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Posted by JagLite
- August 25, 2015, 16:03:23 PMI 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.
Posted by Troll
- August 25, 2015, 15:28:13 PMAre 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.
Posted by pcarrell
- August 25, 2015, 15:05:11 PMDC, 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
Posted by 49Reo
- August 25, 2015, 14:39:46 PM....I thought it was only Harley parts that failed prematurely.... 
Posted by DC
- August 25, 2015, 13:07:44 PMI 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.
Posted by pcarrell
- August 25, 2015, 10:57:24 AMYeah, 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
Posted by 49Reo
- August 25, 2015, 10:36:26 AMWhat 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....