Which rear shocks to get?

[Pulukka]

I have a 1980 GS(X) 1100 E and I´m looking for new rear shocks. I was a bit suprised that its quite hard to find reasonably prices shocks for my bike from Finland (or from europe without heavy shipping costs).

There are some Hagons available which are pretty cheap (177 € = 200 $)but only for 1981 Katana 1100. Is there a difference in shocks between those two bikes or are they compatible? I searched the internet and at some places it seems that 1981 katana 1100 has different part number in shocks than my own "plain" GSX 1100.

Please tell me that those katana shocks fit my bike that I can get this done? [-o<

Are those Hagons any good, really... they seem almost too cheap comparing to other brands?

[t3rmin]

As long as the end type (eye/clevis) and length match, it'll work. Length is actually a bit negotiable -- you can raise or lower ride height a bit if you want. Also it's good to get shocks for/from a similar size bike so the spring/damping rates are close.

You might check out MDI/Emgo shocks (do a search for where), also -- they're pretty cheap ($80-90 USD).

[J_C]

I have Hagons, look great and feel good so far.

And for 200 theyre not THAT cheap.

[bonanzadave]

Get to the back of the line !!

[BassCliff]

Shock me!

Hi Mr. Pulukka,

I've been shopping around for a "regular" pair of Progressive shocks for my bike. I think these shocks at Z1 Enterprises will fit your bike:

Z1 will also ship internationally, in case you can't find anything you like locally. Springs and shock bodies are sold separately but they will assemble them for you too.

I've found the same parts at underbid.com for less money but I don't think they assemble. How hard is it to assemble shocks without a spring compressor?

VERY nice shocks there, Mr. bonanzadave. I'll bet you don't find those at Pep Boys. :-D

Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

[bonanzadave]

How hard is it to assemble shocks without a spring compressor?

Not hard at all. Set the preload to the softest setting, put a little ol body weight to it, and then have your pet monkey slide in the keeper. Done.

I got mine from Bikebandit and yes Springs & shocks are sold seperate. I thought the stockers looked a little more classy plus they had dampening.

VERY nice shocks there, Mr. bonanzadave.

Those are of course the Vipex Piggybacks we have all been waiting so patient for.

[emjay]

...Those are of course the Vipex Piggybacks we have all been waiting so patient for.

I think some people's patience is wearing thin.

[ExterminatorBike]

I also just put a set of Hagons on, with the chrome body and wider spring size, which seems more like stock than the thinner ones. Not many miles on them yet, but WAY firmer and less "squishy" than the old, stock ones, for lack of a better word. Not cheap at $260, but they seem to be worth it.

[Pulukka]

Thanks for the tips - I´d really like to get my hands on those vipexes but I´m in a bit of a hurry to get the bike going; riding season here in Finland ends in two months. Maybe next summer after reading your reviews.

After a couple of more emails sent it seems that there are several places in Finland that can offer me 1981 Katana 1100 shocks only. Thats funny because there arent that many Katanas in Finland - these 1980 GSX E:s can be seen everywhere.

Is there someone reading this able to say that the shocks are interchangeable between those two models... please?

[BassCliff]

Close enough!

As long as the end type (eye/clevis) and length match, it'll work.

On your bike the shock length is 13 inches. How long are the Katana shocks? If they are 13 inches, have an eye on the top and a clevis on the bottom, you're good to go.

Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

[ExterminatorBike]

As for interchangeability, Hagon's catalog shows the same part number (33016) for the 79 and up Katana GSX1100 and the 79 and up GSX1100E/S/ES. The next year for the GSX1100 is 85, and the only other Katana is earlier. Maybe that helps.

[gsgeezer]

I have bought Progressives for a couple old bikes and they were a big improvement if you don't want to spend too much.
I just recently used Z-1 for the first time, and they were great! I highly recommend them, also bikebandit.com is good, too.