Rear Shocks

[pwrtrp]

I am a new owner and member to the Valkyrie family.  I found a 1997 Black tourer with 16k, the original owner had just had a complete dealer service done and it looks brand new!  I try to contain my excitement but she is amazing!!  I am a pretty big boy 6'  260lbs  Even with the shocks turned up to 5 when I tried to ride 2 up and hit a bump it felt like I was on a hard tail.  I have read a bunch of the tech posts but, short of a diet, what should I be considering for rear shocks.  She still has her original Honda on.

Thanks

[TJ]

New rear shocks...

[Hook#3287]

Do a search for rear bushings, bet yours are toast.  Might help.

[Former BMW Guy]

Whats the air pressure in the rear tire?

JP

[Farther]

Also do a search for shocks.  If you can find a set of lightly used Honda Valkyrie Interstate shock that would be the most cost effective why to go.  If money is not a issue I would consider Works shocks.

ps: are you the Phil White the physical therapist?

[Patrick]

To me, saying that it feels like a hard-tail could mean a couple things. Does every bump feel hard, or, is it bottoming out ? It wasn't quite clear to me from your post.
If it is bottoming out then I guess you're due for new shockers. Its been quite awhile since I've used the original shocks, but, I think we could ride 2 up on setting #4.

[longrider]

I agree with Farther on this one.  I installed IS shocks on mine maybe eight years ago now.  For some of us larger more powerful men riding two up this is the most cost effective and biggest improvement we can do to help the bottoming out problem on the rear.  Also as mentioned above change out your shock bushings. I believe the upgraded bushings (green color) are 52489-hno-671 on the honda parts fiche.

Warren

[SANDMAN5]

Ditto on the I/S shocks!!

[sandy]

If money is an object, find the Interstate shocks and new bushings. Not a great solution at your weight. Works performance shocks are taylor built to your weight and riding style. I have a friend with Progressive 440 HD's and they aren't working for him and his fiance. Together they're around 400 lbs. I have Works shocks.

[pwrtrp]

Thanks to all  your suggestions.  Last Sunday it was 70 degrees here in Va today we are getting up to 6" of snow  so I guess I will take this weekend to pull the OEM shocks, check the bushings, and go from there.  To  " Farther" no I am not a physical therapist,  and money is always an object but pound wise and penny foolish?   I think your advice about the works shocks are worth spending the money.  Also "sandy "  I had considered the HD 440 but after these posts I think I will go with the works.  Thanks again

[Hoser]

You have them on the highest level.  Dial them down a couple notches and see what happens. I'm not as heavy as you, but my best ride is the lowest setting when riding solo.  Hoser 

[old2soon]

As similar to Hoser's post. I still have the stock shocks(70000 miles)on my I/S. i have them in the middle-position 3-and works fine solo or when my daughter rides with me. I'm in that 225 pound range and daughter is like 140 pounds. And i carry too much gear in my saddle bags. And i'm running D/S 205-65-16 with the nut cage mod. Hope this helps somewhat. RIDE SAFE.

[R J]

I am a new owner and member to the Valkyrie family.  I found a 1997 Black tourer with 16k, the original owner had just had a complete dealer service done and it looks brand new!  I try to contain my excitement but she is amazing!!  I am a pretty big boy 6'  260lbs  Even with the shocks turned up to 5 when I tried to ride 2 up and hit a bump it felt like I was on a hard tail.  I have read a bunch of the tech posts but, short of a diet, what should I be considering for rear shocks.  She still has her original Honda on.

Thanks

I sent you a PM.    So be on the lookout for it.

RJ

[Tropic traveler]

Had the same problem. Tried Progressive 412's but they were no better & started leaking just weeks past the warranty period. 
Interstate shocks have done the trick for me! 

[Chiefy]

I am a new owner and member to the Valkyrie family.  I found a 1997 Black tourer with 16k, the original owner had just had a complete dealer service done and it looks brand new!  I try to contain my excitement but she is amazing!!  I am a pretty big boy 6'  260lbs  Even with the shocks turned up to 5 when I tried to ride 2 up and hit a bump it felt like I was on a hard tail.  I have read a bunch of the tech posts but, short of a diet, what should I be considering for rear shocks.  She still has her original Honda on.

Thanks

Welcome to Valkyrieland    I'm in your weight range, although not as tall as you    I always leave my stock shocks on 5, whether solo or 2 up.  I never-ever bottom out either way.  If you're bottoming out, I would say your shocks are gone.  If it's just uncomfortable bumping/knocking, I'd look as others have said, at the shock bushings.   I've heard the bottom bushings don't give trouble, but when I replaced mine, (at about 47k miles) uppers and lowers were shot.  They don't cost much.

[Westsider]

GL1500 GoldWing air shocks, cheap, from trike conversions.

  search craigs list and trike conversion  companies.

[grennels]

I just discovered a broken rear shock.  In looking for a replacement pair
I find new Progressive shocks for under $250 a pair. 

Are they any good?