Rear Shocks - GS450L

[Guest]

The time has come to replace the rear shocks/on my GS. I'm debating between buy a new set of oem shocks or going aftermarket. I would like to keep total cost under $200.

[BassCliff]

Hi,

From your "mega-welcome". Have you had a chance to read it yet?

**********Quoted from Mr. Griffin**********
For suspension upgrades, the front end is pretty simple: Progressive brand springs and fresh 15W fork oil. (http://www.denniskirk.com or http://www.z1enterprises.com has 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.
(Note from BassCliff: Also check out YSS Suspension at http://www.yssusa.com/products_yss.html.)

**********End Quote**********


I've got the cheap MDI/EMGO shocks on my bike. While they are better than the sagged out original OEM shocks, they are very stiff. I would not recommend them for a bike smaller than a 750. You can always shop eBay for used versions of any of the parts mentioned above.

Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

[Tamara]

BassCliff,

I have read up on shocks on your wonderful site. It's incredible info. I have looked at Denniskirk.com and they don't even list my bike as being compatible with any of their progressive shocks.

[BassCliff]

Hi,

The 13" series 12 Progressive shocks will fit your bike. Just about any 13" eye-to-eye shocks that take 12mm mount bolts will work. Mind the spring rate on such a light bike. Give the guys at www.davequinnmotorcycles.com a call and talk about the Hagon shock. They can fix you up.


Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

[Tamara]

Hi,

The 13" series 12 Progressive shocks will fit your bike. Just about any 13" eye-to-eye shocks that take 12mm mount bolts will work. Mind the spring rate on such a light bike. Give the guys at www.davequinnmotorcycles.com a call and talk about the Hagon shock. They can fix you up.


Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

Not only is it a light bike, the rider is pretty light too. I only weigh in at 100# and almost never ride 2 up because the additional weight throws me off on the corners (too much lean or too little lean).

[BentRod]

http://www.hagonshocksusa.com/HagApps7.htm

They have shocks specifically for GS450 line, including the L model. The standard Road shock is progressively wound properly and the damping is set by model fitment. If you like you can actually call them up, tell them you are a smaller rider and if they think you need any adjustments made, spring, damper or otherwise, it's 20$ more and that's it. They also have a selection of shrouds if you care for the looks.

Prices start at 199$

I have heard no complaints about this company.

[Larry D]

I highly recommend Dave Quinn for your shock needs. Give them a call, tell them your riding style, weight, etc....and they will get the shocks you need. Pricing isn't bad and delivery is pretty quick as well.

[Tamara]

Thanks everyone!