Replacement Shocks '78 GS1000E

[OldVet66]

Are the Progressive rear shocks a good replacement for general all around riding, or is there a preferred shock replacement for this bike?

[7981GS]

Excellent replacement!
I made sure to get the stiffer springs as I sometimes ride two up and always ride a bit "spirited".

Daniel

[BassCliff]

Hi,

You can't really go wrong with properly set up Progressive suspension parts. For more choices, there's a nice little list in your "mega-welcome".

**********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 [had?] pretty good prices on Progressive products.)

(If you need extra heavy spring rate for your forks (for bigger riders or heavy loads) try Sonic Fork Springs. There's an online tool for calculating the proper spring rate according to your bike, weight, riding style, etc.)

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**********


Thank you for your indulgence,


BassCliff

[twr1776]

Cliff has lots of rear shock info on his site. It is about halfway down the linked page. Shocks are one of those "you get what you pay for" type items. I have both Progressives and Hagons and both are pretty good shocks IMHO. If I bought again I would give a very slight edge to the Progressives.

http://members.dslextreme.com/users/bikecliff/images/GSR_Greeting.html

[SqDancerLynn1]

Additional note. If you elect to get the Emgo style < $100 You need to spend another $10-20 (if you need 2 or 4). Get the Suzuki OEM bushings used in the rear swing arm for shock mounting They will press into the Emgo shocks just like the original shock bushings pn 09319-10008

[OldVet66]

I ordered the Progressives, should be here tomorrow.

[salty_monk]

You won't regret it, they ride nicely.