Shock recommendation

[peter]

I'm a 160 lb lightweight (but pound-for-pound, a beast) that rides maybe 1000 miles a year on the Valk, somewhat aggresively, and always on back roads.  What would be your recommendation for a good shock that is reasonably priced? Has a solo seat set-up so no passengers...
Thanks Much,
Peter
'98 Tourer

[pancho]

What's wrong with the ones on the bike peter?? Are they adjusted to the lightest setting? or are you looking for a softer ride? I also am light and the stock shocks work just fine for me until the temperature gets around freezing,, then they get really stiff.  I do have bags with a bit of weight in them, but all in all they feel good, and work well.

[h13man]

I weigh 160 and run #3 setting on the stock Showa's all the time including when Momma is on back. From my experience on a VT1100C Shadow (30,000 mi./ 5 yrs.) the stock Showa's were a bit soft @ #3 setting with both of us and had to adjust them for long hauls.  I tried Progressive #412 regular's and found them to harsh @ any setting. I took them off and sold them and reinstalled the Showa's with new bushings which are the weak link to that particular setup and so are the Valks. I replaced the Valks Showa bushings with aftermarket neoprene units. I also run Racetech #80's fork springs thus I love the overall ride for all loads/ride.

[Bighead]

I wanna know why you abuse the Phat Gurl by only riding her 1000 miles a year
that is a good week end trip

[hubcapsc]

I'm a 160 lb lightweight (but pound-for-pound, a beast) that rides maybe 1000 miles a year on the Valk, somewhat aggresively, and always on back roads.  What would be your recommendation for a good shock that is reasonably priced? Has a solo seat set-up so no passengers...
Thanks Much,
Peter
'98 Tourer

The good shocks I know of are obscenely priced  ... Progressive 444s or Works Performance...

One of my lifetime warranty Progressive Shocks blew a seal once, and I used
some borrowed Interstate shocks (with 80K on them) for a few weeks... I sure
was glad to get the rebuilt progressives back...

-Mike

[peter]

Thanks Boys - I'm thinking about shocks because I'll have them off to replace my rear tire, and I have bottomed out on occasion riding over rough pavement I couldn't avoid with the stock shocks. Sounds like I should try adjusting the settings first - don't know what it's set at now -  and maybe replace the bushings on the stock ones first?

And I have 3 bikes so I try and ride them somewhat equally as I love them all, hence the low annual milage on the Valk ('56 BSA Road Rocket, 2004 Ducati 1000).

I'm embarking on an aggressive maintenance project, for me anyway, so I'll most likely be bugging you guys along the way. Hope to:

Replace both tires
lube the rear end (that doesn't sound good...)
Remove the carb bank and service the carbs (there's a great Youtube on this)
Valve Adjustment and maybe timing check.

Thanks again very much for your responses - couldn't do this otherwise.

Peter
'98 Tourer

[pancho]

Hey Peter,, the shock bushings probably do need replaced as they do go bad,, and yeah get a tool and try some different adjustment settings,, you may find one on one, and the other on three,, who knows.

As you start into your maintenance list, you may want to scratch off the valve and timing entry as it is very unlikely you need to mess with those items unless you are hearing something that gives you concern.           nice stable of machines.

[Kunkies]

Agree, Progressive 444's.  They are pricey but what a difference.  With your weight, and to maintain proper sag, recommend you stick with the standard 444 versus "heavy duty" or HD springs.

Stay safe

[peter]

Where can I get shock bushings and how hard are they to install?

[h13man]

http://redeye.ecrater.com/p/18385698/rear-shock-bushings-polyurethane-teflon

If I remember rightI used 3/8" bolt and washers and draw bolt them in. Smaller bolt size might allow the bushing to collaspe more to ease install. Lube isn't reccommended with these particular bushings as mentioned.

[pancho]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Rear-Shock-Bushings-similar-to-52489-MW3-305-Fit-Honda-Valkyrie-97-03-GL1500C-/231613987915?hash=item35ed44fc4b:g:MqEAAOSwajVUUoMj&vxp=mtr

http://www.partzilla.com/parts/search/Honda/Motorcycle/1997/GL1500C+AC/REAR+SHOCK+ABSORBER/parts.html

Depending on what kind of tools you have, they can be a bit of work to install, or go in like a breeze, use some kind of lube.

[peter]

Perfect - thank you both

[98valk]

if u are running hard u need to raise up the bike, stiffen the suspension to prevent hitting hard parts.
goldwing shocks might be the way to go

http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,13356.0.html