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Rear Shocks

  • Thread starter Thread starter Spyder
  • Start date Start date
S

Spyder

Guest
82' GS 650L
Can anything be done about worn out rear shocks?
I can't afford new. and have trouble trusting ebay for used parts being good.
If replacing is my only option, anyone here have some @ a good price?
I like to think I can trust most people here not to sell me junk. As I already have a junk pair.
Thanx...
 
i understand your sorrow.....:( you know you can get some off of dennis kirk for $88 a peace. that sounds good to me.
 
Hi,

From the mega-welcome page:

**********Quoted from Mr. Griffin**********
For suspension upgrades, the front end is pretty simple: Progressive brand springs and fresh 15W fork oil. (http://www.mawonline.com has pretty good prices on Progressive products.)

The rear end isn't so simple. Most of these brands are available in 'eye to eye' and 'eye to clevis' configurations, in different lengths for twin shock GS models. The options are arranged in order of price, low to high.

1. $65-$90 Emgo/MDI: Found all over ebay, and at about every vendor on the internet. General consensus of users seems to be that they are ok quality, but very stiffly sprung. Essentially the bare minimum option from stock. (For example, see: http://www.crc2onlinecatalog.com/rear_shocks.htm)

2. $120 Redwing: Evidently no longer made, they are still available at www.loudfastugly.com . I've not been able to find anyone who's actually used them, but they appear to be of halfway decent quality.

3. $210-$230 Progressive 12 Series: Lots of information here and all over the web about them. Most people seem happy with them, several different spring weights available. Available at most online retailers. www.denniskirk.com is a vendor I have had great luck with over the years.

4. $218-$270 Hagon Type A: Seem very similar to Progressive 12 series as far as owner satisfaction, quality of construction, and price. Available in the USA at www.davequinnmotorcycles.com

5. $320-$400+ Ikon 76 Series: Generally pretty highly regarded, lots of options available. From what I've read on the internet, they do seem to be more highly regarded than Progressive. Can be found at http://www.ikonsuspensionusa.com/servlet/StoreFront

6. $419-$589 Works Performance Steel Tracker: Very highly regarded, lots of positive reviews around the internet of Works Performance in general. Customer service (including rebuilding any brand of shock) is very highly rated. More info at http://www.worksperformance.com/html/home.html

There are other options available that can be more expensive, including offerings from Works, Ikon, Ohlins. White Brothers, once a powerhouse in the motorcycle industry, has ceased operations.
**********End Quote**********

If I were on a budget, choice #1 would not be bad. When I get around to it, I hope I can afford choice #3 or #4. I think that would be about all I need for my riding style.

Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff
 
Is there ANYthing BassCliff doesn't know?!?!?!?

Thanks buddy(again)....

Ever find yourself in the Chicago area, you've gotta few beers comin'.
Cheers...
 
Spyder said:
Is there ANYthing BassCliff doesn't know?!?!?!?

Thanks buddy(again)....

Ever find yourself in the Chicago area, you've gotta few beers comin'.
Cheers...
Click to expand...

Heheh. There's a lot I don't know. I just collect and share information, trying to help others.

But I will take you up on a cold one the next time I'm in Chicago. :D


Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff
 
Larry D said:
These are the least expensive I've found that will be an upgrade from the old ones. Scroll down a little to find the shocks. $75.00 a set.:)

https://www.partsnmore.com/cat_index.php?model=gs&category=chassis
Click to expand...

Partsnmore.com is a neat site- I hadn't been aware of it before. It has Gasket kits as well. Has anyone tried these kits, and if so, are they any good? They have a kit for the 650G and its hard to find one for that model.

PS, Sorry, didn't mean to hijack the thread, just asking....
 
Last edited:
The gaskets are Athena brand. I recentyly bought a set for my GS1000 at the recommendation of GSR member Matchless. Haven't used it yet so no personal experience. That particular kit uses a MLS headgasket which I think is a superior design compared to the older fiber gasket design. The kits are very complete and seem like reasonable quality but again, no actual experience yet.
 
2. $120 Redwing: Evidently no longer made, they are still available at www.loudfastugly.com . I've not been able to find anyone who's actually used them, but they appear to be of halfway decent quality.
Click to expand...

http://omarsdtr.com/shox1.html

I installed a set with the standard chrome springs on my sons CL360. For $100 they were far better than the worn out stockers, but the spring rate wouldn't be adequate for a rider much over 160#. The price bumps up to $138 with heavier springs. They were made in Japan and are supposedly rebuildable.
 
Flaggo60 said:
Partsnmore.com is a neat site- I hadn't been aware of it before. It has Gasket kits as well. Has anyone tried these kits, and if so, are they any good? They have a kit for the 650G and its hard to find one for that model.

PS, Sorry, didn't mean to hijack the thread, just asking....
Click to expand...

I was searching the forums for rear shock threads and someone mentioned partnmore. So I checked out thier site. That is the extent of my experience with them. They do have a $35.00 minimum, but shipping is a flat $5.00 to the lower 48 states by FedEx.
I'm seriously considering those rear shocks. Black body, progressive chrome springs, eye to clevis, correct length and $75.00 a pair. Gotta be an upgrade from the 28 year old stockers. And I think they look pretty sharp too.:)
 
Thanks for all the input. One of the best things about this site, all the opinions.
Now I know my options, where to find'em...
my wife is 5'3" with heels and wieghs 105 with a wet sweater on. So I'll have to stick with the closest to stock as I can. can't have her complaining all summer about how stiff it rides...lol
 
I was wondering if you can just replace the shock springs? Or would it be possible to add a couple of big washers on the end of the spring to get a little more stiftness? I got the same problem but can wait for awhile to get new ones but was thinking one of those ideas would help a little bit? I have some air shocks off a Yamaha but the bushings are different sizes. They are real close on length. :-k
 
scrapper I was wondering if you can just replace the shock springs? Or would it be possible to add a couple of big washers on the end of the spring to get a little more stiftness?
Click to expand...

I am not sure it is possible but that would only adjust the preload, the main problem is the dampers were not very good to begin with and after 25+ years are even worse.
 
I managed to snag a pair of now old stock Progressive brand 14-series (the vintage look models) for $50, but I didn't find them a noticeable improvement. Based on that, I'd splash out for the 12-series if you go Progressive.
 
How do you buy shocks other than looking for the proper length? I got a gift coupon to J&P Cycles and need to replace rear shocks on an '82 650L. Would like to look at other options besides progressive.

Thanks!
 
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