Diiferences in shocks

[Robdawg13]

Thinking about ditching the 11.5" Progressives that came on my bike when I bought it and going with stock shocks.  Honda shows different part #'s for 1997-98 and 1999-03.  What is the difference?

[hubcapsc]

You could get a new pair of progressive 440s or a new set of Works Performance Shocks
for the price you would pay for a new set of OEM Valkyrie shocks...

13 inch is the OEM length, I have 13 inch 440s and like them.

-Mike

[Robdawg13]

You could get a new pair of progressive 440s or a new set of Works Performance Shocks
for the price you would pay for a new set of OEM Valkyrie shocks...

13 inch is the OEM length, I have 13 inch 440s and like them.

-Mike

Lookin' at a used pair...
Just want to know if they changed the spring rates or something and if the later model part # is any better.

[Valkpilot]

You could get a new pair of progressive 440s or a new set of Works Performance Shocks
for the price you would pay for a new set of OEM Valkyrie shocks...

13 inch is the OEM length, I have 13 inch 440s and like them.

-Mike

Lookin' at a used pair...
Just want to know if they changed the spring rates or something and if the later model part # is any better.

I think you should buy new.  The OEMs wear out quickly.  I've got a set I'll let you have for the cost of shipping, but with about 55k on them, they let the bike wallow like a pig in turns.

Come to think of it, I might have a set of 13 inch Progressive 412 HDs available soon.  They have about 10k on them.  PM me if you're interested.

[joebarros1]

Hi. I'm having problems with my 2000 Valkyrie Tourer rear shocks. Bike has only 20K miles.
I am 5'4" only. I lower them, but now the tire stated to drag on the fender. I adjusted two (2)
clicks up and still drags. Right now I can not afford to buy new ones. Any sugestion?
Thank you, Joe.

[olddog1946]

I've never had a bike that the shocks lasted on..seem to go belly up in 20K or less..and I certainly can NOT understand why motorcycle shocks are soooo expensive...kinda like paying 246 bucks for a tire that only lasts 8K...

[Jess from VA]

Lets remember that our valks are getting old, in addition to (and regardless of) actual miles per bike.  A 14-10 yo bike with relatively low miles may still have failing OE shocks.

And.... some OE shocks do better than others.... just like Progressives and other aftermarkets.

I am unaware of different shocks from 97-03.... but of course the IS shocks are stiffer than tourer/std, but that would be a different part # for all years.

I would go to 13"s if you can.

I don't know if I'd pay $255 per shock plus new bushings for OE.  They are not bad shocks, but they won't touch Progressive 440s which come with a lifetime warranty.  Or I'd stick 412s on there. The choice of shock should also depend on what kind of riding you do and if you carry a passenger (ballast) more often than not.

08    CUSHION, L. RR.   retail         HDL price
52500-MZ0-A41    001    $348.98    $255.28

http://www.hdlparts.com/fiche_section_detail.asp?section=148238&category=MOTORCYCLES&make=HONDA&year=2000&fveh=3468

[BF]

Robdawg.....

Sent you a PM about your shocks. 

[Ricky-D]

Shocks for the Interstate are sprung harder than for the Standard and Tourer.

***

[Phil57]

OK I will ask the dumb #ss question. The 440 progressive price is around 500-600. Is that a pair or per shock. Rember I already called myself a dunb #ss to save everyone the trouble.

[Jess from VA]

http://www.hondadirectlineofshadyside.com/stores/product.asp?pid=558&str=2&ID=602438014

[donaldcc]

OK I will ask the dumb #ss question. The 440 progressive price is around 500-600. Is that a pair or per shock. Rember I already called myself a dunb #ss to save everyone the trouble.

As link from Jess shows, sold as a pair.

http://www.hondadirectlineofshadyside.com/stores/product.asp?pid=558&str=2&ID=602438014

So, I'm thinking about getting a set of these to replace OEM.  I almost ALWAYS ride my Tourer without passenger.  Is there any reason to get the 440 HD?? I'm 210lb and do not load up bike very often.

[Jess from VA]

I would get the standard rate Don (which is called for in PS's info for std and tourer) .  There are 10 preload settings on all 440s (the Std and HD 440s are internally identical, only the springs are different).  All ISs are supposed to use HD.  My IS with trunk sits at the softest setting since 2005, and it is plenty stiff (but good)... but I have no softer setting available (185, no passenger, rarely a load).   I put the standard rates on my permanent supervalk IS, and they sit at 3 or 4 turns from softest.

Save your receipt for the warranty. 

Also, you may want to shop Amazon and some other places for the best prices (you might get lucky), then get HDL to price match (plus 5 bux)....... it's better dealing with HDL if there are any issues.  Remember you must add shipping to the other guys price since this will be free shipping from HDL.

Std rate 13" 440 part no is 4213  -   HD is 4412.

Found this.   http://www.amazon.com/Progressive-Suspension-440-IAS-Shock/dp/B000GVD668/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1320016210&sr=8-2

$491.22 + $13.09 shipping = 504.31 ($32.68 cheaper than HDL... who will also take off 5 bux on price match)

All of this is for chrome..... black ones are $35-40 cheaper.  (C in part no is chorme.... B in part no is black)

[donaldcc]

 

Thanks Jess, very helpful.

[Jess from VA]

Welcome.  I try to help when I can.

[Paxton]

I have two sets of OEM's in like new condition. You could have one set for $190 + shipping. ???

I swapped them on the belief that the bike could be lowered. It did some, but not to make it worth the investment that I made. 

[Hedgehog]

I'm thinking of replacing mine (OE) and was wondering what the real difference is (in real world actual use terms) between the Progressive 416's and the 440's. Quite a price difference - are the 440s worth it?? ???

Thanks

[donaldcc]

. . . .

Also, you may want to shop Amazon and some other places for the best prices (you might get lucky), then get HDL to price match (plus 5 bux)....... it's better dealing with HDL if there are any issues.  Remember you must add shipping to the other guys price since this will be free shipping from HDL.

Std rate 13" 440 part no is 4213  -   HD is 4412.

Found this.   http://www.amazon.com/Progressive-Suspension-440-IAS-Shock/dp/B000GVD668/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1320016210&sr=8-2

$491.22 + $13.09 shipping = 504.31 ($32.68 cheaper than HDL... who will also take off 5 bux on price match)

All of this is for chrome..... black ones are $35-40 cheaper.  (C in part no is chorme.... B in part no is black)

  I emailed HDL with the link to the Amazon site and they knocked price down $50 from their price of $536.99,($491.22 - $5= $486.22).  And no mark off for the shipping charge of Amazon.  Good customer service!

Here is email from HDL

Thank you for your recent price match inquire at Direct Line Parts.

Your price macth request has been approved. By clicking on the link below you
will be allowed to purchase 1 unit(s) of our part # PRO-4404230CCX at this
price: $486.22

http://www.directlineparts.com/product_wk_spc.asp?pid=558&str=0&flw=0&rc=f19ejmk7zhrzqoozzxzz

Price Match Link Usage Rules:
- To use the link above, during checkout you must login using the same email
address on which this email message was sent to you

- This special price cannot be combined with any other discounts or coupons

- This link expires on: 11/15/2011


Thank you for shopping Direct Line Parts, Inc.

[Jess from VA]

Good stuff.  

part # PRO-4404230CCX

AaK ..... 11.5 inchers in HD??  

[donaldcc]

Good stuff.  

part # PRO-4404230CCX

AaK ..... 11.5 inchers in HD??  

    Good eyes Jess.  I spoke to HDL on the phone and they did match the price on the 13"SD shocks.  I didn't notice the different part number in the email. 

[Jess from VA]

I got paid to read the small print for many years.    (Now I can't stop. )

Plus, this was my recommendation.


I also have several times searched high and low for the best price for some bike part or gear, to frugally save 30 or 50 bux, only to lose it all in return shipping when I got the wrong item/size/part.   

[Paxton]

QUOTE from joebarros1:
"... I lower them, but now the tire stated to drag on the fender. I adjusted two (2) clicks up and still drags... 
Any sugestion? Thank you, Joe.

===========================================================================================

Joe; It sounds as if you are running a car tire. If so, you must do a nut-cage-mod under the rear fender. Easy job.

However, if you are running the correct size motorcycle tire, then it sounds as if your shocks are virtually gone.
If so, then go back up-to the higher setting where the tire won't rub.
 
You ought to check the rubber bushings for cracks or signs of age. Many folks retrofit aftermarket bushings to improve handling.

Mine is a 2000 Valkyrie Standard. I lowered the rear from OEM 13" to the 11.5" Progressives. Did it because like you, I am a short person.
I then did the nut-cage-mod and installed a car tire, the tallest (205/65/16). No rubbing.

Good luck.

[olddog1946]

While doing some research on progressive shocks I found that their shocks for a valk also fit:
99-05 vulcan 1500 drifter
98-04 vulcan 1500 nomad
03-07 vulcan 1600 classic
86-03 ZG-1200 voyager
04-07 Rocket III

did a search on ebay for those sets of shocks and found a set of rocket shocks off of an 07 converted to a trike with 3K on them for $150....

[Paxton]

My OEM VTX 1800's shocks are interchangeable with the Valkyries. They both have now the identical 11.5" Progressives.... 

[John U.]

While doing some research on progressive shocks I found that their shocks for a valk also fit:
99-05 vulcan 1500 drifter
98-04 vulcan 1500 nomad
03-07 vulcan 1600 classic
86-03 ZG-1200 voyager
04-07 Rocket III

did a search on ebay for those sets of shocks and found a set of rocket shocks off of an 07 converted to a trike with 3K on them for $150....

I hear the stock Rocket III shocks are pretty bad. $150 might sound like a deal with only 3K on them but it ain't necesarily so.

[valkyriemc]

Shocks for the Interstate are sprung harder than for the Standard and Tourer.

***

Yes and they last and are also adjustable.

[Sigrún]

Shocks for the Interstate are sprung harder than for the Standard and Tourer.

***

Yes and they last and are also adjustable.

Hmm I was under the impression they all are? At least mine are in a Standard?

[olddog1946]

While doing some research on progressive shocks I found that their shocks for a valk also fit:
99-05 vulcan 1500 drifter
98-04 vulcan 1500 nomad
03-07 vulcan 1600 classic
86-03 ZG-1200 voyager
04-07 Rocket III

did a search on ebay for those sets of shocks and found a set of rocket shocks off of an 07 converted to a trike with 3K on them for $150....

I hear the stock Rocket III shocks are pretty bad. $150 might sound like a deal with only 3K on them but it ain't necesarily so.

That is a distinct possibility,,,any used shock could be a bad buy..but worst that could happen is that I put the old ones back on and resell the rocket shocks..

[Kep]

Just bought a set of Progressive 440-4221C for my 97" Fire Breathin Dragon for $449.00 - FREE SHIPPING (plus got a pair of fingerless gloves as bonus gift) at www.directharleyparts.com.

[Ricky-D]

Has anyone not thought about using spacers on the springs of a stock shock to gain more strength.

The total travel will be shortened by the thickness of the spacer but the resultant stiffer springing should surely be of greater benefit that the loss of a little bit of travel.

***

[Sparky51]

At the Lone Star Rally this weekend, stopped in the Progressive Tent to talk shocks.  Says, yes, they sell a lot of 440's to Valk owners, but he said also, seriously doubted we would feel the difference from the 440's down to the 430s and save about $100.   Yes the 440's are better, but anybody got any experience with the 430's?

[valkyriemc]

Shocks for the Interstate are sprung harder than for the Standard and Tourer.

***

Yes and they last and are also adjustable.

Hmm I was under the impression they all are? At least mine are in a Standard?

Yes-poorly written on my part...

[Paxton]

Hum... the 11.5"  Progressives I put on the Valk must be the rock-bottom cheapos... I paid $250 for the set.
Notwithstanding, their performance and handling characteristics are superb.

Just installed the same on the VTX1800... Am just as happy with them.

[olddog1946]

While doing some research on progressive shocks I found that their shocks for a valk also fit:
99-05 vulcan 1500 drifter
98-04 vulcan 1500 nomad
03-07 vulcan 1600 classic
86-03 ZG-1200 voyager
04-07 Rocket III

did a search on ebay for those sets of shocks and found a set of rocket shocks off of an 07 converted to a trike with 3K on them for $150....

I hear the stock Rocket III shocks are pretty bad. $150 might sound like a deal with only 3K on them but it ain't necesarily so.

That is a distinct possibility,,,any used shock could be a bad buy..but worst that could happen is that I put the old ones back on and resell the rocket shocks..

UPDATE: Got the Rocket III shocks, changed out the lower bushings (used Gary's poly one's from the original shocks, although the rocket shocks also have poly bushings they are wider) and installed them...much better ride than I had before.  The bike doesn't feel near as mushy and rides smooth on the road..the weather hasn't been good enough to get out for a long ride but I certainly like what I've experienced so far..

[BF]

Are the Rocket III shocks 13" also.....or are they shorter?

[olddog1946]

Are the Rocket III shocks 13" also.....or are they shorter?

13"