Shocks?

[bubba]

O.K. I know it's only January but I have cabin fever and I am planning some upgrades for the bike. The original shocks are still there. The question is should I replace them and if so, with what? Could I expect an improvement in handling? I would also consider swapping out the fork springs for a set of Progressives but I did not see my bike listed. What kind of experiences / results have you guys had in this area?
Thanks for all replies.

[bonanzadave]

Wut up bubba ? (had to say it)

Thats a good question...

Your Suspension inquire has been answered a 1000 times and Im sure it will generate a couple more pages of "opinions" Kinda like the oil question. Youll get all sorts of questions yourself in return....Budget ? Riding style ? Tires ? etc.....It would be cool to have a page on the GSR (like the stator papers) for Suspension, Oil and the other often asked questions. Likes-Dislikes, Prices, Pictures or whatever members want to add to the page. The Tech section on the GSR home page is sorta like that. Check out the "Old" Q & As and In the Garage.

For now, Cliff has some miles on a 850. His site is the go to place for some info http://members.dslextreme.com/users/bikecliff/

[doctorgonzo]

I can't comment on progressive springs in the front because I haven't done it. My forks were freshly rebuilt when I got the bike, so have hesitated to tear into them just yet. I can say that a fresh set of high quality rear shocks make a MAJOR difference in the way the bike rides. Quite a few of us run the progressive 412 series on the rear. They retain the stock look, and are a good quality shock.

[bubba]

Yeah, I am sure there are a lot of opinions. I guess I am trying to find out what is the best value or the most bang for the buck. I don't want to break the bank, just improve what I have. I now run CS hi-max tires that I am happy with. Riding style? Well that would be your typical O.F. (old fart) as I am about to turn the big 5-0. I don't beat it too hard (the bike that is). I see you also reside in the great white north. You must be getting itchy too.

[almarconi]

The progressive fork springs and rear shocks make the bike handle 100% better than stock. Difference is like night and day. One of the best upgrades that you can do on these old bikes. Bike rides like it on rails.

[kingofvenus]

Hagon's are a great option also.

[Nessism]

If you love your GS and plan on keeping it for a long time, Z1 Enterprises sells Ikon's for about $275. These are the old Koni's with adjustable damping. Most folks consider these a step up from Progressives which are just elcheapo foreign built cartridges with pretty springs.

[almarconi]

Most folks consider these a step up from Progressives which are just elcheapo foreign built cartridges with pretty springs.

This is the first I have heard anything negative about progressive suspension, I know the fork springs and the 412 series are made in the USA. Do you have evidence that they are made somewhere other than the USA? Please provide a link to your source.

[twr1776]

As Dave said you can do a search and get plenty of info on shocks. The Progressive website does not list them as you mentioned but I called several years ago and # 11-1107 fork springs are what they told me and what I installed on my bikes.

[bubba]

As Dave said you can do a search and get plenty of info on shocks. The Progressive website does not list them as you mentioned but I called several years ago and # 11-1107 fork springs are what they told me and what I installed on my bikes.

I see you have the same bike I have. Those springs worked for you then? Did you see a real improvement with them? What are you running on the back?

[Nessism]

When I was in collage in the 1980's I worked for S&W suspension, who was being forced out of business by Progressive at that time. The boss would complain all the time how Progressive basically stole their intellectual property and was even sourcing some of the parts from the same suppliers. S&W shocks were made by Gabriel in Mexico at the time (at the cost of under $10 each) so I seriously doubt Progressive made their units in house since their shocks were virtually identical. I'm not saying Progressive shocks are bad, just that they are cheaply made, not rebuildable, and don't have adjustable damping like the stock shocks and Ikon's do.

[almarconi]

When I was in collage in the 1980's I worked for S&W suspension, who was being forced out of business by Progressive at that time. I think the guy that started Progressive came from S&W. The boss would complain all the time how Progressive basically stole their intellectual property and was even sourcing some of the parts from the same suppliers. S&W shocks were made by Gabriel in Mexico at the time so I seriously doubt Progressive made their units in house since they were selling for less than S&W shocks.

So your statements are based on what you believe from the 1980's? Are their products made outside of the USA? Please provide evidence of this.

[srsupertrap]

I used to have the 1200 series gas charged shocks installed on the GS1000 and still have the P/S front springs installed. I just looked at the box that contains the rear shock springs and it states "Made in USA". The box which contains the 1200 Series shocks does not state where they are manufactured and the shock finish kinda looks it. circa 1996

[Nessism]

So your statements are based on what you believe from the 1980's? Are their products made outside of the USA? Please provide evidence of this.

Yes, it is my belief that at least their cheaper shocks are made off shore. I don't have any evidence other than what I know. Believe what you want but even labels that say "made in USA" doesn't mean what the entirety of something was made here, just a portion of it.

[jwhelan65]

I think we can all agree, regardless of where Progressive springs are made, they are an affordable upgrade that will greatly improve the performance of your 20+ year suspension.