way to stiffin up rear shocks 81 gs450

[Guest]

Theres alot of give in my rear shocks is it posible to stiffen them up or would i just have to buy new ones if so anyone know the measurments ill need

[chuck hahn]

One thing you can do is disassemble them and work just the shock absorber in your hand to see if theres any real shock absorbing resitance left i them..much like you can work a car shock and feel if its worthless or not. Worn out shocks will just go in AND out with little to no appreciable resistance.

Second thing you can do..to supplement good shocks that is..is to add stiffer springs. But stiffer springs wont fix anything really unless you have good shock absorbers too. They work and compliment each other as a pair.

[mike_of_bbg]

Whatcha got on there now? Stock shocks/springs?

[Steve]

Whatcha got on there now? Stock shocks/springs?

If they are stock, they were due for replacement about 31 years ago.

.

[lorello]

Pretty sure there stock not sure tho just bought the bike last wek got the wheels on n when i sat on it and would bounce up n down a lil thr licence plate holder would the guy who had it befor put on would hit the tire

[mike_of_bbg]

If they're stock, you should replace them (as Steve pointed out in advance). The stockers are not rebuild-able, and weren't considered great when they were new off the boat...

Looks like you'll be shopping for some 13" eye-eye stereo shocks. Progressives and Hagons are probably the most popular rear shock replacements. MDIs/EMGOs are better than stock, but are usually really too stiff at least out of the box.

http://www.progressivesuspension.com/prodSearchResults.aspx?AddToCart=12-1202B&d=12+Series

http://www.z1enterprises.com/ItemDetails.aspx?itemDescription=Progressive+Rr+Shocks+12-series+13%22+12-1202B&item=PS12-1202B

Did you get BassCliff's 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 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.)

[BentRod]

There's been a lot of talk on shocks for the GS 450 as of late.
Check out Hagon, would be my recommendation. Their standard road shocks come with progressively wound springs (as oppose to twin linear), which is a good thing. They make shocks for the gs450, and they will sell you a pair with stiff springs if you like, or with any other modification you desire.

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

[jeffasaurus2]

I've just recently replaced mine on the 450 with Hagons and so far they're amazing. A world of a difference all around!

[derwood]

if they are 13 inch eye-eye shocks.......sportster take offs are an inexpensive alternative


PS put your location up where it can be seen