Standard vs Interstate suspension

[Timbo]

I wonder if an upgrade to the rear shocks could make a significant difference with the ride on our 2001 Standard.  We recently rode on an Interstate (thank you again...), and the difference was night-and-day.  Is the suspension on the Interstate structurally different than a Standard?  Would progressive shocks on the back make a significant difference (I already have progressive springs in the front forks).

We've been looking around at Interstates and Goldwings (would y'all dis-own us if we bought a Goldwing  ).  I prefer the looks and nostalgia of the interstate...but I can't rule out the passenger comfort, fuel injection, cruise control and other "creature comforts" on a Wing.   I LOVE my Standard, and plan to keep it either way.

Thoughts?  Suggestions?  Rants? 
Thanks in advance....

[Jess from VA]

Tim, you don't say what shocks are on the back of your bike, and how many miles on them, and how much you and the Ms. weigh, and how often you go two up.

I believe the front forks (internals) of all valks are identical from the factory.

The IS OE shocks are designed for more weight than the Std OE shocks (and why many obtain IS shocks for their std/tourers).  Prog Susp 440/412s come with either std or HD springs.  At least on the 440s, the internals of both shocks are identical, only the springs are different.  For the 440s, the cutoff for Std vs HD springs is around 220-225 lbs.  I believe rear shocks wear out from both riding time and also just age.

Since the vast majority of ISs were made in '99, the average age of IS rear OE shocks is now 14yo, with unknown miles.

I found the tech support from Prog Susp on the telephone was very good.

It does sound like you could benefit from new rear shocks.... just get the right ones for your intended purposes.

[R J]

After many many hard miles my stock shocks would bottom out on setting #5.

I bought some Heavy Duty Progressive shocks, chrome outside spring type, can't remember the name or # for them, but installed them, set the m #3 and we loaded MGM up, me 250#, wife 225#, and about 40# on the luggage rack.    Took a 400  mile trip to Northern Colorado, all 2 lanes and  a section with a lot of potholes.     No bottoming out and a very smooth ride.

Would I do it again, in a heart beat I would.

There is another shock out there, I believe it is called 'Works', not sure on the name.   Maybe someone will pipe up.

[Timbo]

Tim, you don't say what shocks are on the back of your bike, and how many miles on them, and how much you and the Ms. weigh, and how often you go two up.

We have the original shocks, about 35k.  We ride 2-up a LOT, combined weight ~450lbs.  Are the shocks on the Interstate / Standard the only difference, or are there other structural differences (with the frame) between the two models.  Thank you....

[R J]

My understanding is the frames and all the other structure is the same.

I know when I was at the factory one year and on the tour we followed a Std and a I/S down the assembly line and they reached in their bins for the same parts for the different models during the build.

[RainMaker]

I think the frames are the same but there is additional rubber insulation between the engine and the frame on the I/S, plus the more robust shocks.

You might ask Jackie about the differences with the trunk and back support as well as having the speaker housings to rest her arms on.  There are some armrests I've seen on Tourers and Standards that would work for you.

It may just be me, but the differences are significant between the ride of our two Valks.  I think that my I/S is a much smoother ride than yours after our experiment.  I also rode the "hanger queen" tourer in my garage from Colorado and it rode harsher than the I/S as well. 

I personally think it took 3 tries (standard, tourer, then Interstate) before Honda got it right with the Valkyries.  (flame on!)

[Jess from VA]

Tim, you don't say what shocks are on the back of your bike, and how many miles on them, and how much you and the Ms. weigh, and how often you go two up.

We have the original shocks, about 35k.  We ride 2-up a LOT, combined weight ~450lbs.  Are the shocks on the Interstate / Standard the only difference, or are there other structural differences (with the frame) between the two models.  Thank you....

Are the shocks on the Interstate / Standard the only difference

Yes, there are other differences, but not frame or suspension.. or even wheelbase length.  Just the shocks.

So, IMHO it is time for new/better rear shocks.  You can try and hunt up a pair of hopefully moderately used OEs for an interstate (and I would not give a lot of money for them), or spend more.   I have never used Progressive's cheaper 412s, but reading about them makes me think they are about like getting a brand new pair of OE shocks (which are good shocks when new), but not better.  

You would want the HD 412s for your weight (13" is OE length, or 12.5" if you want to sit about the same height from the ground where your worn ones now ride), then play with the best compromise setting for riding solo and two-up..... or, diddle with it to find separate solo and two-up settings. Rule of thumb is the longer the shock the more room to absorb bumps, shorter has less available travel.

The 440s are way better (the internal IAS system absorbs bumps both up and down-dampening) and lifetime guaranteed for rebuild, unlike the 412s (which they will rebuild for a price).  You would want HD 440s as well.

And use new shock bushings with used IS shocks.... the Progressives come with their own.  

Or Works shocks.

[chauffeur]

Tim,

We went from the original shocks to progressive 416s (air) and then to progressive 412s on our interstate.  We've got about 1000 satisfied miles on the 412s now.  

I too have personally wrestled with the interstate or goldwing dilemma for several years.  But it's essentially been wasted time.  The pretty girl that rides in the back seat simply refuses to enter any conversations about selling the interstate.  And she's right.  The wing is a great bike, but it does not have the character, novelty, or uniqueness of an interstate.

[godfire]

Tim, you don't say what shocks are on the back of your bike, and how many miles on them, and how much you and the Ms. weigh, and how often you go two up.

We have the original shocks, about 35k.  We ride 2-up a LOT, combined weight ~450lbs.  Are the shocks on the Interstate / Standard the only difference, or are there other structural differences (with the frame) between the two models.  Thank you....

Are the shocks on the Interstate / Standard the only difference

 .....The 440s are way better ......

Went to 440s on my Standard at around 25K...... Much better!!!!

[Houdini]

I have approximately 15K on 412 HD's, best money spent on my Valkyrie as far as ride is concerned.

[Timbo]

Thanks to all for your input...we'll see what new shocks can do.  We never "bottomed out", but the way it is riding now is definitely not so smooth and feels a little mushy. 

[Valkpilot]

Thanks to all for your input...we'll see what new shocks can do.  We never "bottomed out", but the way it is riding now is definitely not so smooth and feels a little mushy.  

Have I got a deal for you.

I happen to have in my larder a set of Progressive 440's.  The good news is that you can have them cheap.  The bad news is that a PO bunged them up some, one is leaking, and they need to be rebuilt.  The good news on the rebuild is that Progressive will do that very reasonably and you can specify heavy duty springs.  (The rebuild warranty doesn't apply unless you have the original paperwork and we're twice removed from the original purchaser.)

So, for about 1/2 or less the cost of new 440s, these babies could be on your ride, cushioning your hide.

Let me know.

P.S. Ignore what Progressive says about who needs heavy duty and who doesn't.  Based on posts to the Tech Board and personal testimonies, if you weigh more than a runt-of-the-litter kitten, you need the heavy duty springs.

[Timbo]

Thanks to all for your input...we'll see what new shocks can do.  We never "bottomed out", but the way it is riding now is definitely not so smooth and feels a little mushy.  

Have I got a deal for you.

I happen to have in my larder a set of Progressive 440's.  The good news is that you can have them cheap.  The bad news is that a PO bunged them up some, one is leaking, and they need to be rebuilt.  The good news on the rebuild is that Progressive will do that very reasonably and you can specify heavy duty springs.  (The rebuild warranty doesn't apply unless you have the original paperwork and we're twice removed from the original purchaser.)

So, for about 1/2 or less the cost of new 440s, these babies could be on your ride, cushioning your hide.

Let me know.

P.S. Ignore what Progressive says about who needs heavy duty and who doesn't.  Based on posts to the Tech Board and personal testimonies, if you weigh more than a runt-of-the-litter kitten, you need the heavy duty springs.

Darn, I already placed my order

[Timbo]

Progressive 444 shocks installed.     We have not had an opportunity to ride 2-up, but wanted to report.  I hoped the ride would be more comfortable (though I never felt the shocks bottoming out).

I never imagined how significantly the rear end steers the bike.  Just wanted to post this in case someone else goes through this experience.  I had noticed a wobble in the front while driving, and kept monitoring the front tire because the handlebars kept shimmying.  Several days later I found that the problem was uneven wear on the rear tire, and replaced it by going Darkside.

At first, I thought going darkside would just take some getting used to.  After 1000 miles, I was still fighting with uneven roads moving the bike from its path, and bends in the highway required substantial attention to keep the bike in my lane.  Crowned roads persuaded the bike to have a mind of its own, and it was incalculable how much the bike would veer off course.  Potholes while turning (or uneven pavement on a crowned road) would cause unpredictable results in the direction the bike would go.  I could hardly wait to get that tire off the bike.....

Disco helped me put the new shocks on yesterday.  I would have never believed the difference in how the bike handles.  It actually goes where I expect it to go.  No more concerns that a groove in the road will deflect my direction out of my lane (or completely off the road).  I now have to think about the rear tire to realize it is darkside.  Can't wait to try it with PlaneCrazy to see how much better the ride is for her.

So my lesson was that rear shocks do not have to bottom out or rattle bones to indicate they are shot.  Loose steering I would expect from front shocks...not the rear. 

[98valk]

Rider/June 1999

spring rates are the same all models.
I/S front forks compression damping was increased slightly and rebound decreased due to weight of fairing.
I/S shocks rear spring and rebound rates were stiffened.
handlebar 5mm narrower per side.

[Houdini]

So my lesson was that rear shocks do not have to bottom out or rattle bones to indicate they are shot.  Loose steering I would expect from front shocks...not the rear.  

Timbo, you'll really be amazed when you get the Progressive fork springs installed, the ride will improve even more.

(I already have progressive springs in the front forks).

Never mind.....   

[the bull]

I always thought that I would want a Goldwing.  I am now certain that I would not be in a hurry to sell my Interstate for one.  As mentioned the look of the Interstate is by far much better.  I belong to GWRRA so most of the people that I ride with own Goldwing's.  Just about everyone of them have changed their suspension after owning it for a short time.  They also add parts to stop the low speed wobble.  I do not understand why this has to be done to a bike that is considered to be the best.  I also hate not seeing the engine or all of the chrome that I have on my engine.  My wife feels them same and does not lie the Goldwing look.  There must be plenty of people that like they way they look because there are a bunch of people that ride wings.

But I guess that is why they say different strokes for different folks.