Rear Shocks on my 97 Valk

[muscrat]

To All: Well my 97 Valk just turned 110/m klm (65/m miles) ride 2 up mostly and the rear original shocks seem tired.
Looking for info as to recommended aftermarket replacements, as good as I can get in the reasonable price range. (retired).

Appreciate any and all suggestions.

Ken in Ontario !

[Harryc]

Ken, you are probably going to get many suggestions here, but most would not be 'reasonably' priced which was your criteria. In the reasonably priced range with good results I'd look at used Valk Interstate shocks. That's what I did and I am happy with that decision.  I also have a '97.

[muscrat]

Appreciate the reply Harry. Figure I will make it through this season, however if I come across a deal I would jump.

Just wondering why the Interstate guys would replace good shocks and are they any taller than our stock ones.

Thanks again. (Love my 97, quick bikes)

[Harryc]

The shocks are the exact same size but are able to handle slightly heavier loads. Most I/S guys would not part with theirs unless they are bad, but I shop the parts recyclers on Ebay. Crashed or parts only bikes with not too many miles. There's a faceboook forum for Valk parts I have had luck with as well.  You could even try a 'wanted' Ad in the classified section here.  I love my '97, agreed it's a quick bike.

[NEHI]

   I replaced my I/S shocks at 11k miles for Works shocks, big improvement. I put the I/S shocks on my CB900c, you would think they would be to much for a lighter bike,but it handles much better.

[Stick]

Hey Ken

Ontario Canada? If so me too Owen Sound Area... i have a like new set of Progressive as well as a set or a used Interstate Shocks.

To All: Well my 97 Valk just turned 110/m klm (65/m miles) ride 2 up mostly and the rear original shocks seem tired.
Looking for info as to recommended aftermarket replacements, as good as I can get in the reasonable price range. (retired).

Appreciate any and all suggestions.

Ken in Ontario !

[Leathel]

I looked at these for a while, adjustable rebound and quite a bit cheaper than some

http://www.ebay.com/itm/For-Honda-F6C-Valkyrie-1996-2003-Hagon-Twin-Nitro-Shocks-Silver/301881421618?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649

they do cheaper without the adjustable rebound.... But I have not used them, I have another brand that I have yet to fit so can't give a review on how they last, similar shocks, but I like the look of the ones above better...just weren't listed when I was looking

[Houdini]

I have Progressive Heavy Duty 412's on my IS and my standard.  I bought the set on my Standard about three years ago for $205 , looks like around around $270 now.

https://www.amazon.com/Progressive-Suspension-Heavy-12in-Shocks/dp/B01LTHJUNK

[Bagger John - #3785]

   I replaced my I/S shocks at 11k miles for Works shocks, big improvement.

Which model Works, what spring weights and rates? Are you a solo rider or do you carry a passenger? Driver/passenger weights?

I'm on the fence between between Works or Progressive 440HDs when it's time to change my Tourer's shocks. It has an I/S trunk and I/S shocks installed, in addition to a fairing and communications electronics...plus other 'safety chrome' such as driving lights. Thus, its weight isn't too far off the I/S tally.

The shocks have around 25K on them at the moment. Next year that should be 30K or more, and since I'm going to replace the fender rails with a set of modified ones I figure I'll change the shocks at the same time.

[hubcapsc]

   I replaced my I/S shocks at 11k miles for Works shocks, big improvement.

Which model Works, what spring weights and rates? Are you a solo rider or do you carry a passenger? Driver/passenger weights?

I'm on the fence between between Works or Progressive 440HDs when it's time to change my Tourer's shocks. It has an I/S trunk and I/S shocks installed, in addition to a fairing and communications electronics...plus other 'safety chrome' such as driving lights. Thus, its weight isn't too far off the I/S tally.

The shocks have around 25K on them at the moment. Next year that should be 30K or more, and since I'm going to replace the fender rails with a set of modified ones I figure I'll change the shocks at the same time.

I have progressive 440s... I like them a lot. Even so... from
what I've heard, I'd like to try Works Performance shocks...

-Mike

[Bagger John - #3785]

   I replaced my I/S shocks at 11k miles for Works shocks, big improvement.

Which model Works, what spring weights and rates? Are you a solo rider or do you carry a passenger? Driver/passenger weights?

I'm on the fence between between Works or Progressive 440HDs when it's time to change my Tourer's shocks. It has an I/S trunk and I/S shocks installed, in addition to a fairing and communications electronics...plus other 'safety chrome' such as driving lights. Thus, its weight isn't too far off the I/S tally.

The shocks have around 25K on them at the moment. Next year that should be 30K or more, and since I'm going to replace the fender rails with a set of modified ones I figure I'll change the shocks at the same time.

I have progressive 440s... I like them a lot. Even so... from
what I've heard, I'd like to try Works Performance shocks...

-Mike

I went to Works' website and found these:

http://worksperformance.com/html/street.html

In the Dual-Rate Suspension config - with Adjustable Rate option and black springs - the I/S fitment option comes in at $899.

I'm going to email them next year and verify the above, then I'm pulling the trigger. I like the change to the front end afforded by the Hyperpro fork springs I installed earlier in the year (especially when 2-up) and the Trackers look to be a good upgrade to the other end of the bike.

[NEHI]

     I bought the Billet trackers with ARS. I am not sure I would get the ARS again it is to much of a pain to use because by the time you adjust the preload on the shocks the ARS lever is pushed inside it's cup and you can't turn it without backing off the preload. I usually drive the I/S 2 up and fully loaded.

[Avanti]

Where did you get your Hyperpro fork springs?

[Bagger John - #3785]

Where did you get your Hyperpro fork springs?

EPM Performance (they have a website).

Dee helped me out.

[Avanti]

Where did you get your Hyperpro fork springs?

EPM Performance (they have a website).

Dee helped me out.

Thank you Bagger John for the info on the Hyperpro fork springs.
I installed a set, end of July. Have about 8,000 miles on them and they handle very nicely.

[northernvalk]

To All: Well my 97 Valk just turned 110/m klm (65/m miles) ride 2 up mostly and the rear original shocks seem tired.
Looking for info as to recommended aftermarket replacements, as good as I can get in the reasonable price range. (retired).

Appreciate any and all suggestions.

Ken in Ontario !

Ive got a used set of I/S shocks, bike came with the originals in the progressive boxes...

[muscrat]

Thanks for the offer. I purchased a used set of I/S shocks from a member a couple months back and will be installing in the Spring (the price we pay for living in Ontario) and will see how they are. I believe they had 40/m on them. Will keep your post in case mine aren't the best and will touch base with you in case you still have them.

Ken.

[northernvalk]

no problem, have a good winter, at least I have the sleds to keep me entertained

[DougC]

Hey Ken
 I have a '97 as well   had to replace  shocks last year  as I broke one of the  lower mounts try8ng to  change setting,, my bad  , but regardless I bought the  mid greade progressives  and have found that they are  way  to soft  I am 6'4 and around  240  and   feel they are  way to soft  even at the  tightest  setting   not to mention   dont  try to  have a rider withyou    wish I  had   better shocks   but  just   dont let  anyone on the back any more  ahha
good luck  with the  new  shocks   when  I  get righ and famous  I willget the   air shocks for the rear

any  good  luck
Doug
Sudbury  Ontario

[98valk]

Hey Ken
 I have a '97 as well   had to replace  shocks last year  as I broke one of the  lower mounts try8ng to  change setting,, my bad  , but regardless I bought the  mid greade progressives  and have found that they are  way  to soft  I am 6'4 and around  240  and   feel they are  way to soft  even at the  tightest  setting   not to mention   dont  try to  have a rider withyou    wish I  had   better shocks   but  just   dont let  anyone on the back any more  ahha
good luck  with the  new  shocks   when  I  get righ and famous  I willget the   air shocks for the rear

any  good  luck
Doug
Sudbury  Ontario

Progressive air shocks 416 springs are 125/180 lbs/in  + 0-70 PSI, max pressure is 100 PSI however they state air pressures above 70 psi will decrease shock life and bike might be overloaded if 100 psi is needed. They are easy to rebuild. Same spring rate is used for all of their air shocks for the GL1100, GL1500 and Valkyries.
I have not found what spring rate the increased air pressures correlate to.

I/S shocks spring rate is 140/200 lb/in any progressive direct replacement shock for the I/S will be this rate.

Progressive Heavy Duty shocks are over 200 lb/in, looking at their online catalog all the way to 300+ springs might be available.

Std OEM spring rate is same as the std 412s

416 and 412 use the same damper and valving.

[muscrat]

Hey thanks for the update and info. I did find a pair of I/S shocks that I'll be installing in the Spring. I'm 180 and wife is 125 (ride 2 up 95%) so will see how it goes.

Thanks again

PS: Got a little scoot in today 12-3, cant beat a December ride.