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Last Edit: March 10, 2023, 14:37:29 PM by chief
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Posted by JMJ77
 - March 08, 2023, 02:25:37 AM

Hi all, old topic but didn't start new thread because my question concerns "non air" oem shocks used on early 1500 Drifters. As BugzeeMalone said in first post, there aren't any air valves on 99' shocks. At first I was wondering that too, but you can see that from part diagram also. Maybe European version thing, don't know for sure. If I'm right, you can only adjust preload.

My question is, has someone changed oem spring to stiffer or progressive springs? Does any of you know, what is the stiffness of those oem springs? I can't open those shocks and check springs right now, because bike is in winter storage far away.

Maybe if there's no stiffer springs available, it's time to upgrade those shocks for some aftermarket shocks, will see.

Cheers, Jani

Posted by BugzeeMalone
 - October 22, 2016, 05:24:44 AM

Thanks for everone's input. I appreciate it.
I am going to have a play with the set up
Regards
Ray in NZ

Posted by chief
 - October 21, 2016, 10:43:09 AM

The OEM are fine but they require some work to get and keep them properly set. Personally, I replaced mine and believe they are much better than the oem.

Posted by BugzeeMalone
 - October 21, 2016, 03:01:22 AM

Thanks so much for posting this photo.
I appreciate the fact that you had to remove it from your Drifter to do this for me  ;)
Yes,the previous owner must have replaced them.
Are the std shocks any good? Is it worth picking up a set as I have always thought mine rode a little hard compared to my previous BMWs
Regards,
Ray in NZ

Posted by drifter-paul
 - October 20, 2016, 04:15:43 AM

Anything for a countryman from the Northern Islands. Course , I won't be able to go for a ride until I put it back on. ;D ;)

Posted by BugzeeMalone
 - October 20, 2016, 03:33:00 AM

Yes I was expecting them mounted on the top.
They look stock with 4 settings for preload.
They are black on top and chrome on the bottom with no exposed spring.
Could someone please post a photo of their stock shock for me please
Ray in NZ

Posted by drifter-paul
 - October 19, 2016, 04:57:02 AM

Air valves - as in like what you have on your tires to pump air into.
Black surround 3 3/8" at top, air valve at top, black sping & lower surround. If these don't describe yours, then you have aftermarket.
:)

Posted by BugzeeMalone
 - October 19, 2016, 02:59:43 AM

I have read that the adjustable rear shocks on 1500 Drifters also have air valves. I looked on my 1500 99J model and I can't find any air valves. Did they come on later models?
Ray in NZ

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