1979 GS550 Shocks

[oilhands]

I have looked over the threads that mention replacement shocks and I have a few questions. [-o<

My original shocks have only a preload adjustment. Why should I care about adjusting dampening? How would I know that it needs to be adjusted? How hard is it to set it correctly?

I will be riding solo (230 pounds ) often, but plan on riding with a passenger (150 pounds) pretty regular too. Are heavy duty springs a no brainer? I kind of figure that I should get them, but will they make solo riding too stiff?

I have seen the following makers of replacement shocks mentioned on the forum. Are there others I should check out? One of these stand out above the rest? Here is the list of shocks I have found that fit my GS550.

Hagon Shocks: Type A
Progressive Suspensions: Models 412/418
Ikon Suspensions: Model 7610-1282SP10
Works Performance: No match for model/Year


Thanks.

[Nessism]

Damping adjustment is a nice feature, but not strictly necessary. HD springs are a given for someone planning to load the bike like you are. I heard that the emgo shocks have some pretty stiff springs so that may be a good choice - they are cheap also.

[oilhands]

Damping adjustment is a nice feature, but not strictly necessary. HD springs are a given for someone planning to load the bike like you are. I heard that the emgo shocks have some pretty stiff springs so that may be a good choice - they are cheap also.

Thanks. I looked in the EMGO 2007 online catalog and they don't appear to offer any shocks.

[bwringer]

CRC2 sells the Emgo shocks, and you'll find them on fleaBay under the MDI brand name as well.

http://crc2onlinecatalog.com

The stock shocks are dangerous junk, and not worth fooling with. Replace ASAP.

[oilhands]

The stock shocks are dangerous junk, and not worth fooling with. Replace ASAP.

Yeah, when I was talking to my Ducati owning brother about my hand adjustment of preload he asked if the pre-load adjuster had a knob to help turn the pre-load collar. I told him that I just compressed the spring with one hand and turned the collar with the other, but I had noticed what looked like a place to use an adjustment wrench. He indicated that I would be a dead or injured fool if I didn't replace them. Hence my desire for addition guidance.

Thanks for the catalog info.