New rear suspension, what to choose?

[Relax]

My rear is soft when I ride 2 up, wich I often do.

I am particularely interested in comments from others with such experience .
Any suggestions?
Air filled shocks sounds interetsting?

[hubcapsc]

I think that Works Performance shocks are no long an option  ...

I have Progressive 440's, you'd have to get 444's now... they're pretty good.

-Mike

[Jess from VA]

The progressive 412s are the cheaper Progressive suspension shocks, and have been compared to stock Showas in ride quality.  Well, old Showas vs new 412s

But I think the 412s come in different spring rates and you need to get the ones that do the job for your (and passenger) weights and riding.  The Progressive website has some charts and reading, and they have a very good tech dept if you can call them; at least they did when I talked to them years ago about 440s 9no longer made).

I have never heard great things about air shocks, except guys who tow heavy trailers (and need great flexibility).

If you were able to find a used pair of Interstate OE Showa shocks (higher spring rates than Showas for std/tourer), that might be a good upgrade, if they are not worn out.

And new Showas for Interstate may still be available from Honda but that may be very expensive.

[Relax]

I think I read somewhere Thrimph Rocket III  shocks fit?
Do some Harley or others fit?

If I buy second hand Interstate shock, how do I know they are not worn out?

How many miles do you expect from your shocks?

[Leathel]

I think I read somewhere Thrimph Rocket III  shocks fit?
Do some Harley or others fit?

If I buy second hand Interstate shock, how do I know they are not worn out?

How many miles do you expect from your shocks?

My last gas adjustable shocks were a little to stiff for me when solo riding but mint 2 up..... I ended up selling them to a mate with a rocket 3 and he loves them....being it was a heavier bike solo riding was good for him and easily adjustable damper for two up ...... but I would be cautious getting rocket III shocks as the might be harsh riding solo as they are set for a heavier bike

I had some YSS shocks, Now I have some 444 progressives that I had on my last bike and they ride well, a little shorter and I only put them on until I got some more new ones but they are staying on for now, they were for a VT1100C and were stiff for that but great for this bike, even 2 up (I do add preload if 2 up with gear)

[MarkT]

My Progressive Air shocks have needed too frequent maintenance - seal replacements.  But I run more pressure than most with onboard air.  I've found they are marginal in enough preload with my weight with co-rider and bags full or camping gear.  They do have the cushiest ride when preload is set just right.  Not enough rebound damping.

I put Prog. 444's on my road bike which is set up to pull heavy trailers. The springs are carefully matched - I've tried several.  For my weight, I wound up with the 444-4057 shock which is 13" with 140/200 springs and run it with preload dialed all the way up.  BTW you need to pick the whole shock, not just change the springs.  Per Jorge, their most informed TS man.  I'm at 280#, pull heavy trailers up to 600#, sometimes with 130# co-rider but not trailer and co-rider.  I also tried their next heavier shock, # 444-4039 with 210/250 springs - WAY too heavy duty it was like a hardtail.  If you are above 300# with a heavy co-rider, that might be the one for you.  But IMHO there's a step in between that's missing. They also have one with 270/315 springs.  WHOA.  You're a BIG BOY if that's your shock.  FYI the std load setup (they call it HD but they also said that really means Harley Davidson not Heavy Duty - it's actually light duty on Valks) is the 444-4020, 13" with 105/150 springs. They also have lighter ones with 75/120, or 90/130 springs.

BTW they say these shocks are not for Valks.  I think they just don't want to support our use since the bike is out of production.  You do have to make a small mod to one of the sleeves to fit one side and putting them on after pulling the wheel can be a bear.  I had to make a spring compression tool.

[greggh]

Has anyone ever tried to rebuild the OEM shocks?
I have a STD set, and currently riding on the Interstate shocks.
98 standard dressed as a tour,  122k for miles

[98valk]

Has anyone ever tried to rebuild the OEM shocks?
I have a STD set, and currently riding on the Interstate shocks.
98 standard dressed as a tour,  122k for miles

only the spring can be changed.  The I/S shock along with a heavier spring has much better damping action which provides a smoother better controlled ride.  I run an I/S on my Std/tourer, std shock cannot compare.

[sunrisor]

I put Progressive heavy duty 412s in my 97 Tourer.  I decided to go with that vs air shocks, since it seemed like they could handle a bit more.

I had the wife and 100 lbs of junk in a Tbag with the preload at 2nd highest setting and it was pretty smooth for us.  For just me, I have it on 2nd lowest.

[Relax]

HAGON progressive shocks


https://www.caferacerwebshop.com/en/hagon-progressive-shocks-all-sorts.html

The shocks here looks good and seems to be kinda "tailor-made" to you.
I don't know anything about the quality.

You give them your bike type, your weight for single riding, 2 up riding (  and a third version if you like), and they will make the shocks accordingly to your information.

Position 1: Single riding
Position2: 2 up with wife
Postion 3: 2 up with lover ( )

Anyway -it sounded like a nice solution- preset according to your weight

[9Ball]

I think I read somewhere Thrimph Rocket III  shocks fit?
Do some Harley or others fit?

If I buy second hand Interstate shock, how do I know they are not worn out?

How many miles do you expect from your shocks?

That’s true...the Rocket 3 uses the same length and model shocks.  I have the Progressive 440s on both my Valkyrie and Rocket and they are same model...other than color.

Not too sure that the Triumph shocks would be any better on the Valk, but if you can only find fitment for the Rocket 3 shocks (Valkyrie not listed), then they will work.

[98valk]

I think I read somewhere Thrimph Rocket III  shocks fit?
Do some Harley or others fit?

If I buy second hand Interstate shock, how do I know they are not worn out?

How many miles do you expect from your shocks?

That’s true...the Rocket 3 uses the same length and model shocks.  I have the Progressive 440s on both my Valkyrie and Rocket and they are same model...other than color.

Not too sure that the Triumph shocks would be any better on the Valk, but if you can only find fitment for the Rocket 3 shocks (Valkyrie not listed), then they will work.

then here is another brand of shocks we can use  https://newbonneville.com/shop/ikon-suspension/

[9Ball]

The main issue I see is load adjustability from the spanner location on the bottom of the shock instead of the top.  The progressives also come with different metal bushings to account for the bottom right shock bolt that installs into the final drive.  I know I have extra bushings from my 440s and the Icons might need one of the smaller ones for the final drive mounting location and possibly the bottom left since it is a bolt that holds the shock in place and not a hard mount aluminum hub like the two top mounts.

[t3bum]

I purchased progressive shocks for my tourer about three years ago, because the previous owner had changed to a shorter shock. I am in Atlanta and despite my bike being garaged, the springs on the progressive shocks are completely rusted with the chrome flaking and cracking. This is quite a disappointment.

[The emperor has no clothes]

I purchased progressive shocks for my tourer about three years ago, because the previous owner had changed to a shorter shock. I am in Atlanta and despite my bike being garaged, the springs on the progressive shocks are completely rusted with the chrome flaking and cracking. This is quite a disappointment.

Many are, but I'm not a fan of them. Not sure much for the chrome, but mine leaked bad quickly.

[Leathel]

I purchased progressive shocks for my tourer about three years ago, because the previous owner had changed to a shorter shock. I am in Atlanta and despite my bike being garaged, the springs on the progressive shocks are completely rusted with the chrome flaking and cracking. This is quite a disappointment.

Many are, but I'm not a fan of them. Not sure much for the chrome, but mine leaked bad quickly.

I have had 3 sets of progressive shocks

 first 412's have been on two bikes and they still looked like new when I sold the last bike, 4 years old

Second set were 412HD shocks, to stiff for the bike and one side leaked (was told they were likely "topping out" as they didn't have enough sag) would have got replaced but freight at my cost....near enough to the shock cost and they were too stiff anyway

third set were 444 shocks, better dampening, if set to light they still didn't bottom out hard like the 412. I sold the bike with the std 412's as the new owner was lighter and not doing 2 up so the lighter springs suited him.....and they still looked like new....unlike the rusting springs of the 444

I liked that as I kept the $$ shocks even if they looked a little rougher

I replaced the std Valk shocks with the YSS shocks but set with little preload was too stiff (same part number as the heavier Rocket II) so I sold them to a mate and now have the 444 shocks on the Valkyrie but if I was going new again the 444 is now an expensive option, was not cheap when i got then but not as $$ as they are now so I would look at a lighter spring YSS or Hagon with adjustable damper and still cheaper than some sell the non adjustable damper 444

Hagon is made to order so spring weight can bee looked at, YSS I found a place in Australia that does springs of different weights for them

these were the YSS I had

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Honda-GL-1500-C-Valkyrie-F6C-1997-YSS-Adjustable-Twin-Rear-Shocks/302058132154?epid=1338135538&hash=item46541152ba:g:RKwAAOSwkdFaktwV

The Hagon I looked at but not used...yet, I might when I have some spare $$

https://www.ebay.com/itm/For-Honda-F6C-Valkyrie-1996-2003-Hagon-Twin-Nitro-Shocks-Black/331787881145?epid=1061998344&hash=item4d40194ab9:g:JlIAAOSwUoNZ7Buz

or the non adjustable ones which are cheaper

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Pair-2-Shocks-Absorbers-Hagon-for-HONDA-F6C-Valkyrie-1520-1996-2003/382469473761?epid=1545099134&hash=item590cf505e1:g:9GQAAOSwNSJbBCa2

[Jess from VA]

I remain pissed off at Progressive for their official attitude/policy that 444s don't fit Valkyrie, that they will no longer rebuild 440s, and that they now have no shocks to fit Valkyrie (except 412s, which are hardly a fair trade for 440s).

I paid large for 440s (twice) for top of the line shocks, and for the lifetime rebuild guarantee (that certainly was a healthy part of the price).  I traded for a third set of Progressive-rebuilt 440s.  Sooner or later all 440s need rebuilt.  By saying 444s don't fit Valkyrie (or intentionally making them so they won't bolt straight up without some small mod), and refusing to rebuild 440s anymore, they conveniently sidestepped a lifetime warranty on tens of thousands of 440s. (I'll bet Valkyries aren't the only bikes they've sidestepped lifetime warranty 440s on.)

I should know better than doing business with anyone with Progressive in their name.

Early after the 440-444 changeover, a couple guys on here said Progressive gave them 444s for 440s needing rebuild, but I don't think that's their policy now or for a long time.

[The emperor has no clothes]

I remain pissed off at Progressive for their official attitude/policy that 444s don't fit Valkyrie, that they will no longer rebuild 440s, and that they now have no shocks to fit Valkyrie (except 412s, which are hardly a fair trade for 440s).

I paid large for 440s (twice) for top of the line shocks, and for the lifetime rebuild guarantee (that certainly was a healthy part of the price).  I traded for a third set of Progressive-rebuilt 440s.  Sooner or later all 440s need rebuilt.  By saying 444s don't fit Valkyrie (or intentionally making them so they won't bolt straight up without some small mod), and refusing to rebuild 440s anymore, they conveniently sidestepped a lifetime warranty on tens of thousands of 440s. (I'll bet Valkyries aren't the only bikes they've sidestepped lifetime warranty 440s on.)

I should know better than doing business with anyone with Progressive in their name.

Early after the 440-444 changeover, a couple guys on here said Progressive gave them 444s for 440s needing rebuild, but I don't think that's their policy now or for a long time.

And they will not rebuild the 440's ? Do you not have a contract that says they will rebuild them ?

[Valker]

I remain pissed off at Progressive for their official attitude/policy that 444s don't fit Valkyrie, that they will no longer rebuild 440s, and that they now have no shocks to fit Valkyrie (except 412s, which are hardly a fair trade for 440s).

I paid large for 440s (twice) for top of the line shocks, and for the lifetime rebuild guarantee (that certainly was a healthy part of the price).  I traded for a third set of Progressive-rebuilt 440s.  Sooner or later all 440s need rebuilt.  By saying 444s don't fit Valkyrie (or intentionally making them so they won't bolt straight up without some small mod), and refusing to rebuild 440s anymore, they conveniently sidestepped a lifetime warranty on tens of thousands of 440s. (I'll bet Valkyries aren't the only bikes they've sidestepped lifetime warranty 440s on.)

I should know better than doing business with anyone with Progressive in their name.

Early after the 440-444 changeover, a couple guys on here said Progressive gave them 444s for 440s needing rebuild, but I don't think that's their policy now or for a long time.

This is the exact reason I will never spend another dime on Progressives. They rebuilt leaking seals on my 440s once, but when they went out again (long time later) I got the "nope and no 444s either" thing. I own three Valks, none of which are wearing any Progressives. Not sure what I'll get next, but I know what I won't.

[Valker]

I remain pissed off at Progressive for their official attitude/policy that 444s don't fit Valkyrie, that they will no longer rebuild 440s, and that they now have no shocks to fit Valkyrie (except 412s, which are hardly a fair trade for 440s).

I paid large for 440s (twice) for top of the line shocks, and for the lifetime rebuild guarantee (that certainly was a healthy part of the price).  I traded for a third set of Progressive-rebuilt 440s.  Sooner or later all 440s need rebuilt.  By saying 444s don't fit Valkyrie (or intentionally making them so they won't bolt straight up without some small mod), and refusing to rebuild 440s anymore, they conveniently sidestepped a lifetime warranty on tens of thousands of 440s. (I'll bet Valkyries aren't the only bikes they've sidestepped lifetime warranty 440s on.)

I should know better than doing business with anyone with Progressive in their name.

Early after the 440-444 changeover, a couple guys on here said Progressive gave them 444s for 440s needing rebuild, but I don't think that's their policy now or for a long time.

And they will not rebuild the 440's ? Do you not have a contract that says they will rebuild them ?

The lawyer letter would cost more than some other brand of shocks. I'm looking around now.

[The emperor has no clothes]

I remain pissed off at Progressive for their official attitude/policy that 444s don't fit Valkyrie, that they will no longer rebuild 440s, and that they now have no shocks to fit Valkyrie (except 412s, which are hardly a fair trade for 440s).

I paid large for 440s (twice) for top of the line shocks, and for the lifetime rebuild guarantee (that certainly was a healthy part of the price).  I traded for a third set of Progressive-rebuilt 440s.  Sooner or later all 440s need rebuilt.  By saying 444s don't fit Valkyrie (or intentionally making them so they won't bolt straight up without some small mod), and refusing to rebuild 440s anymore, they conveniently sidestepped a lifetime warranty on tens of thousands of 440s. (I'll bet Valkyries aren't the only bikes they've sidestepped lifetime warranty 440s on.)

I should know better than doing business with anyone with Progressive in their name.

Early after the 440-444 changeover, a couple guys on here said Progressive gave them 444s for 440s needing rebuild, but I don't think that's their policy now or for a long time.

And they will not rebuild the 440's ? Do you not have a contract that says they will rebuild them ?

The lawyer letter would cost more than some other brand of shocks. I'm looking around now.

I get that. But Jess is a lawyer.

[Jess from VA]

Two/three years ago, when one of my new-purchase 440s leaked down, I put on my pair of used, traded-for (no receipt) Progressive rebuilt 440s.  So both bikes are still going with good 440s.

I called Progressive and got a kid who told me they no longer rebuilt 440s, and had no other shocks to replace them with.  I questioned that, and asked about the warranty, and asked about 444s, and he said that's all he knew.

I was not going to press some kid on the phone and hung up.  I still have to find my two new-purchase receipts (or at least one of them).  I have receipts, not a contract.  I would have to find paperwork about 440 sales that promised the lifetime warranty (that information is no longer on their website).  I also have to make sure I bought them from a licensed dealer (warranty requirement), and if Amazon purchase qualifies.  Despite being a shyster (or rather, because I'm a shyster), I do not enjoy pressing legal disputes.  

I have been putting off having a dispute, because I am still running two bikes with good shocks, and I have not felt like hunting for the receipts in a pile of paper, and it makes my blood pressure spike.  I suppose when another shock leaks down, I may find the motivation to have a dispute.  I may threaten to sue, but I wouldn't actually sue.  In another state (where I'm not licensed), at my expense, for a (likely depreciated) $600 pair of shocks?  Right.  A successful lawsuit would net me money damages (maybe even my costs, and maybe not), but not specific performance (you can't make them rebuild them or replace them with 444s).

This would make a textbook class action lawsuit, if I had the ability to line up everyone so affected, and the money to fund such a gargantuan task.  No firm would likely be interested.

I could retaliate with State business license offices, corporation offices, better business bureaus, but that doesn't sound like fun either.   I have not searched the web to see if there has been any official stink or litigation or some such.

Much more satisfying than any of that would be to ride by their offices and heave my leaked down shocks through their window.  But I won't do that either (probably).  You know the window is insured.

[98valk]

I think I read somewhere Thrimph Rocket III  shocks fit?
Do some Harley or others fit?

If I buy second hand Interstate shock, how do I know they are not worn out?

How many miles do you expect from your shocks?

That’s true...the Rocket 3 uses the same length and model shocks.  I have the Progressive 440s on both my Valkyrie and Rocket and they are same model...other than color.

Not too sure that the Triumph shocks would be any better on the Valk, but if you can only find fitment for the Rocket 3 shocks (Valkyrie not listed), then they will work.

Valkyrie shocks standard length are 13" , progressive lists Rocket shocks standard length as 12.5".
however all of the rocket shocks 444, 430, and 412 are avail in 13" length
https://www.progressivesuspension.com/products/3029/2014/triumph/rocket-iii-touring

[Relax]

I think I read somewhere Thrimph Rocket III  shocks fit?
Do some Harley or others fit?

If I buy second hand Interstate shock, how do I know they are not worn out?

How many miles do you expect from your shocks?

That’s true...the Rocket 3 uses the same length and model shocks.  I have the Progressive 440s on both my Valkyrie and Rocket and they are same model...other than color.

Not too sure that the Triumph shocks would be any better on the Valk, but if you can only find fitment for the Rocket 3 shocks (Valkyrie not listed), then they will work.

Valkyrie shocks standard length are 13" , progressive lists Rocket shocks standard length as 12.5".
however all of the rocket shocks 444, 430, and 412 are avail in 13" length
https://www.progressivesuspension.com/products/3029/2014/triumph/rocket-iii-touring

Before I started this thread I believes Progressive was good quality and Hagon is very okay quality,but not as good as Progressive. But on this thread I read more people who are not that impressed by Progressive, ...so I am starting wondering if Hagon is a better buy since they also are 25-30% lower price.
Well, in few weeks it's time for stocking the bike until next April,,,so no rush..

[Oss]

I will join your class action

Got a duplicate receipt from Direct Line/have the original box

Had 440 HD  They leaked and going over expansion joints on the TZ bridge  (every few hundred feet for over 3 miles) it was downright scary dangerous how the bike PROGRESSIVELY bounced higher and higher till you could not help but slow down to a crawl then start again

Replaced with I/S shock I got from an old man who was triking his 00 I/S (Thanks Valker)

[Valker]

I will join your class action

Got a duplicate receipt from Direct Line/have the original box

Had 440 HD  They leaked and going over expansion joints on the TZ bridge  (every few hundred feet for over 3 miles) it was downright scary dangerous how the bike PROGRESSIVELY bounced higher and higher till you could not help but slow down to a crawl then start again

Replaced with I/S shock I got from an old man who was triking his 00 I/S (Thanks Valker)

I hope you've made or will make a ton off that stuff! I'm still loving my I/State hinges.

[Bagger John - #3785]

Slight bump:

My Tourer has an I/S trunk and I/S shocks installed. These have ~25K miles on them. Most of my riding is solo but the occasional passenger hops aboard for a day trip.

What is everyone getting from the Showa I/S units before the rear end feels sacked? I don't mind the way they ride, and given the fact that Works Performance is no longer an option I'd like to lay in a spare set or two for down the road...as I intend to keep the bike for a while.

[hubcapsc]

Slight bump:

My Tourer has an I/S trunk and I/S shocks installed. These have ~25K miles on them. Most of my riding is solo but the occasional passenger hops aboard for a day trip.

What is everyone getting from the Showa I/S units before the rear end feels sacked? I don't mind the way they ride, and given the fact that Works Performance is no longer an option I'd like to lay in a spare set or two for down the road...as I intend to keep the bike for a while.

I think Works is back on, a family member got it back going I was told...

http://www.shockworxmotorsports.com/category-s/1828.htm

I checked (only at partzilla) but I think only one side of the Interstate shock is available anymore.

-Mike

[The emperor has no clothes]

Slight bump:

My Tourer has an I/S trunk and I/S shocks installed. These have ~25K miles on them. Most of my riding is solo but the occasional passenger hops aboard for a day trip.

What is everyone getting from the Showa I/S units before the rear end feels sacked? I don't mind the way they ride, and given the fact that Works Performance is no longer an option I'd like to lay in a spare set or two for down the road...as I intend to keep the bike for a while.

I think Works is back on, a family member got it back going I was told...

http://www.shockworxmotorsports.com/category-s/1828.htm

I checked (only at partzilla) but I think only one side of the Interstate shock is available anymore.

-Mike

Thanks for the heads up. I always figured these would be my go to shocks one day.

[Bagger John - #3785]

The Works website is a mite thin on details and options...I see nothing for our Valkyries. Has anyone contacted the outfit?

And:

I checked (only at partzilla) but I think only one side of the Interstate shock is available anymore.

Besides lettering, does anyone know the differences between the left and right I/S shock?

[9Ball]

The Works website is a mite thin on details and options...I see nothing for our Valkyries. Has anyone contacted the outfit?

And:

I checked (only at partzilla) but I think only one side of the Interstate shock is available anymore.

Besides lettering, does anyone know the differences between the left and right I/S shock?

Not sure if the stock Interstate bottom shock mount is a different size.  I know the final drive side on my Progressive 440 uses a smaller metal insert to fit the special bolt that goes into the drive housing.  I think the lower left-hand side rubber bushing is larger to account for the different bolt.  Both top bushings are the same size.

The BikeBandit parts fiche might provide some insight on both shock differences and mounting bolt sizes.