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Bambam650
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« on: May 23, 2012, 01:12:00 PM » |
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Hey everyone.............I have '97 standard that has about 52K on it and the rear shocks have lost their spring and it feels like I'm riding a hardtail. I’ve read about the various aftermarket options but don’t want to spend that kind of money. I’m looking to replace the shocks with something OEM in excellent to like new condition. I understand that in addition the stock Valk shocks (of course) that OEM shocks from a VTX 1800, VTX 1300, and Shadow 1100 will also work.
I weigh 176 lbs. and rarely ride two-up. When I do it’s with my son or daughter the heaviest of which weighs 130 (at least at the moment they do). So my question is which of the OEM options would be best for me and provide the softest ride? My thinking is the VTX 1800 shocks will be too stiff from what I've read.
Any feedback you can provide would be helpful.
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1997 Standard (Black) original owner, bought new in August 1996
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SANDMAN5
Member
Posts: 2176
Mileage 65875
East TN
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« Reply #1 on: May 23, 2012, 01:24:16 PM » |
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I got a slightly used set of I/S shocks a few years ago for my 98 STD.
Loved 'em from day one! I weigh 225 and also don't do much 2-up
ridin'.....but the wife says the ride is much better!!
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"Evolution" is a dying religion being kept alive with tax dollars.  |
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GJS
Member
Posts: 424
Today is the tomorrow you worried about yesterday.
Vancouver Island, BC, Canada
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« Reply #2 on: May 23, 2012, 01:27:00 PM » |
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The tragedy of life is not that it ends so soon, but that we wait so long to begin it.
- W. M. Lewis
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Bambam650
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« Reply #3 on: May 23, 2012, 01:27:36 PM » |
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Thanks, but I think the IS shocks are going to be too stiff for me.
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1997 Standard (Black) original owner, bought new in August 1996
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Jess from VA
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« Reply #4 on: May 23, 2012, 01:30:23 PM » |
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X Ring
Member
Posts: 3626
VRCC #27389, VRCCDS #204
The Landmass Between Mobile And New Orleans
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« Reply #5 on: May 23, 2012, 01:33:00 PM » |
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I got a slightly used set of I/S shocks a few years ago for my 98 STD.
Loved 'em from day one! I weigh 225 and also don't do much 2-up
ridin'.....but the wife says the ride is much better!!
This. Picked up a pair of lightly used I/S a couple of years ago for about $50 and installed them on my Tourer. Only time I have moved them off 1 was when carrying a passenger. Marty |
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People are more passionately opposed to wearing fur than leather because it's safer to harass rich women than bikers.  |
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valkyriemc
Member
Posts: 392
2000 blu/slvr Interstate, 2018 Ultra Limited
NE Florida
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« Reply #6 on: May 23, 2012, 04:39:44 PM » |
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+1 Yup, like xring said, grab some interstate shocks....
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« Last Edit: May 23, 2012, 05:42:48 PM by valkyriemc »
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Veteran USN '70-'76
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Cppr Busa
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« Reply #7 on: May 24, 2012, 03:42:40 PM » |
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Do the IS shocks ride better than the std ones? Just curious why people are using them on the std's.
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X Ring
Member
Posts: 3626
VRCC #27389, VRCCDS #204
The Landmass Between Mobile And New Orleans
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« Reply #8 on: May 24, 2012, 05:19:56 PM » |
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Easy. They are built for more weight than standard/tourer shocks so they have different valving and springs. They last longer on a standard/tourer than the original shocks do and you don't have to set them as high to start with.
Marty
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People are more passionately opposed to wearing fur than leather because it's safer to harass rich women than bikers. |
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Jess from VA
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« Reply #9 on: May 24, 2012, 05:25:55 PM » |
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A. IS shock's increased spring rate also diminishes over time like std tourer/shocks, but they are better than worn out std/tourer shocks.
B. IS shocks are often replaced by upgrades long before they are worn out (esp by dedicated 2-up riders).
C. A bunch of Valk riders are in the 225lb and (way) up crowd, and the increased spring rate works well for them on std/tourers. (I'm just sayin...)
D. However, it is possible a 160-80 pounder who does not regularly take a passenger would find good IS shocks stiffer than necessary on his std. (Years ago, I gave my 3500mi IS shocks to a fellow rider in TX who may go 160.... he said they were pretty stout.) On the other hand, the newest original equipment IS shocks available are now at least 11 years old, so maybe they're good for everybody.
E. A new set of PS standard rate 412s for a lightweight rider may be better than original IS shocks, and not that expensive for an important part of the bike. Yes, they are not as cheap as decent used IS shocks (when you can find them).
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« Last Edit: May 24, 2012, 05:54:59 PM by Jess from VA »
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GJS
Member
Posts: 424
Today is the tomorrow you worried about yesterday.
Vancouver Island, BC, Canada
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« Reply #10 on: May 26, 2012, 09:07:23 AM » |
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The tragedy of life is not that it ends so soon, but that we wait so long to begin it.
- W. M. Lewis
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