Shocks

[gsryder]

I am looking to upgrade the rear shocks on my 81 gS750.
The main reason for the upgrade is I am looking for something to give me a little more clearance in the rear.
I weigh over 290 pounds and the rear shocks bottom out with out much effort on their highest spring setting. The shocks work good the springs are just a little soft.
Not really looking to spend a ton a cash on after market stuff.
Do the 1100 shocks have stronger springs or are they a little longer?
Are there any other stock shocks that fit for a cross over that are a little beefier?

Thanks.

[Nessism]

Partsnmore.com sells the commonly available asian shocks for cheap - these same shocks are sold under a few different name brands such as Midi and Emgo (not sure about spelling). The springs are reputed to be quite stiff so they would be suitable for someone your size from what I hear.

[BassCliff]

Hi Mr. gsryder,

Check the mega-welcome for some basic information. Here's an excerpt...

And now, a few words about fork springs and rear shocks, from Mr. Griffin. (Comments in parentheses are mine.)

**********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 (and omarsdtr.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**********

Choice #1 comes with pretty stiff springs. I'm thinking of picking up a pair because I'm not a small guy and my bike is pretty heavy.

Choice #3 comes with different spring choices which you can vary according to load and habits.

You may be able to buy shocks that are a little longer, if necessary, to help with clearance. Be sure to consider your chain when using other than stock length shocks (position, adjustment, etc).

This site has a good bit of information about suspension:
http://motorcycleinfo.calsci.com/index.html

Chassis
Suspension
Check Rear Suspension«
Align Rear Suspension«
Adjust Rear Suspension«
Align Front Suspension«
Adjust Front Suspension«
Increase Fork Spring Rate«
Lowering Your Bike«
Improve Fork Damping«
Drive Chains«
Tires
Tire Accessories«
Wheels«


Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

[gsryder]

Wow excellent info. I will have to sit down and digest all of this tonight at home.
Thank you.