Replacement Rear Shocks: new/used Suzuki or other options?

[bgk]

The rear shocks on my 1979 GS1000L are toast. Brand new shocks from Suzuki or Progressive are way too much dough for my cheap-ass budget. Plus, I heard somewhere that the OEM Suzuki shocks weren't all that good to start with, and "wore out" quickly. I've often seen new aftermarket replacement shocks (brand unknown to me) alleged to fit my bike on ebay for around $60 to $80 a pair, which I think is a good price and a price I can afford. However, they have round eyes for bolt attachment top and bottom, and my shocks have clevis-type bottoms. Is this a problem or not?

Otherwise, can anyone tell me the correct OEM length of my shocks (when they were new) and/or what make and model newer bikes might have shocks of the right length, spring-rate and clevis-bottom suitable for my application, that I could find in a salvage yard?

Or can anyone tell me sources for new aftermarket shocks of reasonable quality at a price below new Suzuki, Progressive, etc.? I don't need high-performance stuff, just something to cruise around mostly solo, but also to 2-up someday with my wife (I'm trying to get her "warmed up" to the bike, maybe even get her on the thing to ride someday! This would be a very dumb plan with her on the pillion on bottomed-out rear shocks!).

Long post and lots of interelated questions, as usual from me! Thanks in advance for your consideration and response.

[Anonymous]

replacement of rear shocks

sounds like you are having the same problem i was having with both shocks and wife. first the shocks what i found was the early katana shocks are a drect bolt on and have compression and rebound adjustment witch yours do not. they work way better. and are fairly accesable.now the second problem threaten to cut off the rear foot pegs so she can not come with you this also cleans up the rear of the bike nicely and saves you about 5-6lbs plus the weight of rear rider :twisted: thanks reg

[Anonymous]

Usually the stock shocks on those bikes are 13 inches from eye center to fork center. I went nuts loking for the same type of shocks but shorter. I just got lucky and found new old ones for $50 and chromed at that. The type with the eye at the top and fork at the bottom are not to easy to find.
I had over 50K on my shockes when i put the shorter ones on and the still worked fine for me. I was 300 pounds at that time also. Ill just bet if you watch ebay for a set of used ones you could make out well. I think I sold my used ones on ebay for about 35 dollars plus shipping.

[KGB]

Bite the bullet and get good shocks.
Think about what they do....handling,ride, carrying capacity.
I bought a set of Progressive shocks last year. I'm about 260lbs.
My wife is a frequent passenger. She noticed a huge difference with the new shocks. As she said, my spine isn't taking any hits anymore.
I also got heavier springs, 170/210. A BIG difference.
Some things you can save on.
We have done 330 mile days with minimal fatigue. With the old shocks the bike wallowed around. It was not as stable at speed. Now I can corner and lean as far as I dare.
I paid about $170 for the set, black chrome springs and all.
Plus I believe Progressive gives a lifetime warranty. I could be wrong.
Yes they are 13 inch eye to eye.

Get the good ones......

Keith

[bgk]

Reg/Scotty/KGB: thanks for the responses.

Reg: Any more specific info on "the early Katanas"? Years? Engine sizes?(if it matters). Your suggestion looks like my best shot!

Scotty: Together with Reg, you've confirmed the 13 inch length, but also confirmed the frustration of finding the clevis (fork) bottom style shock at a cheap price.

KGB: I'd love to go for the Progressive shocks, but I just can't spend the dough (any money spent on the bike has to absolutely, positively stay off my wife's financial radar screen. I can't hide an expanditure of nearly $200!)

[Anonymous]

I'm definitly not a mechanic of any kind, so I really don't have a useful opinion. HOWEVER, I've NEVER heard anything negative about progressive shocks. It might be worth saving for an extra month or so to get the good stuff. Believe me, I understand limited finances. My bike is wrecked as of November, and I've got no $$ to put it back together...

Hey, I'll sell ya mine from my '81 1100EX for a fair price. I think they work pretty well, and there's only a little rust spotting. Anybody know what a fair price would be? Should I post pictures?

[Anonymous]

On ebay. I don't know if they'd work or not, but here ya go anyway.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?viewItem&item=2406847068&category=35592

[bgk]

Interesting! The ebay link shows the brand of shocks I refered to in my original post on this thread, but this particular auction shows the clevis bottom, and the text indicates it fits "all GS1000". They look kind of cheesy though, and have a plastic rather than metal cap.

Anybody have any experience and recommendations for or against these shocks?

Also to all of you who have sent me Private Messages or email, thank you! I'm astounded at how many people have extra shocks kicking around in your garages, basements, sheds, etc.. New, old, OEM and aftermarket. You people are like pack rats! What a truly wonderful resource the GS Resources website is, so aptly named. Well, it seems I've got lots of options, I've got to sort them out. Thanks again.

[SqDancerLynn1]

Same shocks available from JCWmotorcycles.com