Shock travel - GS1100G

[Guest]

I'm considering upgrading my rear shocks. Not only are they starting to leak slightly, I think I need to get some progressive shocks.

I'd like something the same height as stock, but a max of 2-3/4" compression, even when riding 2 up. Any more than 2-3/4" and the tire will be dangerously close to my seat hoop. What do you all recommend? I'm a big dude, 220lbs. I'll be doing most of my riding solo, but occasionally I'll have my wife as well.

Here is the stock shock with the wheel lifted as much as it can go before it hits the hoop. This is where I got the 2-3/4" measurement.

[tom203]

What is the eye center to eye center distance of those ugly shocks? (uncompressed- bike on centerstand)

[gordinho80]

12.5" eye to eye....

[tom203]

A member with same bike needs to chime in- 12.5 seems short to me, as my 650 has 13.25 (though they are aftermarket). You say you want yo keep same seat height, for appearance or because you are a big dude with short legs?
to my way of thinking, once the shock spring is fully compressed, there's no travel left-you've bottomed out.

[Steve]

Stock shocks for that bike are 330mm, which is 13". Progressive shocks are nice, Hagon is just as nice, but cheaper.

You want a MAJOR upgrade? Get rid of those Kenda Challenger tires.

.

[Nessism]

You might want to check out KZ750/650 shocks. They have 2.75" travel and are something like 340mm long.

[gordinho80]

I wouldn't mind a taller shock, to be honest. I might go with a 13" Hagon. The tires will be replaced soon too.

[Steve]

Call the number on the link that I gave you. Dave will set you up with the proper springs for your anticipated loads and riding style.

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[gordinho80]

What about these? Buddy of mine has these off of an 04 Sportster... They look a million times better than the air shocks... plus they are longer so they would probably give me the travel needed.

[Steve]

You could always give them a try, but make sure they fit on the mounts properly, first.

Also keep in mind that a Sportster does not weigh the same as your bike, so the spring and damping rates will be a bit off.

Oh, ... "longer" does not necessarily mean "more travel".

.

[gordinho80]

I guess I could throw them on and see how they ride.

Thanks.

[tom203]

What about these? Buddy of mine has these off of an 04 Sportster... They look a million times better than the air shocks... plus they are longer so they would probably give me the travel needed.

Looking at this shock reminds me of my mom's 1967 Ford Ltd , real bouncy suspension- probably came off Harley for a reason. But there a lots of decent Harley take offs in 13 inch range both at dealers and CL.

[Grimly]

Looking at this shock reminds me of my mom's 1967 Ford Ltd , real bouncy suspension- probably came off Harley for a reason. But there a lots of decent Harley take offs in 13 inch range both at dealers and CL.

Yep - the current air shocks on mine are 13" from a Hardly ( I wave a Finger of Friendship at those who don't like the look of them) and the only thing I had to do was bush the eyes to fit the Suzuki sizes. Of course, a box full of assorted shock eyes would have been handy, but that disappeared long ago. I just used shim steel formed into cylinders - sounds long-winded, but took a few minutes per mount.