What are your recommendation for rear shocks for 1979 GS859G?

[Guest]

My bike is starting to 'wallow' badly going thru curves. I put progressive springs on front forks several years ago and they seem to be fine. I'm guessing my rear shocks are due to be replaced (original). I'd like to hear some recommendations for best shock for my bike (55K miles). I do carry a passenger off and on so adjustability might be a good thing. Thanks for your input.

[GSX1000E]

Why not get a matching pair of Progressive suspension shocks for the rear too?

[mmattockx]

My bike is starting to 'wallow' badly going thru curves.

While I am certain that your OEM shocks with 55K miles on them are completely shot and need replacing, the wallowing could also be the result of worn out swingarm bearings. Have those bearings been checked and/or replaced in the recent past?


Mark

[azr]

Yes, get some progressive 412 shocks with the heavier springs, 105/150.

[Nessism]

Amazon has good prices on Progressive Shocks and springs.

http://www.amazon.com/Progressive-Suspension-12-1202B-Powder-Pressure/dp/B000UK5RGC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1406347685&sr=8-1&keywords=12-1202B

http://www.amazon.com/Progressive-Suspension-03-1367B-Black-Spring/dp/B000UKID6I/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1406347769&sr=8-1&keywords=03-1367B

http://www.amazon.com/Progressive-Suspension-03-1368B-Black-Spring/dp/B000UKGG4Y/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1406347814&sr=8-1&keywords=03-1368B

[hjfisk]

While I am certain that your OEM shocks with 55K miles on them are completely shot and need replacing, the wallowing could also be the result of worn out swingarm bearings. Have those bearings been checked and/or replaced in the recent past?


Mark

I will second this shocks are probably shot, but the swing arm bearings will cause some real pucker moments if they are bad.

[bjrpkr]

Thanks so much for your input. Should I just be sure the length is correct? Several sites can't do a fitment test for that old of a bike.
tx

[mmattockx]

I will second this shocks are probably shot, but the swing arm bearings will cause some real pucker moments if they are bad.

Yep, that's why I asked. It is an experience not to be forgotten, that's for certain.


Mark

[Nessism]

Shaft drive bikes have large taper roller element swingarm bearings. Very robust, and easy to service.

[Allie]

I replaced my shocks at somewhere just south of 50k miles with Hagons from http://www.davequinnmotorcycles.com/ and they've been great. They're about the same price and quality as the Progressives (which you won't go wrong with either). If you tell them your bike, riding style, loaded weight, passenger status, etc. they will put together a custom pair for you and if you decide you don't like the spring rate you can send them back for 1 (I think) free exchange. My only pan is that they have 3 adjustment settings instead of 5.

[jona]

I'm very happy with my Hagon 2810's from Dave Quinn.

[Allie]

I'm very happy with my Hagon 2810's from Dave Quinn.

I was, to be truthful, slightly kind to myself when calculating weight, and also miscalculated my co-pilot's growth rate, and the shocks are still not complaining.

[Grimly]

My bike is starting to 'wallow' badly going thru curves. I put progressive springs on front forks several years ago and they seem to be fine. I'm guessing my rear shocks are due to be replaced (original). I'd like to hear some recommendations for best shock for my bike (55K miles). I do carry a passenger off and on so adjustability might be a good thing. Thanks for your input.

The best (and cheapest) shocks I've fitted to mine came off a Kwak GT750 - Showa air shocks with a link pipe. That was 20 years ago and they lasted well, only dying with a splurge when they hit a massive pothole last year.
However, I noticed the exact same shocks are factory-fitted to several Harleys and many owners upgrade their shocks the first chance they get - which means there's oftentimes a glut of Showa air shocks on the market, many of them brand new and going for as little as 20 bucks. They might not suit the Harley owners, but they're excellent touring shocks on a GS.

[bwringer]

Shaft drive bikes have large taper roller element swingarm bearings. Very robust, and easy to service.

Yep. These things never wear out, but it's easy enough to put the bike on the centerstand and wiggle to see if there's a problem.

Most likely it's the shocks. Limber up your Visa and bolt on a set of Hagons or Progressives.

[jsandidge]

The best (and cheapest) shocks I've fitted to mine came off a Kwak GT750 - Showa air shocks with a link pipe. That was 20 years ago and they lasted well, only dying with a splurge when they hit a massive pothole last year.
However, I noticed the exact same shocks are factory-fitted to several Harleys and many owners upgrade their shocks the first chance they get - which means there's oftentimes a glut of Showa air shocks on the market, many of them brand new and going for as little as 20 bucks. They might not suit the Harley owners, but they're excellent touring shocks on a GS.

Do you know what part number those shocks are? I'm doing a little e-bay searching.