Vulcan Drifter Riders

DISCUSSIONS => Drifter 800 Only => Topic started by: gdrudd13 on May 16, 2014, 09:40:36 AM

Title: Scootworks Shock Preload kits
Post by: gdrudd13 on May 16, 2014, 09:40:36 AM
http://www.shopscootworks.com/REAR-SHOCK-PRELOAD-KITS--KAWASAKI-detail.htm?productId=-125837&browse=-18705&shopBy=-3104&catalogId=-799

So does anyone have any thoughts about these? I did a search but came up empty. The bike is pretty good with just me but with me and my wife (I account for 2/3 or the weight lol) it gets a bit soft. Right now the shock is set at 6 I think. I need to bump it up one more, but I don't think it'll make enough of a difference. Eventually I'll replace the shock with a progressive unit, but they're expensive. So if anyone has used these with good results, they would do for now until I can make that happen.

Thanks
Title: Re: Scootworks Shock Preload kits
Post by: greenbarn on May 16, 2014, 11:54:05 AM
That's certainly cheap enough to try it out.  I would think it would make for a pretty harsh ride when it's loaded on the lighter side, but maybe not.
Title: Re: Scootworks Shock Preload kits
Post by: gdrudd13 on May 16, 2014, 12:35:37 PM
Well, I weigh roughly 230 lbs so I'm not sure there is a light side lol. If it wasn't really cheap, I wouldn't be interested in it, but for $20 for the cheaper one which is what I'd probably get, it's a cheap buy in. That being said, if they're junk or don't work that money could go in the rear shock fund so I'm curious if anyone has ever used them.
Title: Re: Scootworks Shock Preload kits
Post by: Nanook on May 16, 2014, 14:57:56 PM
Your on the light side! I'm near 290lbs and plan to ride with the wife soon just bought a double corbin with the help od Cdnratman. I also bought and received the preload and plan to put it in place this week end. But the process is even more complicated then changing the shock, since you have to remove the shock and dismantle the spring from the shock to insert the preload......I must admit that if I had more cash I would simply buy the progressive. It's on sale at some place for 365$ so good time to buy....not mentionning that one of the local dealer told me it was discontinued...but not sure if it's true!
Title: Re: Scootworks Shock Preload kits
Post by: CDNRatMan on May 16, 2014, 15:05:18 PM
    I looked at it, was not sure, then called and like Nanook said once the guy I talked to started talking about taking the shock apart, I declined and just went and bought the progressive 465 series shock.
http://www.canadasmotorcycle.ca/progressive-suspension-465-series-shocks.html
they are hard to get. But it was a simple install but a lot of parts had to be moved, and the preload and the damper are easy to adjust.

I am 235 lb. and so far this year and on some really rough roads with a multitude of potholes I have not bottomed out.....

Nanook waiting for Judy to call me to go and pick up the seat......
Title: Re: Scootworks Shock Preload kits
Post by: DenverDuc on May 16, 2014, 15:35:43 PM
I'd love a way to soften the suspension to be honest! I get bounced around a bit because there's not enough load on the bike. I only weigh about 130 pounds which is great for my Ducati and dirt bikes, but it's not so good on the Drifter!
Title: Re: Scootworks Shock Preload kits
Post by: CDNRatMan on May 16, 2014, 16:40:30 PM
    I just this winter switched the front fork springs to progressive 1500 springs, due to GreenBarn telling me to, and then the progressive 465 series shock, my half dozen short rides and my one long ride have told me that this was the combo to go with and at 235 it is a really nice solid feeling to the ride.
Title: Re: Scootworks Shock Preload kits
Post by: Troll on May 16, 2014, 18:28:02 PM
I might have to decrease the pressure in my rear shocks...down to 189 this morning! :o
Title: Re: Scootworks Shock Preload kits
Post by: gdrudd13 on May 16, 2014, 21:55:52 PM
I certainly don't need to make the suspension softer, that's for sure. I like where it is at when it's just me, but with my wife it seems to be a bit on the light side. I've never bottomed out, but it is a little squishy for my liking with her on it. I can't say taking the shock apart is all that scary to me, but it sounds like a quick look at any sort of instructions might be useful.

Nanook, let me know how the install goes. And take pictures if you can. If it goes well, I'll be using them later. Let me know about the ride too. Hopefully it's nice and holds me over till I pull the trigger on that new shock.