how to tell if shocks need replaced

[slider]

97 standard  rides fine but am concerned they may need replaced.I have 69000 miles on her and plan on some long trips.Any suggestions on what to look for??Thanks guys for your help.

[hubcapsc]

I think if your shocks aren't leaking you'll be fine on your trip.

If you have $500 or 600$ to invest, you'd notice the difference if you
put on some progressive or works shocks, especially if you ride in the
mountains...

I know some people who have the less expensive Progressive 412s who don't
notice a difference between them and their high mileage OEMs...

-Mike

[Jess from VA]

After fiddling with the settings, just the ride itself should tell you something.  How does it go over bumps, is there more than one rebound, are they bottoming on the setting you used to use with no bottoming? Do you get wallowing in the corners (not due to worn shock bushings)?

Another objective thing is to try to get an idea how much they compress when you sit your butt down on the seat. Leaks are another thing to look for, obviously.

[rhinor61]

hmmm.
Replace them.. 17 years old.
I did bushings 2 years ago on my progessive 412... better but still had issues going into a corner where the bike wanted to push out. Oh old shock will stress and break...not fun when far from home

I went with new shocks this past summer, I will be replacing mine every 5-6 years to get the best ride and handling.

I did the Progressive 444 HD, shopped around, got the black ones for  $450 delivered.
Note the 440 are old stock and are NOT the same shock as the 444.

John Meyer

[blotar]

I was pushing out when high speed sweepers got a little unsettled on the pavement. I changed shock bushings and it was no better. Finallly I changed my fork oil and it rode like a new bike.
Blotar

[sandy]

Like OEM shocks, Progressives use a rubber bushing. My Works shocks have metal bushings. One yr warranty on Works. Progressive will repair if you have receipt.

[Ricky-D]

97 standard  rides fine but am concerned they may need replaced.I have 69000 miles on her and plan on some long trips.Any suggestions on what to look for??Thanks guys for your help.

If they are not leaking, there is no need to worry about them.

Stock shocks are the best you can get.

Want stiffer? Interstate shocks will be the smart choice.

It is the stockers, that all the aftermarket types, try to emulate.

They fail!  That's why they say keep the receipt.

You can get them rebuilt, for free, if you have the receipt.

***

[hubcapsc]

Stock shocks are the best you can get.

Hi Ricky... when you had your 440s, what was it about them that made you want to
get your OEMs back?

-Mike