Rear Shocks

Started by Moose, October 15, 2017, 19:50:45 PM

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Trall

Quote from: Tedsdrifter1500 on June 05, 2018, 16:44:39 PM

Following up with my shorter shocks.  DO NOT USE if riding two up!!!!!  Did some damage to my fender before I noticed this.  Went back to stock length and even a bit more to be safe, 13.25" eye to eye length.  The shorter shocks are fine if you only use solo seat.

Good heads up for everyone about not using shorter shocks. Sorry to hear about your fender damage. 


CousinVinnie

had Progressive 440 on my Drifter for many years and could never get them to adjust.  It was always like riding a hard tail. Went back to the OEM shocks and am much happier.  Sent the Progressives to the factory and they wont tell you what went wrong.  It took superhuman effort for them to turn and no matter what setting I used they were stiff as rocks.. PS I weight 300 so they should have moved!

The Original Cousin Vinnie
99 Drifter (Jewell)Signed by Denny Berg
00 Drifter (Gracie) Saved from the scrap heap

Tedsdrifter1500

Following up with my shorter shocks.  DO NOT USE if riding two up!!!!!  Did some damage to my fender before I noticed this.  Went back to stock length and even a bit more to be safe, 13.25" eye to eye length.  The shorter shocks are fine if you only use solo seat.


Tedsdrifter1500

I listed these in the other Shocks Question.  Purchased off of Ebay.  Will advise as I get them, ride with them awhile, and give a review with pictures.  This is a search you can use to find them.

KAWASAKI VN1500 VULCAN NOMAD DRIFTER 12.25" BLACK SHORTY SHOCKS


thenemos

Anyone successfully go with a shorter shock, between 12-12.5"?

___________________
Stay calm and ride on!
thenemos

drifter-paul

I have a friend who specialises in Goldwing problems, and whose abilities and skills I am confident in. She has had ill health recently, and has not been able to start the job, however she believes she can do this having done other non-re-buildable shocks.

I will post the process here, when she is able to do it. :)

Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit, wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.

Bucko

Quote from: Moose on October 30, 2017, 16:07:51 PM

I need to find me a friend like that. I've asked around quite a bit and only hear "Can't rebuild them" though I've read of them being successfully rebuilt from forums etc.

This is the first that I've heard Drifter shocks can be rebuilt although I know other non rebuildable motorcycle shocks that have been rebuilt.  I'd like to know more about what's involved in rebuilding these shocks if anyone has information.

Moose

#10
Quote from: drifter-paul on October 22, 2017, 02:45:24 AM

These are my 3 position dampening Hagon with "Fatboy" stainless tops

Been happy with them for over 40K kilometers

Waiting on a friend to re-build my original OEM

I need to find me a friend like that. I've asked around quite a bit and only hear "Can't rebuild them" though I've read of them being successfully rebuilt from forums etc.

Moose

Quote from: Pilgrim on October 20, 2017, 20:03:35 PM

My progressives ride like a hardtail.. :(

Which model of progressives did you get? Sounds awful.

indue

One thing i've noticed is that the bike no matter what you do has a "hardtail" feeling to it. I think part of that fact is because it has a driveshaft. There is more movement to the swingarm with either chain or belt. In other words, when the bike goes over a bump or rut, it does not have that "give" that the alternative belts/chain does. Plus, it is also a very old design of driveshaft as the new Moto Guzzi's/BMW's have a more "articulating" driveshaft-if that makes sense-But I can tell you, if you keep it up maintenance wise, it is very reliable.


drifter-paul

#7

These are my 3 position dampening Hagon with "Fatboy" stainless tops

Been happy with them for over 40K kilometers

Waiting on a friend to re-build my original OEM

Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit, wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.

CDNRatMan

 they would ride fine if you weighed more than a damp sponge.....

GPS is not to get you THERE but rather to get you home from THERE

Pilgrim

My progressives ride like a hardtail.. :(


chief

I put the 440's on... maybe 10 years ago... doing fine. Although, we don't ride two up on the drifter anymore, so they are likely overkill.

Slainte mhaith - Good Health - Cheers

'02 Vulcan Drifter 1500

Moose

Quote from: indue on October 19, 2017, 13:58:21 PM

I went with Hagon. They make 3 models for the Drifter. From the simple predetermined damping/adjustable preload, to the model I used with 4 position damping and the top of the line which has outside reservoir with compression, preload and damping. As I recall, they are less in price than the Progressives'.  They made quite a difference in the ride of my bike.

Damn those are great looking too! I will definitely look into those. Thanks for the info.

indue

I went with Hagon. They make 3 models for the Drifter. From the simple predetermined damping/adjustable preload, to the model I used with 4 position damping and the top of the line which has outside reservoir with compression, preload and damping. As I recall, they are less in price than the Progressives'.  They made quite a difference in the ride of my bike.


Moose

Hey Y'all

First post, I've noticed a few of y'all have changed your shocks to the Progressive 412s or 440s, but the posts are a little old so I figured I'd see what is new. Anyone have another preference, how are the progressives holding up? I've looked up the 412s but seems like the model is never correct for my bike. I bought a 1500 Drifter a few months back and noticed my shocks are blown, figured it was time for a change.

Thank you,


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