What Shocks?

[Calboy]

I am running the risk of asking a question that I'm sure was asked before.
What is my best bet buying aftermarket rear shocks for my 2003 Standard?
I'm talking about a shock that is closest to the OEM. Not taller, not shorter, a shock that can be adjusted just like the stock shocks can.
I weigh about 245lbs
I assume it has to be made by Progressive or so it appears. Looking for very good quality aftermarket shocks since Honda doesn't make them anymore.
To be honest I would prefer a pair of brand new OEM shocks, but I doubt that I can find them anywhere.
Does anybody have any idea of what I'm talking about?

[hubcapsc]

Our (well known) choices are becoming limited.

Progressive 444... search on here to find people talking about spring specifications,
13 inch long ones are "OEM size"... I got mine when they were 440, I got
heavy duty ones.

Someone noted that the only difference between the OEM shocks was the size
of the bushings, so if that's true and you can still get one side new OEM, you
could make that work.

I'd (much) rather have Progressives than OEM...

I bet there's other good choices out there, but we (I) don't know them...

-Mike "another board change: preview works again  "

[Chrisj CMA]

I think your best choice is OEM Interstate shocks

[h13man]

OEM regardless your model choice for replacement.

[Gondul#408]

I'm looking at Worx Shocks when I finally pull the trigger to replace mine.
Shop is run by the daughter of guy who used to run Works Performance.

Website seems to be having issues, but you can likely find them on FB or just send them an email.


http://www.worxshocks.com/

[hubcapsc]

I'm looking at Worx Shocks when I finally pull the trigger to replace mine.
Shop is run by the daughter of guy who used to run Works Performance.

Website seems to be having issues, but you can likely find them on FB or just send them an email.


http://www.worxshocks.com/

let us know how the "new" works goes, my 440s have 50 or so K on them...

-Mike

[vanagon40]

I installed some rebuilt Works shocks in 2008. Eleven years and 36,000 miles later, I am still happy. I'm slightly more than your 245 pounds and sometimes have a passenger, and the shocks are better then OEMs (I never tried OEM Interstate).





I have no idea if they still make shocks for Valkyries (or are even still in business). They were located in Canoga Park, CA. Works Performance Products, Inc.

[Gondul#408]

I have no idea if they still make shocks for Valkyries (or are even still in business). They were located in Canoga Park, CA. Works Performance Products, Inc.

Works Performance closed a while ago after the owner passed away... his daughter has re-opened Worx Shocks.

[turtle254]

Keep us informed on the shocks ... I'm interested in the ride height and preload adj separated

[Bob D]

I don't have any shock issues yet but I would love to have a center stand. Is that a custom made item?

[The emperor has no clothes]

I don't have any shock issues yet but I would love to have a center stand. Is that a custom made item?

They were made by Rivco. They come up in our classifieds occasionally. You should put a want to buy post in there. (I love my center stand) 

[Bob D]

Will do, thanks!

[Calboy]

OEM regardless your model choice for replacement.

The problem is that the oem shocks are no longer avaiable
There are some used ones on ebay but they came off bikes with a lot of miles and that's worthless in my book
Are the Progressive 444 as good as some people say they are?
Would that be my best choice for shocks?

[hubcapsc]

OEM regardless your model choice for replacement.

The problem is that the oem shocks are no longer avaiable
There are some used ones on ebay but they came off bikes with a lot of miles and that's worthless in my book
Are the Progressive 444 as good as some people say they are?
Would that be my best choice for shocks?

440s are pretty darn good, a big difference from OEMs, I'm sure 444s are plenty
good too. "Good" is subjective in a way... the job of "good" performance shocks
is to keep your wheel on the ground so that you have traction, and to keep you
running straight when you take a big hit. Some people hate "good" shocks
since they generally don't make you float down the road like you're in a
1970s Cadillac, rather, they help you "feel" the road.

All this talk about shocks on here lately, made me go back an look up some of
the lesser known choices we have... I'd like to try a set of these:

https://store.suspensionshop.org/honda/gl-1500/1990-1999/shemutw-ho96-gl-1500-cdt-valkyrie-valkyrie-tourer-f6c-96-01-gl-1500-c-d-t-valkyrie-valkyrie-tourer-f6c-yss-shock-emulsion-twin-1-pair.html

-Mike

[Dogster]

Bought a set of 444's 2 months ago based on recommendation (Thank You!) here on the forum. Have put 3,000 miles on them. A bit pricey, I thought, but they are fantastic! I go about 265# and ride 90% of the time with my wife. Haven't felt the slightest bump compared to the OEMs with 40k.  I picked them up from Direct Cycle Parts for $577 http://www.directcycleparts.com/advanced_search_result.php?search_in_description=1&keywords=444-4057c&image.x=2&image.y=13

BTW...they were the 444-4057Cs and installed with no mods or extra effort...

[rug_burn]

I got Progressive 421's the generic big bike touring shocks, 13" length-  and they're great.     I wonder how much difference there is between the various Progressive models.
My Showa stock units were no longer adjustable, the adjusting cover part would spin, and the were way too stiff. 
  Plus I like the look of the Progressives.

[Jess from VA]

Do you mean Progressive 412's?

[turtle254]

what shocks have both ride height and preload as separate adjustments?

[Kaahn]

If you're interested in lowering your bike I have a brand new set of 430s, I'll sell cheap


If you want the best the 444's are awesome

[Bagger John - #3785]

The problem is that the oem shocks are no longer available

True for the Standard/Tourer.

You can still get a pair of left-side Interstate shocks and swap the hardware on the one you'll run on the right side with the stuff on the shock you take off of your bike.

[pokrovsky]

No you cannot. I tried from 2 or 3 sources and every order was eventually cancelled by the supplier quoting Honda does not have an ETA for these parts anymore

[turtle254]

I guess know one knows what shocks have both ride height and preload as separate adjustments?
Almost all just use preload to change ride height. A separate height adj is a plus, which Works shocks
had.

[Bagger John - #3785]

No you cannot. I tried from 2 or 3 sources and every order was eventually cancelled by the supplier quoting Honda does not have an ETA for these parts anymore

That's interesting. Still showing in stock at a couple of places.

[MarkT]

I guess know one knows what shocks have both ride height and preload as separate adjustments?
Almost all just use preload to change ride height. A separate height adj is a plus, which Works shocks
had.

Height is not an adjustment on Progressive shocks.  You buy the height you want.  They have several offered.

[Bret SD]

Does anybody know of a pre-load spanner wrench that works on our Valks and doesn't cost too much? Haven't had much luck searching.

My bike doesn't have one.. riding 2 up today I could've used a stronger pre-load setting. Hitting whoops in the road at 85 with spongy feeling shocks is a non-starter. I've heard of people using a large channel lock plyers and a piece of rubber to protect the chrome.

The wrench would be better.


Bret

[The emperor has no clothes]

Does anybody know of a pre-load spanner wrench that works on our Valks and doesn't cost too much? Haven't had much luck searching.

My bike doesn't have one.. riding 2 up today I could've used a stronger pre-load setting. Hitting whoops in the road at 85 with spongy feeling shocks is a non-starter. I've heard of people using a large channel lock plyers and a piece of rubber to protect the chrome.

The wrench would be better.


Bret

https://www.ebay.com/p/1123645142?iid=223624921285&chn=ps&norover=1&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-117182-37290-0&mkcid=2&itemid=223624921285&targetid=595069533003&device=t&mktype=pla&googleloc=1013433&poi=&campaignid=2086169719&mkgroupid=76147899806&rlsatarget=pla-595069533003&abcId=1141016&merchantid=6380694&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI6szY893e5QIVl6DsCh2FLwz_EAQYASABEgIp5_D_BwE

It doesn't come with the little handle. But you could rig one up easily.

[Bret SD]

Yes!

Thank you sir!

[RonW]

I don't have any shock issues yet but I would love to have a center stand. Is that a custom made item?

I posted this version a few years ago, but there wasn't a dollar of interest buying them. Perhaps, Jersey would be able to produce some.

[luftkoph]

suspension on this bike is mediocre at best, I plan on Ikon 7614, or Wilbers type 630

Not sure what I'm going to do with the front, maybe Traxxion