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► Modify message ( Re: Heavy Duty Rear Shocks Problem Solved (I think) )

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Hi, after several conversations with Progressive Suspensions, (they are the only US company that makes shocks that i can find) there are other companies that re-brand progressive shocks and sell them under their name & model numbers.

I could never get them to actually say how much the load rating on their HD 440 shocks are, and if they find out what model of cycle you have, they will not sell you shocks that are not a "direct replacement" for your cycle, they will sell shorter ones but not longer ones. And they will only say, "for loads more than 240 lbs."

After much searching, and a lot of reading I found a company in England (on ebay they are called bits4motorbikes.) They sell Hagon shocks. My Honda 1976 cb750f had a set of these on it when I bought it used, and they carried me & the wife 2up with no problem.

They will build you a custom set of shocks to your weight & length specifications for a very reasonable cost.

For them to build me a custom set with progressive rate springs, for a 99' 1500 Drifter, 13.5 inches long and designed to carry 40 stones weight (560Lbs.) for the affordable price of $319.74 shipped to my door, with an unlimited mileage, 2 year warranty.

I will let you know how they do.

Has anyone else here had any experience with this brand before?

here is the ebay link for the drifter shocks [url=http://www.ebay.com/itm/Kawasaki-VN1500-Drifter-1988-Pair-motorbike-shocks-/260846224352?pt=UK_Motorcycle_Parts&hash=item3cbba583e0]http://www.ebay.com/itm/Kawasaki-VN1500-Drifter-1988-Pair-motorbike-shocks-/260846224352?pt=UK_Motorcycle_Parts&hash=item3cbba583e0[/url]

45 Bravo

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Posted by 45 Bravo

- September 21, 2011, 17:35:06 PM

cool, thanks for the input. that is the magical numbers that match us.

but we take short trips, and never carry packs or extra clothes.

she can't ride for hours and hours. even with the good corbin seat

Ian

Posted by aclone

- September 21, 2011, 16:27:29 PM

My wife and I and full bags just under 500# . But because the tour pack and top bag are behind the rear wheel the stress on the rear of the bike is more like 550# I was having problems with the front end floating but have solved that.
Mark

Posted by 45 Bravo

- September 21, 2011, 15:34:09 PM

Mark, if you don't mind my asking, what is fully loaded weight?

Posted by aclone

- September 21, 2011, 14:07:53 PM

I have been looking and so far I can't find a 14" shock that will fit a Drifter of any brand. Chief is correct about the drive line the drifter was not designed to carry a lot of weight, but my wife and I have put about 6000 mile on ours fully loaded with no problems.
Mark

Posted by 45 Bravo

- September 21, 2011, 12:49:15 PM

ok, i am 330 (down from 385 last january), the wife is 200+, i ride daily, we LIKE to ride together several times a week (just an evening cruise).

So the 13.5 inch 440hd is the way to go you think?

I wonder if anyone on here has a set for sale because the ride was too stiff.

of course, there would not be a warranty with the used ones.

Ian

Posted by chief

- September 21, 2011, 12:10:50 PM

Be aware you may be putting additional stresses on the drive line if you change it too much. Additionally, with the 440 HD you get the combo of a heavy duty spring. You don't ride totally loaded all the time, so you may be able to live with the occasional fender bump that you might get with the 440 heavy duty (different from reg 440). I have a pad and fender bib on the fender where mine used to hit.

Posted by 45 Bravo

- September 20, 2011, 19:58:06 PM

Thanks for the input. That leads to my next question. would 13.5 or more help the issue, and what is the max i can go?

13.5? 14?

Thanks again.

Ian

Posted by aclone

- September 20, 2011, 13:54:17 PM

I have the 440 hd 13" shocks full load with the wife and gear is almost 500 lbs And I do still bottom out once in a while. I don't mind bottoming out its the damage it does to the fender I dont like. I'm going to add a 1 spacer to the shock. but you may want to get the 13.5" shocks.
Mark

Posted by chief

- September 20, 2011, 11:36:35 AM

Yes, and its dangerous to ride with one bad shock.

Some folks have used the 412's. I rode with them for one ride... they did fine, but I already had ordered the 440's. The place I was using back then had ordered the wrong ones. I just took them and re-ordered the 440's... then sold the 412's.
With the floating fender, shocks are really important.

Posted by 45 Bravo

- September 19, 2011, 20:45:24 PM

Thanks, Well, i have 1 shock that is shot, so i either need to find another, or upgrade.

the 440 shocks are HOLY MOSES priced.. even on ebay.

but gotta do something.

what others would you suggest?

45 Bravo

Posted by chief

- September 19, 2011, 14:19:59 PM

Well, kaw has the shocks set up for 175# from factory. They should be bumped up considerably... I had about 45psi in mine... which is the max end of the range... and pre-load set to 4. Still didn't like it. If you see oil leakage, its likely the shock is history.

The 440's are plenty heavy duty... there are others that would likely work as well. You don't want the thing to ride like a rigid!

Posted by 45 Bravo

- September 18, 2011, 21:05:29 PM

Hello, I am going to ask a question here that has been covered before, but maybe not into the same detail as i need.

Today my wife and i were riding the drifter 1500, and hit a rather larger bump in the road, and bottomed out pretty good, after getting home and after the bike cooled i was cleaning it up and noticed the left rear shock leaking oil.

It is stock, and was set at the factory pressure i am sure.

a couple of questions:
1. is it possible to fix the shocks?
2. Others have suggested the PROGRESSIVE SUSPENSION HEAVY-DUTY 440 IAS SERIES SHOCKS.
what is their max loading?

together we are tipping 500+ Lbs.

3. what are some of my alternatives to carry this load?

I notice they have a 812 series shock on the progressive site also. Does anyone know if it is heavier rated than the 440?

Essentially, i am asking what can be done to make the drifter carry say, 600 lbs. of crew & gear?

Thanks.

45 Bravo

edit: I also saw something on the HD ultra classic shocks, are they any better or heavier duty than the factory drifter shocks

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