Opinions on GOOD quality shocks.

As I am starting to put regular mileage on Pumba and joining group rides of over 30 riders that like to push through the corners, its time to budget for new shocks.

I am not enjoying a spirited ride knowing my shocks are 30 years old, and even have visible rust on the shaft, I would guess the only reason they dont leak oil, would be the lack of its existence.

I want shocks that will last the distance.

Cheap crap ones - no thanks

Progressive seem the minimum.

Ohlins off a XJR1300 would work, but I cant find.

These look good www.gazisuspension.com;


Before I spend over 3 times the initial price of my bike for shocks, any informed comments?

 

I've got Progressive 12-Series on both of my 550 Secas, and love 'em.

One set now has a little over 8000 miles on them, the other set has about 3200 miles on them, and they still perform just like they did when brand new. Highly Recommended.

Going up the price ladder: IKON, Works Performance, then Ohlins.

One advantage Ikons have over Progressive is that for only slightly more money, you get adjustable rebound damping. This might be more important on a shaft-drive bike to help counter the "jacking" phenomenon; but I don't know how necessary it is on the Yammies, it never seemed to be a real complaint. I'm probably going to go with Ikons on my 650 Seca (my first shaftie.)

If you want to really improve the suspension, upgrade to a set of Progressive (or Ikon, or WP) fork springs at the same time. The stock springs pale by comparison.

 

Thanks for that.
I have a lot of confusion with my front forks, as they came of a police special, and are 1mm larger diameter than the normal XJ750. Parts catalog show them to be the same as a XJ750D japanese injected model. I had problems until going to 20 weight oil and 3psi.

I am actively looking at using something like a R6 front end conversion.
After converting to R6 front brakes and loving them, I consider and reject 10 ideas a week.

 

dark fibre... did you try Australian ebay? should have xjr1300 shocks... if not, chopaweeza on thechopperunderground.com is an import export motorcycle parts guy in aus... maybe he could hook you up...

 

Good quality shocks are one of the single biggest improvements you can make

I had the rear shock on one of my bikes (Ducati) rebuilt and also bought a set of Ohlins for it, the Ohlins are far superior to any other shock I have used in terms of handling and ride comfort, but they were valved and sprung to suit me

Just buying shocks the right length that fit isn't enough, spring rate as a minimum needs to be looked at as well, look up an article on suspension sag will be a good start

re adjustable damping, it isn't the be all of shocks if the internal valving isn't in the ball park to start with no amount of external adjustment will make it right

If you're doing the rear you should also look at the front, springing it for your weight and emulators

 

bigfitz52 gave me the same tips recently.

Unfortunately none of these manufactures want you to easily figure out details about their products, prices or vendors.

Progressive seems to have the most user friendly site and actually sells directly. The others seem to have little to no product information and/or their online vendor lists are outdated. Oh well... The progressives are in my price range at least!

 

I just got new PS fork springs, and now I realize that i REALLY NEED a new rear set of suspension. I too like the PS price point, but I can't figure out the differences between their 12-series, 14-series, and 412-series, and how they would relate to my style of riding and bike (650j and commuting...spirited commuting, sometimes I weigh 230 lbs.

I know some of the technical differences, like the 12 is all gas and 14's are gas and oil, but what gives with the $70 price difference between the 12 and 14, and the relatively small $20 difference between the 12 and 412?

In all honesty, it seems like they are all of equal quality. The 412 says stuff about "cruiser" which isn't really how I ride, so I'm deciding mostly (depending on other information) between the 12 and 14's. What on earth do the 12's do that's worth so much more money (25% more)?

The price isn't the biggest issue, but I don't want to overspend any more than I want to cheap out.

 

fwiw: the 12 series shocks fit the stock springs on my 750 seca, saved a few $

 

I sent the same question to PS themselves, so hopefully if no one can contribute from experience (and who, really, has tried all 3 shocks?) then maybe I can contribute via the manufacturer.

The funny thing is, 12 series shocks only are about the same price as 14 series shocks AND springs. But I'm not concerned with $70 when I commute on the California freeway everyday, but I can always buy the springs later, couldn't I?

Does anyone know the spring rate of the OEM springs?

 

Sometimes I think I'm the only guy with a factory book.

You really wanna know? They're in metric, the American equivalent is 89/123. Progressives "stock replacement" 12-series spring is a 75/120; their "HD" spring for your bike is a 90/130. I'd go with the HD's.

 

Just so you know, Fitz...I was in the middle of the ocean. The only tech manuals I had handy were for my diesel and my marine gas turbine....

and thanks for the info...too bad the seas got too bad to get internet anymore.

 

How did you find those Shock Absorbers?

You must have Googled: "Most Expensive Motorcycle Shocks"

Eight-hundred American Green-backs.

Damn. Some bike parts are expensive!

 

Good thing those are about worthless these days. :cry:

 

+3 The OEM Yamaha springs do not seem to have been designed for the "typical" USA rider, sometimes a passenger and/or related gear - assuming they are still the same rating after 20+ years. I just put in a set of PS front fork springs and I will be installing a pair of PS series 12 shocks with the 105/150 springs.

 

+3 The OEM Yamaha springs do not seem to have been designed for the "typical" USA rider, sometimes a passenger and/or related gear - assuming they are still the same rating after 20+ years. I just put in a set of PS front fork springs and I will be installing a pair of PS series 12 shocks with the 105/150 springs.