will be 8 years old now so it's going to be well past it's best, we can get this done, if this is of interest to you email me
To be honest I've hardly run the PHBL carburettor since 2002 when I bought my first Keihin PWK 28 Carb, as I found this far superior I've always changed the carb when I get a new bike. On the brief periods of me running the PHBL I've always pretty much run the carb as standard but with a larger pilot jet usually a 33 but on some of the bikes up to a 35. I use BP super unleaded petrol (97 octane) from a large busy petrol station. I have experimented with different needles and I prefer a slightly longer taper to make the mid range slightly richer but leave the top end the same or slightly weaker.
The VHST, I've been using this for the last year or so, I find it offers very similar performance to the Keihin PWK in response, clean running, power and reliability. I have found it requires the float level to be set perfectly.
If you try turning the the clutch basket clockwise it should release the spring from the gears or if not try putting the kick start back on and turn that clockwise, your going to need a new spring http://www.splatshop.co.uk/sherco-kick-starting-spring.html and you need to check both gears that the spring has jammed up in as it will more than likely caused some damage to them both, you might be lucky and get away with it but definitely check them.
The spring will more than likely have come off due to it been incorrectly installed, I'll try and dig out a photo showing the correct position for the shaft and gear.
It's always best to check the oil heights rather than trying to go on the quantity alone.
I have to confess that I don't actually know the oil heights for your bike, that is assuming it is the 2000 Sherco 290 with the older style forks that have the spring on one side and a damper rod on the other. Hopefully somebody here will have the info but if not I'll look into it for you.
In the mean time I'd recommend to keep putting a drop more oil into the right hand leg, the one with the damper, until the fork stops sounding so bad.
Sometimes a full clip position is to much of a change, the washer allows you to alter the height by by half a clip position or if you get some shim washers made you can position the needle exactly where you want it.
The recess probably does help keep the clip on but they are reasonably tight to clip on or off so it won't be a problem unless your needle or clip is very worn.
Sherco Rear Shock
in Sherco
Posted
The original 2003 rear shock didn't have any damping adjustment only spring preload, so yes the 2009 shock will fit and it will be a improvement over what you have now, it also has a damping adjuster screw so you can set the suspension more to how you like it.
Make sure that the 2009 Olle shock is in good condition, slide the bump stop down so you can check the shaft for any wear or pitting, make sure the seal isn't leaking, check both bearings as these can be expensive to replace and check around the top and bottom of the shock for any damage.
Your other option is to get your original shock serviced, the oil will be 8 years old now so it's going to be well past it's best, we can get this done, if this is of interest to you email me