Z1 progressive shocks?

[Guest]

So after rebuilding my forks recently I've noticed the sharp contrast to how bad my rear shocks are. I've noticed some wallowing while two-up riding, which previously only happened much higher speeds. Also they do a crap job at absorbing bumps, especially when two up.

So to remedy this I decided it's past time to upgrade my rear shocks. I was looking at the progressive set that z1 has.

http://www.z1enterprises.com/Progressive-Suspension-Rear-Shocks--12-Series-13--121202B-521.aspx

My question is this. Has anyone tried these out or has any feedback? With the new progressive springs installed they are a smidgen over $200. Seems to be good value.

I tend to ride 'spirited' and a majority of the time I ride two up. The combined weight of both rider and passenger is probably 260 lbs.

Also any advice as to what spring rate I would suit me better. The two rate options that would work with the spring are 105/150 lbs and 95/140 lbs.

Thanks everyone!
Tim

[bwringer]

You will need the higher spring rate -- the lower rate only works if you're small and never, ever ride 2-up.

Progressive shocks work quite well, and many of us here are using them. However they're not rebuildable, and there are no damping adjustments -- you get what you get.

Hagon shocks are roughly equivalent in performance and cost. You call up Dave Quinn, he asks a few questions, and he chooses damping and spring rate to suit you. http://www.davequinnmotorcycles.com/...cgi/Hagon.html

I do note that Progressive's warranty is only one year, while Hagon's is two years and unlimited mileage. FWIW, I've seen some very new leaking Progressives, and the company is quite unpleasant/impossible to deal with if you have a warranty claim.

If you can spend a few more bucks, the "Ikon" shocks sold by Z1 are well worth the extra cabbage, and there are also some higher-end adjustable shocks available from Hagon and others.

[ChicagoBob]

I've been using these on my 550 with the original Suzuki springs for a few months, and I like the way they work, even two-up (290 lbs of riders).

[Tim Tom]

Thanks for the feedback! The more the merrier.

I kind of figured I would want the higher spring rate, but thanks for clearing that up.

I've gotta take a good look at both the Ikons and Hagon too I think as I do like the idea of having damping adjustments.

I'm pretty new to suspension tuning and so the more feedback the better.

[TheCafeKid]

If you ride pretty "spirited", were I you, I would save up and get something with adjustable damping. Like you I am/was pretty much shooting in the dark when playing with suspension adjustment for a long time. A thorough read of "Total Control" by lee parks, and of Paul Theades books (founder of Race-tech) and watching "Two Clicks Out" and picking the brains of people who have a better understanding of the relationship and purpose of spring rate, compression and rebound damping rates and some insight on how to set them up will give you a whole new view into the importance of adjustability.
When I got my ZRX it felt wholly wrong for me. Had a wicked head shake in long fast undulating sweepers. The rear end also chopped over fast bumps. All of these things made the bike handle like a bit of a wild weasel.
Some immersion into the science and setup of suspension tuning allowed me to make the bike handle much much more confindently, even with the stock suspension which needs some serious damping help (re-valves will be taken care of this winter). If you want your bike to respond better, ride faster more safely and confidently, spend the extra dough on some shocks with adjustability in them. While Hagon may be able to valve to suit, the difference in damping required for quick riding one and two up can be pretty substantial, and without the adjustability you may find it completely alien and maybe scary going one up or two up.
Before I would ever spend another dollar making ANY bike go faster, I'd spend ten making it handle better. That's the lesson I've learned. My .02.

[Tim Tom]

Good advice TCK. I have read Total Control but I must admit that I only skimmed the Suspension Tuning chapter. In my defense it was my bed side reading material, and it's not so easy to truly read and analyze something right before you fall asleep . I think it's time for a more thorough re-read.

I definitely want to educate myself as much as possible and try to dial in the bike to be as good as possible.

[resjudicata]

I have the Progressives on my '79 850 with (I believe) the 95/140 springs. I got them from the local Motoguzzi guy and he said to definitely use the lighter weight springs. I'm 225# at the moment and was 255# when I got them. I started with the preload set on the third position from the bottom. They were a bit harsh at that setting. Over time I've dropped the preload down. Right now I run on the lowest preload setting. Much more comfortable for in city riding and a little more stable on the local roads and highways.

I haven't tried the higher end shocks. I would expect the more you spend the better. I don't know how much better.

Long story short, I like the Progressives. They are night and day better than the stockers.

Chris