Shocks

[DC]

What I decided to do in the interim and in lieu of removing and/or replacing the shocks was to torque the nuts only to 5 ft lbs, and put on blue Loctite on the threads.  I went on a group ride yesterday and my back was not really sore.  During the ride, one of the riders said he was staring at my butt the whole time       during the ride, and he said he said he was amazed as it didn't move at all through the different bumps.  He said my bike looked incredibly stable.  I was feeling the bumps in my spine and when I saw some really nasty road anomalies, I usually put my weight on the floorboards to give me spine a break.

So, yes, this looks like more of a binding problem.  It's definitely very rideable now with the lower mounting nut torque.  When I get time, I'll pull the shocks, take the measurements, and file the sleeves as needed.

[greenbarn]

I can see not wanting (nor should you have to) buy a second set...

Sounds like, to me, you have some type of "binding" problem - meaning either one (or both) shocks are either binding internally or binding in their mount.  Maybe you could try taking one shock off at a time and see if it makes a difference - is one worse than the other?

Also, try fastening only one end of the shock on at a time.   For example, take out the bottom bolt out, leaving the top bolt in.   Then try just the bottom bolts.  Make sure the shock isn't binding up on the mount.  Needs to be snug, but if it's really tight, then it will bind throughout it's travel.

It seems I've read somewhere about this issue and someone had the same problem - and had to modify the mount bushings to get clearance....  can't remember where, though.

[pcarrell]

They offered to test the shocks if I sent them in, ........

That might be a worth while winter project if you haven't solved it by then.

[DC]

Thanks for the link PC, and thanks for the advice GB.  Yes, I had an issue with clearance, but Progressive said the measurement for clearance was metal-to-metal, not the entire width as I measured.  The Gadget link says to file down the inserts.  I guess it depends on the clearance problem.  I will pull the shocks off once again, take more measurements, and see if I come up with anything.  I did pull the cap nuts off the other day and kind of felt how high or low that insert is with respect to the mounting shoulder.  On one shock mount, it's below and shouldn't be binding.  On other others, I couldn't really tell.  It was just so close.  So I'll pull the shocks again, take the measurements, and see if I can do any filing on the insert sleeves.

I called Progressive yet again the other day and they are at a loss as to what the problem could be.  They offered to test the shocks if I sent them in, but my bike would be out of commission for who knows how long, and they will not provide loaners.  They said I could buy another pair from them, then return the ones in question for testing, then eventually get reimbursed for one set of shocks.  I don't think so.

[chief]

My 440's weren't cheap and they have and are working great. Even though my wife doesn't ride with me on this bike any more, I still like the ride.

[greenbarn]

I just want to say, once again I'm glad to be on this forum.  That rear shock oil change looks like it needs to be on my to do list for the winter, as it seems like my 1500 could use it. If the oil is in as bad of shape as the fork oil, it definitely needs changed.

DC:   This looks like a good hint for you to follow.   Didn't you have some issues when you installed (if I remember right) about the width of the bushings??  it didn't occur to me earlier, but your symptoms could very well be bound-up mounts.  good to check out...

[JagLite]

I have my shocks set on "4" and run 42 psi.
Works great for my 185 lbs weight with and without 50+ lbs of camping gear.

According to the information on here (Drifter Information page) our 1500's have 3.9" of total travel at the rear wheel.
If your bike has a riding sag of 2" that means you only have 1.9" of compression travel before bottoming out.

If your riding sag (weight of bike, rider, and gear) is more (using more of the static shock travel) you will have even less suspension compression travel available.

I haven't measured my riding sag but I am guesstimating it is at least 2".
The only adjustment we have to set sag on the stock shocks is the air pressure.
Many shocks have adjustable ramp collars under the springs to set proper sag.

I have bottomed out only twice in about 4,000 miles (so far) and both were potholes on the highway.

[Troll]

    Are you SURE you're "bottoming out"? That would actually mean that the rear suspension is moving almost 5" from it's normal position. I really find that hard to believe. I would bet that either something back there is loose and rattling, or the swing arm pin/bearings are dry, loose... or the bushings in the shock eyes are worn out. When I got my 1500, I drained and refilled the stock oil as per these instructions: http://www.vulcandrifterriders.com/shockoil.html . I have 101,000 miles on it now, and they work just fine...Sit on the bike and bounce the rear up and down. If it's really "bottoming out" you will see it.

[pcarrell]

DC, I don't know if you've seen this, but it might also apply to other models of their shocks: http://www.vulcandrifterriders.com/unbindshock.html

[49Reo]

....I thought it was only Harley parts that failed prematurely.... 

[DC]

I know a lot of people like Progressives, but all I can say is to be careful in choosing them.  I am not happy with mine and I know I am probably in the minority on this experience with them.   To me, they were not an improvement over the Kaw shocks.  They were just a cheaper alternative, and are not as refined as the Kaws.

I have been on the phone numerous times with Progressive in trying to resolve the ride problems.  I have adjusted the sag up and down the scale, and also varied the nut-mounting torque, all at their recommendation.  None of it has worked.   Good luck.

[pcarrell]

Yeah, my stock shocks are giving up too.  Time for an upgrade I think.  I know a lot of people go with Progressive shocks.  http://www.progressivesuspension.com/products/3139/2001/kawasaki/vn1500-vulcan-drifter

[49Reo]

What do the rest of the 1500 riders run their rear suspension at? I'm bottoming out on small bumps, and I have the shocks set at 3 with 28 pounds of air. Not packing much besides myself, extra helmet, chaps, extra gloves. I don't recall having this issue in years past. And no, I didn't find all the weight Troll lost....