SO MANY rear shock threads what options other than progressive

[cromwell1234]

Well I'm looking to upgrade the shocks and I wanted to go a step above progressive rear shocks, so many threads and just a little feedback--what are you guys using ---that works for you!!

[chef1366]

I rode a bike with Ohlins. They were very nice.

[dardoonk]

I have Work's Performance rear shocks, & Work's dual-rate front springs on my Triumph. They completely changed the bike & I love them, but they can get expensive. The main advantage is that they are built specifically for you based on your bike, riding style, weight, etc....

Being 275lbs, that was important for me, but I was comparing against the Progressive 440 IAS & other more costly units.

Best bang for the buck on many bikes might be the Progressive 412's. If you want to go 'el cheapo, look for a set of MTC on ebay for about $60. They're firm, but better than riding on 30 year old worn out units

Works
http://www.worksperformance.com/html/home.html - figure about $600

Progressive:
http://www.mawonline.com/newsite/pro..._SERIES_SHOCKS - at MAW for $214.. or order thru Amazon.com (via MAW) for $192

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000GS2UY0?smid=A2Y992VSW47X5F&tag=dealt6421-20&linkCode=asn

[first timer]

Lets start here, How much you want to spend? You get what you pay for when it comes to shocks

[Nessism]

Archives has lots of information on the different shocks available. Hagons are reputed to be slightly better than Progressives for slightly more money. Next step up is the Ikon (old Koni design) - adjustable damping but quite a bit more money. After that you have the big buck choices - Works and Ohlin's. As First timer said, how deep are your pockets?

[AOD]

I thought the Progressive 412's with a heavy duty spring were pretty nice, but ti comes down to how much you want to spend.

[twr1776]

I have a set of Progressive 412's and a set of Hagon Classic I's. Both are quality shocks IMHO. As others have mentioned you can spend much more for the Ohlins, Ikons, and Works Shocks if that is the way you decide to go. One good thing about the Hagons is when you order them they ask a bunch of questions about your riding style, weight, two up riding, etc so they are maybe a little more of a custom fit than the off the shelf Progressives especially if you are a big guy and/or ride very aggressively. I actually can't tell the difference between mine, both seem to work very well. I am getting another set for my last project this winter and I am going with the 412's again. I do not think you really can go wrong once you get into the Progressive or Hagons quality area or up.

[Steve]

One good thing about the Hagons is when you order them they ask a bunch of questions ...

If you called Progressive, they can ask the same questions. You do not have to settle for a set of shocks that is sitting on the shelf. Progressive has several different spring rates for the 412-series shocks, at least one of them should work for you.

.

[Jethro]

I had a pair of MDI shocks, they were $89 a set shipped and worked better than the blown out stockers.

[Joe Nardy]

I bought Ikons a couple years ago and I love them. I decided to spring for the extra $$$ for the Ikons because I wanted the adjustability. I ride under many different loads, fron one-up around town to two-up with loaded tank bag and saddlebags, probably 150 pounds or more difference. I wanted adjustable damping and preload and the Ikons offered these and are also rebuildable. Ikon also asked questions about load weight and riding style. I was able to get the shocks an inch longer than stock to quicken the steering up and add some ground clearance. If I didn't have such a wide range of riding conditions I would probably bought the Progressives.

Thanks,
Joe

[BassCliff]

Hi Mr. cromwell1234,

Mr. Griffin wrote up a handy post after doing some homework. He has graciously allowed me to add it to the mega-welcome on my little BikeCliff website. Here is the excerpt.

**********Quoted from Mr. Griffin**********
For suspension upgrades, the front end is pretty simple: Progressive brand springs and fresh 15W fork oil. (http://www.mawonline.com has pretty good prices on Progressive products.) The rear end isn't so simple.

Most of these brands are available in 'eye to eye' and 'eye to clevis' configurations, in different lengths for twin shock GS models. The options are arranged in order of price, low to high.

1. $65-$90 Emgo/MDI: Found all over ebay, and at about every vendor on the internet. General consensus of users seems to be that they are ok quality, but very stiffly sprung. Essentially the bare minimum option from stock. (For example, see: http://www.crc2onlinecatalog.com/rear_shocks.htm)

2. $120 Redwing: Evidently no longer made, they are still available at www.loudfastugly.com . I've not been able to find anyone who's actually used them, but they appear to be of halfway decent quality.

3. $210-$230 Progressive 12 Series: Lots of information here and all over the web about them. Most people seem happy with them, several different spring weights available. Available at most online retailers. www.denniskirk.com is a vendor I have had great luck with over the years.

4. $218-$270 Hagon Type A: Seem very similar to Progressive 12 series as far as owner satisfaction, quality of construction, and price. Available in the USA at www.davequinnmotorcycles.com

5. $320-$400+ Ikon 76 Series: Generally pretty highly regarded, lots of options available. From what I've read on the internet, they do seem to be more highly regarded than Progressive. Can be found at http://www.ikonsuspensionusa.com/servlet/StoreFront

6. $419-$589 Works Performance Steel Tracker: Very highly regarded, lots of positive reviews around the internet of Works Performance in general. Customer service (including rebuilding any brand of shock) is very highly rated. More info at http://www.worksperformance.com/html/home.html

There are other options available that can be more expensive, including offerings from Works, Ikon, Ohlins. White Brothers, once a powerhouse in the motorcycle industry, has ceased operations.
**********End Quote**********

Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff