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What are your recommendation for rear shocks for 1979 GS859G?

  • Thread starter Thread starter bjrpkr
  • Start date Start date
B

bjrpkr

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My bike is starting to 'wallow' badly going thru curves. I put progressive springs on front forks several years ago and they seem to be fine. I'm guessing my rear shocks are due to be replaced (original). I'd like to hear some recommendations for best shock for my bike (55K miles). I do carry a passenger off and on so adjustability might be a good thing. Thanks for your input.
 
Why not get a matching pair of Progressive suspension shocks for the rear too?
 
bjrpkr said:
My bike is starting to 'wallow' badly going thru curves.
Click to expand...

While I am certain that your OEM shocks with 55K miles on them are completely shot and need replacing, the wallowing could also be the result of worn out swingarm bearings. Have those bearings been checked and/or replaced in the recent past?


Mark
 
Yes, get some progressive 412 shocks with the heavier springs, 105/150.
 
mmattockx said:
While I am certain that your OEM shocks with 55K miles on them are completely shot and need replacing, the wallowing could also be the result of worn out swingarm bearings. Have those bearings been checked and/or replaced in the recent past?


Mark
Click to expand...
I will second this shocks are probably shot, but the swing arm bearings will cause some real pucker moments if they are bad.;)
 
Thanks so much for your input. Should I just be sure the length is correct? Several sites can't do a fitment test for that old of a bike.
tx
 
hjfisk said:
I will second this shocks are probably shot, but the swing arm bearings will cause some real pucker moments if they are bad.;)
Click to expand...

Yep, that's why I asked. It is an experience not to be forgotten, that's for certain.:eek::D


Mark
 
Shaft drive bikes have large taper roller element swingarm bearings. Very robust, and easy to service.
 
I replaced my shocks at somewhere just south of 50k miles with Hagons from http://www.davequinnmotorcycles.com/ and they've been great. They're about the same price and quality as the Progressives (which you won't go wrong with either). If you tell them your bike, riding style, loaded weight, passenger status, etc. they will put together a custom pair for you and if you decide you don't like the spring rate you can send them back for 1 (I think) free exchange. My only pan is that they have 3 adjustment settings instead of 5.
 
jona said:
I'm very happy with my Hagon 2810's from Dave Quinn.
Click to expand...
I was, to be truthful, slightly kind to myself when calculating weight, and also miscalculated my co-pilot's growth rate, and the shocks are still not complaining. ;)
 
bjrpkr said:
My bike is starting to 'wallow' badly going thru curves. I put progressive springs on front forks several years ago and they seem to be fine. I'm guessing my rear shocks are due to be replaced (original). I'd like to hear some recommendations for best shock for my bike (55K miles). I do carry a passenger off and on so adjustability might be a good thing. Thanks for your input.
Click to expand...
The best (and cheapest) shocks I've fitted to mine came off a Kwak GT750 - Showa air shocks with a link pipe. That was 20 years ago and they lasted well, only dying with a splurge when they hit a massive pothole last year.
However, I noticed the exact same shocks are factory-fitted to several Harleys and many owners upgrade their shocks the first chance they get - which means there's oftentimes a glut of Showa air shocks on the market, many of them brand new and going for as little as 20 bucks. They might not suit the Harley owners, but they're excellent touring shocks on a GS.
 
Nessism said:
Shaft drive bikes have large taper roller element swingarm bearings. Very robust, and easy to service.
Click to expand...

Yep. These things never wear out, but it's easy enough to put the bike on the centerstand and wiggle to see if there's a problem.

Most likely it's the shocks. Limber up your Visa and bolt on a set of Hagons or Progressives.
 
Grimly said:
The best (and cheapest) shocks I've fitted to mine came off a Kwak GT750 - Showa air shocks with a link pipe. That was 20 years ago and they lasted well, only dying with a splurge when they hit a massive pothole last year.
However, I noticed the exact same shocks are factory-fitted to several Harleys and many owners upgrade their shocks the first chance they get - which means there's oftentimes a glut of Showa air shocks on the market, many of them brand new and going for as little as 20 bucks. They might not suit the Harley owners, but they're excellent touring shocks on a GS.
Click to expand...

Do you know what part number those shocks are? I'm doing a little e-bay searching.
 
jsandidge said:
Do you know what part number those shocks are? I'm doing a little e-bay searching.
Click to expand...

I don't recall a part number as such - but there are usually some up for sale. Of course, the prices vary according to luck and dream-time owner expectations :)
Beware of fitting length - one or two of the Harley models are fairly low-slung and 11" shocks are no good. I've got a note of the longer ones somewhere, I'll dig it out tomorrow.
 
Ok, here's what I've found out from here and other places.
Eye to eye measurements...

FLH and FLT 11.5"

Dyna models (late) 12"

Dyna models (early) 12.5"
Sportsters 12.5"
V-Rod 12.5"

FLH-FLT 13"
FLR and XL 13"

VRSCR 16" (what? might be a misprint)
 
I fitted a pair of Hagon 33014SA. Came in at 230 Euro here delivered. Three position preload and no damping adjustment but they transformed the bike, very happy. They did replace a pair of cheap OXON rubbish that leaked. Ride a lot two up.
Front is not stock, looks like some Katana springs in there with ramp preload adjusters- no air.
 
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