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Do I need new shocks?

  • Thread starter Thread starter ggreenfield
  • Start date Start date
G

ggreenfield

Guest
Went for test ride and hit a big sag in the road. The bike did not bottom out but the shocks were compressed all the way and remained that way for some time. I'd say they were compressed about 2". I couldn't even get the bike up on the centerstand. The shocks are called 'Street Strokers'.

There's plenty of adjustment left but I haven't yet come up with a spanner.
 
If they stuck compressed, then you have an issue. Those look to be rebuildable tho. If those are GOOD shocks (ive never heard of them so i dont know) then it may be worth it to rebuild them. however, the parts may be more expensive than picking up a set of MDI shocks for 80 bucks, decent enough shocks for on the cheap, pretty stiff.
 
Those are very old S&W shocks - made in Mexico by Gabriel. Not rebuildable. Sounds like they have failed based on what you have said. Time for some new ones.
 
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Been hunting for some new shocks and found some at crc2
Heavy Duty Shocks
Suzuki 340mm 13.25 inch Eye to Clevis applications​
These shocks are Black with Black springs. They are imported by Emgo and are very good quality for only 89.95!! Fits GS750 '77-'83, GS1000 '78-'82, GS1100E '80-'83, GS1100L '80, GS1100 KAT '83

 Also found these at parts n more
​
Black Body, Dual progressive Chrome Springs. 13 3/16" (335mm) C-C Eye to Clevis

I like the chrome springs on the parts n more shocks and the price is a bit better ($75). The parts n more shocks do not specifically mention an fitting a 750e but the measurements are so close. Does 1/16" matter that much?
 
Several members here have those shocks - sold by various different companies. Good feedback as long as you are 200+ lbs (stiff springs).
 
Yeah, those MDIs are pretty stiff, AND they fade pretty quick.

If you want to stick with your S&Ws, I have a brand new set of those that are not assembled you can have for what I paid for them - $50.00.

I somehow didn't get all the spring mounting hardware so I'd rather pass them on than try to make them work.
 
ggreenfield said:
Been hunting for some new shocks and found some at crc2



Heavy Duty Shocks

Suzuki 340mm 13.25 inch Eye to Clevis applications​
These shocks are Black with Black springs. They are imported by Emgo and are very good quality for only 89.95!! Fits GS750 '77-'83, GS1000 '78-'82, GS1100E '80-'83, GS1100L '80, GS1100 KAT '83


Also found these at parts n more
​

Black Body, Dual progressive Chrome Springs. 13 3/16" (335mm) C-C Eye to Clevis

I like the chrome springs on the parts n more shocks and the price is a bit better ($75). The parts n more shocks do not specifically mention an fitting a 750e but the measurements are so close. Does 1/16" matter that much?
Click to expand...

Those Emgo shocks are sold under several brands. Sprung WAY to stiff unless you weigh 300 lbs
 
robertob said:
Yeah, those MDIs are pretty stiff, AND they fade pretty quick.

If you want to stick with your S&Ws, I have a brand new set of those that are not assembled you can have for what I paid for them - $50.00.

I somehow didn't get all the spring mounting hardware so I'd rather pass them on than try to make them work.
Click to expand...
Nice offer. :) So do I understand correctly that I'd need to use some of the hardware from my existing shocks on the S&W's that you have? Is a spring compressor required to assemble them?
 
ggreenfield said:
Nice offer. :) So do I understand correctly that I'd need to use some of the hardware from my existing shocks on the S&W's that you have? Is a spring compressor required to assemble them?
Click to expand...

Yes, I think you would need to keep the bottom perch and the separator between the blue & black springs from your current shocks.

And yes, I think you would need to find or rig up a spring compressor. I've decided to just lay down the $450 or so for the Ohlins so I gave up on the whole project.

Send me a PM for more info, but I'll hook you up if you want to play with them.

I have S&Ws on my CB450 cafe racer and I like them, and my buddy has them on his GS1000 vintage racer, so they are good shocks, definitely better than the MDIs.
 
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I have the 412 Series from Progressive Suspension, love them. Great look in the chrome, very stock looking, but nicer. About $90 each though.
 
Are the OEM Suzuki shocks rebuildable? I might go that route with some used shocks.
 
No the OEMs arent. And honestly, unless you buy them BRAND new, i wouldnt waste my money on em. Any you find off ebay have likely been sprung by a heavy old GS for a good 20plus years, and they weren't that great to begin with. If you want a GOOD set of fairly inexpensive shocks, save up and get some Progressives. I think you can get a set for around 250bucks?? They are great shocks, especially for the money. But if you just NEED new shocks for now, get those MDI's i told you about. Alot of guys here run them, and they arent bad shocks in a pinch. Certainly better than stock, and at 80ish bucks a set, they will certainly work untill you get some better ones.
 
Well the MDI's arrived and I'm rather pleased with them. If they're sprung heavy I don't even want to know what the light ones are like. I weigh about 205. Add some gear and a backpack and we're probably looking at 225 or 230 all totaled. Let's also consider that I removed some of the rear wheel travel by shortening it up into a single seater and removing the read fender insert all together. Went for a 5 or so mile ride and it was fine.
 
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