Rear shock question

[Larrys1911]

Hello All,

Need some help with the rear suspension on my 77 wing. Its full Vetter dressed.

The Rear end seems extreeeeemely soft, leaning into a corner the rear end is unstable. Kind of seems like it wants to wag or fishtail if you are on anything but perfect pavement. I thought it might just be me but I let a friend ride it and his first comment was " man the rear end on that thing is SOFT"

Tires are good probably 2000 miles at most, front and rear wheel bearings are new. Steering head bearings are about to be replaced "notchy". Front struts have new oil and dont leak but I think I will replace the seals and stuff when I replace the steering head bearings. I cant feel any movement in the rear swing arm. SO I concluded that the rear shocks are most likely shot.

My Question if everyone agrees that it is the shocks......IS

what should I put on it. Progressive or Air or ???
Im really not looking to spend a Lot but will spend what I have to.

I have only ridden sport bikes lately so I guess I would describe my riding style as agressive. I dont mind scraping the pegs on this thing at all. Most of my riding will be one up but my wife loves to ride so on the weekends we wanna do some touring and ride a few hundred miles so I kinda figure I will be needing a middle of the road shock.

My weight runs 180- 200 and hers is 120 -140

Any advice would be welcome.

Larry

[scotterichmond]

If you can swing the price, air shocks from progressive. gives you more flexability for different loads .The steering head bearing will make a huge difference in the handling when they are done.

[Larrys1911]

Yea, I would like to but I cant really swing that at the moment.

Any other recommendations..... Common guys 20 plus views and 1 recommendation?

I would buy Air shocks or progressives off Ebay but all the "people" (thats a nice word to describe them) wont even say if they hold air or leak fluid. Who buys a shock that wont hold air or fluid. yea here we have a couple 10 lb 13" paperweights that roll. Id like $100

[terryt]

why don't you just upgrade your old springs
http://www.ebay.com/itm/200696201074?ss ... 1423.l2649

[scotterichmond]

maybe this one?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Honda-Gold-Wing ... 7b&vxp=mtr

[larrycole]

I put Progressives on mine about 10 years ago and they work great. I pump them up a little when I've got a co-rider, a trailer, camping gear or all three. The seals only last a couple years and are a pain to replace, but the parts are readily available.

Larry
'76 Yellow

[Fred Camper]

Folks that have Hagon Shock's http://www.davequinnmotorcycles.com/ really like them and they will work with you for just what you need. Ikons (formerly Koni) http://www.ikonsuspension.com/content/a ... ndex.shtml also get good reviews but I believe Ikon is more expensive than Hagon.

[JellyBelly]

why don't you just upgrade your old springs
http://www.ebay.com/itm/200696201074?ss ... 1423.l2649

I agree..replace with the same...that's what I'll be doing on my '78...I have the same feeling when I ride too.

[Larrys1911]

I didnt realize those springs would work with stock Showa dampers.....

I sent Haygon a email asking for recommendations
They cant help as I am overloaded for their heaviest units

Whats the GVWR on the wing ? anyone know

100# for the fairing and bags
60# bagage
300 - 340 driver and passenger

SO normal weight will be 300# (Driver 180 plus fairing and bags 100) but loading for a trip with the wife would be considerably heavier. (THat doesnt sound good )

so is 500 overloaded?

[scotterichmond]

I would say 500 is too much. what is the rear tire rated for?

[Fred Camper]

I have been told to not use the max weight, use the typical weight when you ride. For me, that is as a single rider by a slim margin so that is the weight I should use to pick shocks. The max weight is not typical usage and if you buy shocks for that condition then the majority of your riding will be with the incorrect optimal shock.