Rear Shock Dimensions

gdrudd13 · July 11, 2014, 08:08:14 AM

Well, I ended up purchasing the Big Boar kit. I talked with a couple people at work that have air ride and both of them put a similar kit as the base version (cheaper version) so I went that route. Neither had any ride issues. Once I get it in, I'll try to start a new thread with the install and riding impressions, etc.

gdrudd13 · July 10, 2014, 10:05:22 AM

The price of the progressive shock is what is making me look into air ride. The benefits from going with an air ride setup make it worth the extra money.

On a side note, I got permission from the wife to go ahead with the air ride setup. So now I just need to finalize what I'm going with.

CDNRatMan · July 10, 2014, 08:05:17 AM

Too true the cost of a decent rear shock was needless to say a SHOCK. But the alternative was to purchase a used one, and then the question would have been is it in better shape then what I had will the ride be better or worse.

gdrudd13 · July 10, 2014, 07:48:46 AM

Too bad that wasn't true. If that was what a rear shock cost I would have just abandoned the air ride idea.

CDNRatMan · July 09, 2014, 21:48:44 PM

Sorry I made a typo actually I was looking at something and typed that not the correct price it was , $495.00 on sale and free shipping. Canadian store and it was worth the wait for it.

gdrudd13 · July 09, 2014, 21:28:05 PM

$245? Where did you find that at? I can't find them less than $450. I know there is a bit of a difference with the exchange rate, but not that much.

CDNRatMan · July 09, 2014, 18:07:15 PM

Well keep us informed, I just installed the progressive 456 series shock and it made a huge difference since it is new compared to the old shock. And only was $245.00

gdrudd13 · July 09, 2014, 14:09:33 PM

So I have a few options that I found that I might be able to adapt, waiting on the dimensions from the manufacturers now, we'll see if they end up working or not. In the meantime, a coworker of mine found this site. They make a kit for the Vulcan 800, and also a kit that isn't shown that lets you adjust the rebound (the EQ kit). The regular kit isn't too expensive, but the EQ kit is substantially more. I like the idea of being able to fine tune the ride height, and adjust the rebound. I did email someone who is running the standard kit, and said he hasn't noticed any issues with the rebound.

Here's the links. I'll try and update this thread when I find out more.

http://www.bikerbrackets.com/bbaldesc.htm

http://www.bikerbrackets.com/bbareq.htm

http://www.bikerbrackets.com/bbalpaypal.htm

Before I go too much farther though. Am I correct in assuming that with the exception of the spring rates the shocks for the 800 Classic and 800 Drifter are interchangeable?

gdrudd13 · July 09, 2014, 07:31:45 AM

Eh it's all good. The dimensions you gave me are great. At the very least it's enough to tell me if there is something I can make work or if this is a lost cause. Thanks again. I appreciate it.

CDNRatMan · July 08, 2014, 18:55:47 PM

I have tried to compress it with my arms, no go
Tried to compress it with a power bar and rope, no go
Tried to balance my 234 lb. on it, no go

not sure what else to do.....

gdrudd13 · July 08, 2014, 17:02:56 PM

Looks great to me. Any idea what the collapsed length would be by chance?

CDNRatMan · July 08, 2014, 16:29:43 PM

ok got my fancy measuring tool with a digital read out, hope I did it right and even in that funny inch stuff.......

gdrudd13 · July 08, 2014, 16:11:49 PM

That would be awesome if you could do that.

CDNRatMan · July 08, 2014, 16:03:20 PM

ok I'll get the measurement's after supper, I have the stock shock still out to the shed.

gdrudd13 · July 08, 2014, 15:27:49 PM

Okay, so I'm getting ready to upgrade the front and rear suspension on my bike. the front I'm going with the 1500 progressive springs (no surprise there) but the back is where I'm getting crazy ideas of what to do. My idea is to do air ride. Before I get shunned, I'm not wanting to drop it in the weeds. The reason for the air ride is the ability to adjust the rear suspension for different loads, ie: solo riding, solo with luggage for a long trip, and 2-up riding. That way I could have a nice ride with any load and not squat the bike way down.

So now that I explained my reasoning, does anyone happen to have a rear shock that has been removed that they can measure? I attached a document that hopefully has all the dimensions I'll need, but please include any others that you think I might need. For the overall length, collapsed and extended lengths would be best. I also know that since this is a metric bike, a good deal of the dimensions will be in metric units, so that part doesn't matter. I'd prefer to not have to disassemble my bike just to check measurements. Another option might be for me to borrow an old rear shock so I can get the dimensions myself. If that's the case, I can pay for shipping both ways.

Thanks for your help.