Rear shocks replacement - suggestions?

[Detman101]

Hello gang,

My rear shocks are so shot that when my gf sits on the back of the bike the rear fender hits the chainguard. Not good. And that is on the stiffest setting.

What shocks do you recommend for carrying a 140 pound passenger on the rear and also about 40 pounds of baggage as well?
I need a set of shocks that are super strong and stiff but also adjustable.
My bike has the bolt on the top and the clevis thing at the bottom.
They are the ones in this old photo...



If you all could suggest some shocks off of other bikes that would work on my 1981 GS750L I'd appreciate it.

Thanks a bunch,
Dm of mD

[KGB]

I just replaced the suspension on my 82 1100E with Progressive.
It uses a 'clevis" type on the botton connector.
I bought 120/150 lbs springs for the rear.
I'm about 260lbs, my wife a frequent passenger.
Set on the middle setting, 2 up nice comfy ride and still stiff
enough for cornering.

My 1980 GS1000S, different setup. Still progressive, but the rear springs are 170/210.
These were 'special" order. Most vendors don't stock or carry this weight of springs. My buddy's shop called Progressive to order them. Same cost as any of their other springs.
The S is VERY stiff. Corners like a train on rails.
Again, 2 different bikes, 2 setups.
My wife has done about 300 miles so far on the E with the new setup.
So far so good, the S, she's done many thousands of miles.
She likes the cornering of the S and says it feels planted, the E, rides great
and the IRC tires don't hold the way the Dunlops do on the S.

So here's 2 options......you pick.

I love riding both of the bikes. By myself the S wins. Plus I've owned the S 16 years, the E 4 months.

[Anonymous]

What shocks do you recommend for carrying a 140 pound passenger on the rear and also about 40 pounds of baggage as well?
I need a set of shocks that are super strong and stiff but also adjustable.

For this, Progressive Suspension is the only way to go. Do the fork springs at the same time and you will be amazed at how good it works.

http://www.progressivesuspension.com/

Do you realize that if your GF ever finds out you told us how much she weighs that you are DEAD? 8O

Mark

[Anonymous]

Rear shock replacement

I too, would recommend Progressive shocks. I just bought a pair for my GS1100. They are reasonably priced and you can order springs with different spring rates to meet your individual needs.

[Detman101]

Okay, Progressive suspension it is.

I was actually hoping for models of bikes I could go to the salvage yard and rip some off of but this will work too for more money.

I'm not saying that is how much my girl weighs hehe. I'm betting it's substantially more. I figured that as long as I can carry 200 pounds back there without bottoming out the shocks that should account for whatever amount she DOES weigh. She won't tell me the real figure...but she wants to be 115.



Dm of mD

[Mr. Jiggles]

Would shocks for the Kawa ZRX1100/1200 work on the larger GS's?

[KGB]

Depends on lenght, measured from eye bolt to eye bolt centers.
I beleive it's in the 13 inch range

[Detman101]

Yep 13" is the magic number. I'll see what I can find at the salvage yard before I dump a wad on new rear shocks.

Dm of mD

[Anonymous]

Would shocks for the Kawa ZRX1100/1200 work on the larger GS's?

I believe that the ZRX shocks are eye/eye for the connections and many of the GS1100's use a clevis mount on the bottom, which makes it more difficult to work out. And the stock ZRX shocks will not be as good as a set of Progressive shocks anyway. It just depends on your sense of value and priorities.