1985 GL1200 Rear Shock Length ?

[BikerNewsman]

For the first time in it's life I need to replace the rear shocks on my 1985 GL1200LTD and wish to do so, temporarily, with adjustable shocks while I have the original air shocks rebuilt. I've visited several sites trying to find out how to measure the shocks for the correct replacement. Some say to measure them (center of eye to center of eye) ON the bike, others say to measure them OFF the bike, some say I need the travel length, others don't mention travel length. My question is.... does anyone know the length I should use when ordering replacement shocks for this bike?

[CrystalPistol]

You can measure your's eye to eye center accurately just by having it on the center stand.
Speaking only about Progressive Suspension's 416 series rear air/coil shocks ...
According to Progressive's specs:
# 416-1626A @ 14.00" eye center to eye center extended as advertised is actually 13.90" extended and 10.47" compressed.
# 416-1641A @ 14.25" eye center to eye center extended as advertised is
actually 14.20" extended and 10.77" compressed.
Both show same travel length of 3.43" and both use the same E/E spring with a rate of 125/180 pounds/in.

I used the 416-1626A on my '85 GL1200A since the late 1990s, I shortened my center stand a bit. Some like the longer ones for easier center stand use I guess .... and maybe for greater cornering clearance?

[BikerNewsman]

Thanks. I appreciate the feedback. You shortened your center stand??? Does that make it easier to get the bike onto the center stand or harder?

[donens]

I believe a shortened center stand makes it easier to put on the center stand. If you place 1/2" piece of plywood under the rear tire, it will also make it easier to put on the center stand.