rear shocks replace? and replace brands.

[dr.danh]

How can I check to see if rear shocks need to be replaced. Maybe with them off bike as I have apart replacing tires etc. Also any recommendations on replacements. Riding 2 up on I/S. Progressive or etc. ?

[old2soon]

How many miles on the clock?? I ride mostly solo and still have the original shocks 87000 miles on the clock. Lean into the curves and no pogo effect no wallow it still is sure footed. Put me an the ex on we are flirtin with 400 lbs in addition to every thing else I carry. With her on still not wallowing or pogo still sure footed. RIDE SAFE.

[hubcapsc]

I used Stanley Steamer's 70,000 mile Interstate shocks on a ride, they aren't
near as good as my 13 inch 440 Progressive HD spring shocks.

Works performance shocks are supposed to be really good, from what I hear,
maybe better than Progressive 440s.

There's a couple of other brands that work on Valkyries that the people
who use them like, search on this board should find people talking about
them...

-Mike

[Jess from VA]

Dan, the only way I know to check shocks (besides looking to see if you are leaking fluid), is to ride them.  The valk shocks have four settings (I think), so you should be fooling around with those settings to get your optimal ride, with or without a passenger.  Now those shock bushings on top will go South long before the shocks do, and should be replaced (cheap) if they are worn out.

Another thing you can look at, with the bike centered up/stationary, is how far they move/compress just from you sitting down on the bike.  It should not be much.

If, after getting on the best shock setting, you are still bottoming, wallowing, bouncing, not handling well, come back and we can discuss replacements.

A new set of Progressive Suspension 412s are maybe as good as a new set of honda shocks.  Air shocks if you carry big loads and haul trailers, or PS 440s (or whatever replaced them) or Works are top of the line. 

[Valkorado]

I've been looking a bit since I noticed a leak in a 440 that is installed on my bike.  Apparently the 440s were replaced by the 444, but Progressive pulled the Valkyrie from compatibility for the 444 saying they have clearance problems.  I hear the Progressive 430 is a good shock and will fit on the Valkyrie, but good luck finding it in chrome.  Progressive 412s will fit our bikes, but they are a cheap, non- gas shock.  Progressive 416 are air shocks.  That leaves the Works shocks, which are mighty expensive.

If anyone on this board has successfully installed Progressive 444s and ridden them for some distance, please post your experience.  While Progressive does not support this shock on the Valkyrie, I hear rumors some are using the shocks on Valkyries with no problems.

[bentwrench]

I have the 444s on my my tourer,progressive replaced my 440s with the 444 after the 2nd warr. claim.Everything is good so far with the 444s,they ride and  handle better than the stockers.
 
I did have a trip planned while waiting for my 444s to get here,so I decided to try beefing up the stockers that i had put back in.I think the damping in the stock showas is just fine it's the springs that need help.Putting a 3/8"piece of pvc under the spring in the stock shock got me through a long weekend in new england.It even felt better with the tour load off of it.I'm sure I could wheez them out again with the I ride and loads I throw on it.
 
I think the 440 is the best touring shock I've ever ridden on but twice I've ridden maine into canada(rough)I came home with a leaking 440.Save that reciept if you have 440s ,progressive will honor that lifetime warr.
bw

[Valkorado]

I have the 444s on my my tourer,progressive replaced my 440s with the 444 after the 2nd warr. claim.Everything is good so far with the 444s,they ride and  handle better than the stockers.
 
I did have a trip planned while waiting for my 444s to get here,so I decided to try beefing up the stockers that i had put back in.I think the damping in the stock showas is just fine it's the springs that need help.Putting a 3/8"piece of pvc under the spring in the stock shock got me through a long weekend in new england.It even felt better with the tour load off of it.I'm sure I could wheez them out again with the I ride and loads I throw on it.
 
I think the 440 is the best touring shock I've ever ridden on but twice I've ridden maine into canada(rough)I came home with a leaking 440.Save that reciept if you have 440s ,progressive will honor that lifetime warr.
bw

Thanks for the reply bentwrench, I remembered someone said they were using 444s but I forgot who.  What model Valk do you have them installed on?  I don't have a receipt for the used 440s, and would consider paying Progressive to have them repaired but I would need something to slap on in the meantime.  I may try to find some low mileage Interstate shocks for that purpose.

[bentwrench]

My 444s are on my tourer.I got the impression from progressive that they won't fix 440s any more.They are great shocks,but every time I loaded up and hit rough roads I killed one.
BW

[dr.danh]

Looks  like several have problems with the progressive. Seals and leaks. Warranty and rebuilds. And like you say the works are expensive.

[Jess from VA]

Get original Honda interstate shocks if you want. $285.26 per side with no lifetime warranty.
http://www.hondadirectline.com/OEMpartfinder.htm?&referrer=http%253a%252f%252fwww.hondadirectlineofshadyside.com%252fstores%252findex.asp%253fstr%253d2#/Honda/GL1500CF_A_%2899%29_MOTORCYCLE%2c_USA%2c_VIN%23_1HFSC410-XA000001/REAR_SHOCK_ABSORBER/GL1500CF-99-A/2Y14MBYXMBY4F2600A