Rear air shock upgrades
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Ok guys heres another topic to test the old brains and get the opinions going.
Thinking about rebuilding or replacing the shocks this winter, have noticed a leakage when the bike sits and I seem to need way more air pressure to keep from bottoming out. Question is to rebuild the shocks back to stock, rebuild with new progressive springs and seals in the stock housings, or bite the bullet and pay for new 416 progressive shocks. I will normally ride everyday that weather permits, I'm no large guy but no small guy either, 6ft 215lbs. and will usually take at least one ride every weekend 2up. How about some opinions on this one to help guide me in the right direction. Thanks TN |
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#1
01-05-2007, 10:14 PM,
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Nice site. Wish it was available before I sold my '84 Aspy.
I had Progressive shocks on the '84. I had a bad experience with them. While riding in Colorado, I had the right shock come apart! The shaft became disengaged from the damper unit inside the shock. It dumped all the oil and caused the bike to take a big jump sideways in a curve. Definately un-nerving. I replaced the 416's with stock replacements.
Real Airplanes Have 2 Wings and Big Round Engines
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#2
01-07-2007, 08:00 AM,
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The stock shocks do a pretty good job when working properly.
You could order the shock boot and the seal then replace those parts along with the oil, slightly heavier 10W to help carry your 2 up load or if you feel rich order the 416's and take your chances.
Ed (Vic) Belanger - 1954-2015
Founder of gl1200goldwings.com |
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#3
01-07-2007, 08:25 AM,
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Vic, are you saying the stock rear shocks can be rebuilt? If so where can we find the parts that you mentioned?
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#4
01-07-2007, 08:36 AM,
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what about the sagging springs? I know that they don't make them and you can't find new one's any place. After replacing the seals and boots If you charge the air up it will hold the bike up but if the springs are sagging still, what difference will it be from good springs?
I'm asking because I'm thinking of replacing the boots and seals on mine because the boots are gone and the seals leak some but I'm afraid that with the old springs I will be waisting my time and money. What is your feelings on this? I can't afford the 416's! |
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#5
01-07-2007, 08:38 AM,
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Lloyd Dotson Wrote:Vic, are you saying the stock rear shocks can be rebuilt? If so where can we find the parts that you mentioned? You can get the boots and seals at your local Honda parts dealer, check around. Bear in mind that you can only replace the seal and that you cannot rebuild the complete shock.
Ed (Vic) Belanger - 1954-2015
Founder of gl1200goldwings.com |
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#6
01-07-2007, 08:47 AM,
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longhaireddwb Wrote:what about the sagging springs? I know that they don't make them and you can't find new one's any place. After replacing the seals and boots If you charge the air up it will hold the bike up but if the springs are sagging still, what difference will it be from good springs? Are you sure that the air pressure is filling the rear shocks? Does the bike raise when filling the shocks? Just run your rear shock pressure at max if you need to or replace with the progressive springs/shocks. Both my wife and I are on the heavy side and my stock rear shocks will hold us up without bottoming.
Ed (Vic) Belanger - 1954-2015
Founder of gl1200goldwings.com |
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#7
01-07-2007, 08:53 AM,
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admin Wrote:Lloyd Dotson Wrote:Vic, are you saying the stock rear shocks can be rebuilt? If so where can we find the parts that you mentioned? Thanks Vic, I'll keep that in mind. |
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#8
01-07-2007, 09:01 AM,
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You're welcome.
Ed (Vic) Belanger - 1954-2015
Founder of gl1200goldwings.com |
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#9
01-07-2007, 09:22 AM,
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From what I've found in research there are parts avaiable to do a rebuild on most MAJOR parts of the shock, you can purchase new seals from either Honda or Progressive, new replacement springs can be purchased from Progressive that fit the Honda shocks as an upgrade, PN/00-1172 cost around $56.00, the seal kit is PN/30-5041 cost $15.00. You can dismantle the shock all the way down to the main sealed shock absorber damper itself, which everything is built around. A replacement shock damper is also avaiable from Progressive that fits our bikes PN/16-4051 for $175.00 for this kit which I believe is for a pair and includes new seals and circlips.
I have read of people using the progressive springs to upgrade the sagging stock springs which as I understand start getting weak around 50,000 miles and keep the stock shock dampers. Mine has 63,000 miles and I really don't want to keep the air pressure at max, this makes for a very hard ride. I was wanting to know if anyone on the site had done any of the rebuilds in this manner and what was your success or failure story. Hopefully this link will work, if not just copy and paste to your address bar. You can check out some good detailed information on how to rebuild the shocks. (By the way you need to be a member and sign in or register in order to view the photos on the site) <!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.goldwingfacts.com/forums/view_topic.php?id=14189&forum_id=1&highlight=gl1200+shocks">http://www.goldwingfacts.com/forums/vie ... 200+shocks</a><!-- m --> Thanks TN |
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#10
01-07-2007, 11:38 AM,
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This is a wonderful layout of how to rebuild the GL1200's rear shocks.
Every now and then we get a wonderful gift like this and it is to be treasured and shared forevermore. It's the next best thing to actually rebuilding your own. I tip my hat to this man's pictorial and would buy him lunch if he was in my town. Thank you.
Ed (Vic) Belanger - 1954-2015
Founder of gl1200goldwings.com |
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#11
01-07-2007, 01:19 PM,
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Man! That was great. I'll have to figure out how to copy that so that when the time comes I can do it that way.
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#12
01-07-2007, 04:23 PM,
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It is great information, much better than what you can find in some manuals. And the homemade compression tool is easy and will work.
I copied and posted in Microsoft word to make a book format, that way I didn't have all the replies and additional web forum information, took a little longer to do but when I open the folder it reads like any other booklet with just yellow pages. Now back to the orginal question, has anyone ever rebuilt their shocks in this fashion, either stock or with both stock and Progressive parts? If so was there a difference in the ride quality, was it firmer, softer, did it cause handling problems etc.? TN |
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#13
01-07-2007, 05:24 PM,
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longhaireddwb Wrote:Man! That was great. I'll have to figure out how to copy that so that when the time comes I can do it that way. Hey Everyone, I just had to save this invaluable information so I copied the whole operation and his comments after his test ride and put it all in pdf format. Each photo and his comments are on separate pages so it can be printed out for viewing in the shop. You can download it here: <!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.lloyddotson.com/Rear_shock_rebuild_on_a_GL1200_Goldwing.pdf">http://www.lloyddotson.com/Rear_shock_r ... ldwing.pdf</a><!-- m --> Just right click on the link and "Save Target As" to your Gold Wing file on your computer. You'll need Adobe Reader to view this file. If you don't already have it you can download the windows version here: <!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html">http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html</a><!-- m --> |
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#14
01-08-2007, 06:53 AM,
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Thanks Lloyd. I copied it off of your site. Now I have it on my gold wing info on my computer. I was having a hard time trying to copy it with the pictures. I'm computer challenged.
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#15
01-08-2007, 08:00 AM,
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