Air Shock

[Dogsled]

I have an issue with my bike that seems to have led me to the rear airshock. I posted this a while back but now have a different reason for starting a new thread.
* I completely removed the onboard compressor on my bike because it didn't work and I had no interest in repairing it. This compressor has an airline running to the shock. After the maze of plug-in wires and airlines were removed, everything under the seat is nice and clean. At this point I found out there is no hose made by Honda anymore that goes directly into the shock with a tag end offering the ability to air it up with a hand pump. The fitting on the shock is unique and I can't duplicate it aftermarket. I tried my best to marry the old shock hose onto and air fill fitting but can't get it to hold air (tying 2 hoses together).....

* All summer I noticed that when I would get off of my bike and put it on the side stand, the front fork would pop up! I checked everything, changed fluids, put in a set of progressive springs.....still pops up. While pondering what the heck it could be I came up with this;
It only happens after I ride it awhile after taking it of the side stand and standing it up straight. It's NOT the front end popping up but the rear air shock after I lean it over and take my body weight off. The rear shock rising just FEELS like it's the frontend. At this point, I believe it to be the shock collapsing after I ride it awhile.

* If i'm right, there seemed to be little to do but replace the shock with POSSIBLY a 412 series gas shock from Progressive that would require no air. But that would be a 300 dollar investment and I don't even know if it really is my problem. My latest investigation in the service manual says that I can screw the air fill valve directly into the shock! This may solve the weak link between the set-up I have now. (ANYONE USING 412'S HAVE ANY INPUT ON HOW THEY WORK FOR YOU)

* But I was reading Progressives specs on the 416 air shock and it makes mention of an 'internal dampening' system in their shock. With my old hose unit, I had wondered if a dampening system was integral with compressor when I removed everything. POINT BEING, right now if I hit a bump or chuck hole, all of the recoil pressure goes directly back to the weakest point, being the air hose I have hooked up at the top end of the shock.

* I was reading Progressive's write up on buying their product to replace OLD WEAK AND WORN OUT shocks...Now the only shocks I have ever replaced on cars were gas shocks that were leaking or rusted out...and leaking. So if my present air shocks aren't leaking, are they still good? Maybe a change of oil is needed but other than that? On the other side is a straight spring shock...Maybe it's weak?

* Once again as a reminder, I am dealing with 2 issues here, the front end pop up and the rear shock replacement. Is one going to solve the other? My bike is a 1997, i'm not throwing a ton of money into a bike that old. I don't mind keeping it running and reliable, but I need to know the money and parts i'm putting in are worth it. I use my bike for transportation and the enjoyment of riding while doing so. You don't buy a Wing for gas savings for sure. I just feel every move I make now on this bike is within a certain parameter of value vs. cost. Just thought i'd put that out there in case someone thought. "just put new parts on, cause it's your baby"... After all the bikes i've owned and beat up riding on a daily basis...waxing a bike has never entered my mind nor has one being my baby or giving it a name....Then again I have a newer Jeep liberty Limited I don't wax either...

* Back to topic, I need to know from someone that has serviced their rear air shock themselves. Was the oil low from over a long life period and re-filling with fresh oil in the right quantity an improvement?
* Any opinions on the spring shock on the other side, whether it be weakness or some other visible reason to consider it failing.

* With cold weather coming, I need to get out and get this air shock sealed and ridden to see if it is just a simple air leak because of the hose connections.

* BTW, if I do use the direct fitting into the shock connection and find it to hold air, I see a couple issues. One of them being the air loss just from dailey use over a period of time and the fact that I'd have to remove the seat to fill the top of the shock. I'm not real worried about the re-fill issue because I don't secure the seat with the 4 screws anyway. I never had it shift or fall off without them up til now, so I got no reason to put them back.

* So the issue is Experienced Shock Talk...both stock and aftermarket
* Anything else you'd wish input on any of these subjects that would be helpful in resolving future shock/front end problems

* BTW, i've not experienced any handling problems while riding up to this point.

[ruuaustin]

I rebuilt the Forks and Shocks on my 82 Aspencade last year I purchased Progressive Suspension 00-1170 - Progressive Suspension Air/Oil Springs for $49.95 and Progressive Suspension 30-5041 - Progressive Suspension Oil Seal Rebuild Kits for $17.95 from summit racing
They sell an air adaptor kit: Progressive Suspension 30-5082 - Progressive Suspension Air Compressor Adapters $15.95 that may help you out.
If the shocks and forks are sticking and not releasing you might need to replace the slide bushings I had to on my forks and they rebound fine now no sticking at all
Honda # 51414-463-003 Bush, fork pipe
51415-463-003 Sleeve, fork Pipe Bush, slider
Also I had to replace the rebound bumpers in the rear shocks as they were completely dissolved. I used some synthetic shock bushing that were in my tool box and cut them down to fit. The bike rides like new now.
Found a link on this site or Steve Summers an shock rebuilding.
I hope this helps.

[detdrbuzzard]

unlike 1100 and 1200 wings there is no rebuild kit for either shock on a 1500 wing. if you are thinking of getting a set of 412's my question is do you have a passenger often because the bags would have to be removed to change the setting of the shocks. i got the 416 shocks for my 1500 after getting 412's for my 1200. the 416 has a much better ride, firm when firm is needed and soft if thats what i want

[Dogsled]

No I don't ride passengers. I never thought of the fact that the bag would have to come off to get the wrench in (good thing to keep in mind. I actually made up a line that seems to hold air I pump in from the compressor on my old shock. That was at the end of the year and I haven't really put any miles on to see how it feels. Did you like the 412's in general, if they worked 'good' how can the 416's work better? Are you talking about the 'ride' or adjustability?
I really wonder if a good set of rears shocks would affect handling in cornering at both higher speeds and slow manuvering. I never really feel any poor ride syndrome when on the freeway with or without air.
So with that said, are they worth the price and what do you get for the money as far as improvment goes.
Oh year, once again sollo rider, no trailer so relativley light loads.
All of your thoughts on this as a user would be appreciated.

[Dogsled]

I just had a long 'live chat' on the Progressive shock site regarding issues I have before purchasing from them. I kept talking new shocks versus performance and handling. They kept talking comfort........It seems never the two would meet until the end when they said.....yes, yes, yes the performance will be improved......
I got my bike ready to roll but I got so much winter junk around it, I can't get it out. I'll really pay attention to handling the first few trips out to see if I need to dump any more bucks into the bike.