Wondering about shocks and wheels

[cheeseman1969]

I got this lady at 147,000. I have 162,000 on it now. I changed the tire from a 55 (came with bike) to a 65 austin taxi tire. Love it! It rides great and getting about 1-3 mpg better on it too. I got that done in August. Since I have been riding to work everyday about 6 miles and just enjoying it. In Oct my son who weights about 80 lbs was riding with me. I was at time, 300+lbs (been on a diet and lost 20 lbs in the last 3 weeks). Well we where driving along and hit a minor pot hole. The rear tire bottomed out and hit hard. We went over RR cross and it was hitting hard too. When I ride by myself it might hit a little bit. Now I am wondering about this next summer when I load it up for a trip (missed out this year). Will it be ok? Wondering if that tire really decreased the range of the fender and the tire to much. I have the shocks all the way "up". But also wondering if it is time for my shocks to be replaced. I know when a car shocks go out but wondering about a bike, how do you tell? If this is the problem.

[fudgie]

What are they set at? Could up the number.

[hubcapsc]

Works Performance and Progressive (444) both make
good shocks that will improve your Valkyrie...

-Mike

[Beardo]

I asked a similar question a while back and it was recommended that I put up an ad in the classifieds for some low mile interstate shocks (I have a tourer).

Got some from a member, made a HUGE difference. My wife and I and gear were bottoming out the shocks before, not anymore.  Can get them for <$100, much less than new ones.

[cheeseman1969]

I have progressive but dont know what kind of how long. I know that I need a special wrench to lift or lower them. I have never had it down on the bottom too even when I had the 55 on. How do I find out size??