Progressive 12" shocks vs other brand 13"

xjwmx

I need to get new shocks because the ones that came with my bike have no damping left (not original shocks).

The shock length right now is about 13" and I like that height, although it's the only height I've tried....

I've been offered a set of gently used Progressive brand Series 12 incl. springs for a little under $100. They are 12" long. For the same price, I can get 13" Monza brand or something shocks from the usual suppliers.

Which of the two should I get? I'm all about handling and comfort over looks.

gantzcb

What year and model? Here's a shot of my 79 F with 13.5 progressive series 12. Arm is rebushed, head has tapered rollers, new progressive fork springs and Race tech emulators. An entirely different bike to ride! It no longer seems a$$ heavy.

xjwmx

Sorry about leaving out the year. It's an '81 Special.

calicruiser

xjwmx wrote:

I need to get new shocks because the ones that came with my bike have no damping left (not original shocks).

The shock length right now is about 13" and I like that height, although it's the only height I've tried....

I've been offered a set of gently used Progressive brand Series 12 incl. springs for a little under $100. They are 12" long. For the same price, I can get 13" Monza brand or something shocks from the usual suppliers.

Which of the two should I get? I'm all about handling and comfort over looks.

I need a set of 12" shocks so if you do not get them could you pass them my way? thanks!!!

josh

xjwmx

calicruiser, I'll mention it next time I see him. I was over there last week and he had a hard time finding them (it's a busy garage). It might be more of a hassle than it's worth to him.

THe shocks I have are getting strange. They're labeled Showa, and seem to originally have had adjustable damping. But there was no damping at all, I assumed due to their age - just big time springy, like flip you off if you hit a pot hole springly.

I went for a ride this afternoon and when I got back I noticed they were 2" shorter! They went from 13" orignally to 11". After an hour or so they expanded back to 13" That's too wierd, so I will have to get something quick. Probably a pair of used originals that are all over ebay for not much money.

gus99

Progressives are nice, but I think 12" is a little short, you could try Omar's for his 12.75"(I think) Redwing NOS. $99 for a pair.

xjwmx

I looked into those. It's a good option, I think.

I have about 400 mi. on the shocks I mentioned above. They seem to be pumped up now, as if maybe some air bled out or something. Their getting shorter and staying that way for awhile - I figured that had to be due to binding, so I put a washer between the grab bar and the eyelet, like there probably should have been anyway. I'm going to see how they feel for awhile. They might be okay now. They might have fixed themselves....

gordo

I have the Monza 13"+ shock's on mine, & the difference is like nite & day.No more dragging the exhaust on the twistie's. Also they came with the rubber bush's.If the shock's are not releasing after riding , they are shot & could be dangerous. They could stick in the fully open or closed position & trouble will begin. The washer should be under the nut, then the shock rubber.Check your swing arm for straightness if the shock's are rubbing on the frame or binding.Simple enough, take it off & eyeball the swing arm on a flat surface,( garage floor, kitchen table, ect.)

xjwmx

By binding, I mean I think what might have happened is the rubber or eyelet itself got caught in slot in the grab bar. I don't know why else it would sink 2" after hard riding and then come back up after an hour. The shock has to rotate a little bit, doesn't just go up and down. I read the Monza Traditional shock is good, too. The original problem with the old ones on it now was there was no damping at all. Damping seems to be present now, for some reason.

gantzcb

Omar 13 3/8" Red Wings. Action feels good, but how do you really know in the livingroom?

gantzcb

Omar 13 3/8" Red Wings. Action feels good, but how do you really know in the livingroom?

JeffM

You'll be pleased with the Redwings, I think.

I have put about 3-4,000 miles in the last two years on set of Redwings from Omar's on a different bike. The damping is good, no more pogos! The springs are nice and long, no bottoming out even set at the second from lightest setting and I am 200 lbs. Used to drag stuff in the corners... no more. Longer shocks will quicken the steering up a bit, good thing I figure.

They have a nice beefy look to them, although are thicker at the bottom and may interfere with your chainguard.

I liked them enough to buy another set for the XS. From Omar's again, good guy... omarsdtr.com

pumps

My old lady would shoot me if I had a bike in the house. Wink

gantzcb

No TV, no couch, hey, why not a bike in the living room?

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