Testing/Rebuilding/Replacing Shocks

[mokosai]

Hello All,

I have a 1980 GS250T that I'm trying to get back to it's original level of performance. I'm thinking about the dual shocks (more correctly "dampers" I guess) in the back.

First of all, how can I test them to see if they need anything? I assume they do just from age, but I guess it's good to test.

Second of all, if they do need it, can they be serviced or rebuilt? I don't want to spend a ton of money, but is it the sort of thing a suspension shop can do for me for a few hundred dollars, valved and sprung correctly?

Finally, if not, and they need to be replaced, what are the options? My notes (all info taken from this forum) tell me that YSS shocks are an option: http://www.yssusa.com/products_yss.html. Edit: I see other options on the "Greeting" page, but there is no comment about the YSS other than to say they exist. Anyone tried them?

Thanks!

[Baatfam]

For a few hundred dollars, you can buy new aftermarket shocks that will better than the originals were when new...

[mokosai]

For a few hundred dollars, you can buy new aftermarket shocks that will better than the originals were when new...

I'm looking into the Progressive 12 Series now... looks like a great deal for decent suspension. But, it doesn't come with springs. Can I reuse the springs I have now (assuming they fit), or do I need to somehow figure out the spring rate and order new springs?

(Thanks in advance!)

[Guest]

Call Progressive they'll help you figure out what springs, they helped me with my Series 12 shocks. I went with some springs that were 15% stiffer then my old Street Strokers.

[mokosai]

Call Progressive they'll help you figure out what springs, they helped me with my Series 12 shocks. I went with some springs that were 15% stiffer then my old Street Strokers.

I've called them twice already. They told me they'd never heard of a GS250 and that they had no idea what I needed, but I could measure stock equipment and call them back to get their closest fit.

Also, one guy at Progressive told me that the Series 12 shocks come with spacers for the bushings to fit most bikes, another said they don't and are separate. Do you know if they do or not? (I know I need 12mm inner diameter of eye, no idea if that's common to all GS's or not.)

[cowboyup3371]

Give Dave Quinn a call about the Hagon shocks he sells; you'll get a good deal. His website is www.davequinnmotorcycles.com

[mokosai]

Give Dave Quinn a call about the Hagon shocks he sells; you'll get a good deal. His website is www.davequinnmotorcycles.com

I did this. For anyone else looking, this is the answer! A 5 minute chat, $194, and two new gas-charged shocks with springs were on their way to me. Dave seems like a great guy to work with.

[bwringer]

Progressive Suspension's shocks are OK, but their customer service sucks.

Call Dave Quinn and get some Hagons from someone who will actually answer the phone. They're slightly cheaper, too, and he will exchange springs if you need something different.

All the Progressive shocks I've installed have come with a selection of bushings. 12mm is the most common stud size, so I don't see why they wouldn't include the bushings. But who knows... I wouldn't put it past some accountant to save 1.2 cents per package by omitting the extra bushings.

[ChicagoBob]

I'm running Progressive 14 Series shocks on my GS550 with the stock springs (and the stock spring retainers). They work well. About $120 from Motorcycle Superstore.