Leaking Rear Shock

[vargas35@live.com]

Took out our newly acquired 89' GL1500 w/air suspension this past weekend. When we parked her, noticed a puddle under the rear wheel which turns out to be from the right rear shock.
Any advice? I've read some posts out there where users have said that some leakage is "normal", find that hard to believe. Besides, this was more than "a little" in this case.
Is my only option to replace with a Progressive air shock for this model?
Appreciate your two cents as always!

Thanks

[WingAdmin]

No leakage is "normal" or acceptable.

Either rebuild the shock, installing new seals, or replace with Progressive 416's (which is what I plan to do, simply because it improves the ride so much).

[Sempai]

No leakage is "normal" or acceptable.

Either rebuild the shock, installing new seals, or replace with Progressive 416's (which is what I plan to do, simply because it improves the ride so much).

My rear shocks just bit the dust. The dealer doesn't seem to offer a rebuild "kit" for them, which is what I'd love to do. I know they require adaptation to connect to the factory air, but are the Pro416's a direct physical replacement? I helped a friend remove/replace a rear tire on his GL1500SE that had some aftermarket airshocks on it (I hadn't taken notice of what brand they were,) and we had a helluva time reinstalling the shock mount when we were going back together. I'd very much like to avoid that as I do all my own work, usually alone, lol.

[WingAdmin]

When I replaced my shocks on my 1100 with Progressive 416's, they were a direct, bolt-in replacement. I understand the same is true for the 1500 - I'll find out for sure this winter.

[Sempai]

When I replaced my shocks on my 1100 with Progressive 416's, they were a direct, bolt-in replacement. I understand the same is true for the 1500 - I'll find out for sure this winter.

I think I may just call that dude up and ask him what shocks he has on his 1500. Whatever they are...I am going to AVOID them at all costs.


...Just got off the phone with him. He says they were in fact Progressive, but he couldn't remember the model number, and he sold the bike a coupla weeks ago, so I'll not be able to see for myself what they were. I think I'll persue trying to find rebuild kits for my factory shocks...worse comes to worse, perhaps I'll just order the individual parts?

[Aerobeck98]

Would like to know if Valkyrie rear shock will work in place of OEM GL1500 shock (not the air one).

[threepwood]

Have just discovered that My 1992 GL1500 SE Trike's rear suspension isn't holding air. Checking on Progressive's website, the 412 series is what comes up. Would I need an adapter kit for the air? Also, would it be worth while getting the Fork Spring kit, given both my not inconsiderable weight and the weight of the trike?

A trike expert I spoke to suggested I fix the shocks, sell it, and buy an imported trike with a kit with IRS, (which are extremely rare down under.)

Trouble is, I quite like my trike. At just on 45,000 kms, (just under 28,000 miles), it's not even run in. I'm getting used to the "feel" of three wheels, along with the jostling you get on uneven surfaces. With a back issue that won't be going away, this is the next best thing to two wheels. My mounting and dismounting style is amusing, but getting back on the road is the best therapy ever. It doesn't bring back my late beloved wife, but it puts a grin back on my dial for a while. Had a lovely run the other day, rode for just on an hour, my best go yet. It was well worth sitting with a wheat bag and pain killers the next day.

But I am rambling.. I'm hoping that the mechanics will tell me they need new seals, or better still a bolt needs tightening, but I'm still keen on a solution that would provide a steadier ride.