[Fastymz]

I took my wife for a ride we put about 100 miles on the bike. It's running better all the time but still lacks low rpm power from a stop. I have to rev it to about 2k or more to get it going?
But my real question is the rear shocks on my bike arent strong enough for the two of us. And the air lines are cracked so I cant get air in them to see if they hold air. The bike looked like a low rider and would scrap around turns very easiely. The ride was comfortable but I need to turn at higher lean angles too.
I was looking at the progressive 412 hd units are these good shocks for heavy loads, comfort and handling. The bike will mostly be used for two up touring. But living in the mountians I need good handling and no scraping.

 

[FitzAl]

The 412s are much stiffer than the OEM shocks. You should find a big difference in handling.

 

[Big Cahuna]

I would think if the air lines are cracked that would be your problem. Replace them then pump up the shocks. I used to run arond 50 pounds in them and they wouldn't bottom out or scrape. I go about 325 lbs, so if that worked for me unless your shocks are totally shot, your good to go. Alot cheaper repair then new shocks.,,

 

[Fastymz]

The bikes compressor is bad too, just worried even if I get the shocks to hold air. Will they be enough to support my wife and I and allow the bike to handle to its ablility. I planned on trying a valve for the rear shocks and pumping them all the way up first.

 

[neoracer]

air shocks

air lines and the distribution block will allow you to use a small hand motorcycle air pump for shocks
i use this system instead of using air compressor on both my sei and aspy

 

[Fastymz]

Where did can I get an air valve for the rear shocks? I have looked at local hardware stores and part houses? Thanks. I did rig up a way to fill the shocks and they raise the bike a lot once they have air.

 

[Big Cahuna]

Try a auto parts store. See if the have replacement valve for those portable air tanks.,,

 

[Fastymz]

THANK YOU
My wife thanks you for the help. I found an air tank valve that I was able to fit to filler hose. The rear shocks have held 55psi after being rode for the last two days. What a big difference in handling and ride height.
Now with two bigger people on the bike what psi do you recomend keeping the rear shocks at?

 

[Fastymz]

I've had the bike out many times since my last post. Now I know it's not a sports bike but it still scrapes the pipes more then I think it should. Yes I do like to corner and the bike is riden two up almost 100% of the time. I have to slow way down in order to make a 90 degree corner when going around the block. I'm used to slowing down to a moderate speed but not slower then most cars would take it? If not it'll almost always scrape. I have the air shocks at 55psi and the rear tire at 42 psi. The ride is comfortable on the highway but around turns its no fun at all. Now like I said my wife are bigger people. So I talked again to a rep from progressive shocks he asures me that their 412 heavy duty is the way to go. It wont bottom out ever and stop the dragging and also handle better. For me $200 is a lot to put out, but I dont feel safe as it is. Open to opinions please

 

[JerryH]

The shocks on my '85 were complete toast. The lower part was rusted and pitted, so there is no way they would hold air. The on board air compressor system was also toast. I tries some cheap eBay non air shocks, they worked ok with just me on it, but the bike still sat to low, and was almost straight up on the sidestand. With my 130 pound daughter on the back, the rear fender rubbed on the tire. I removed those things and threw them in the trash, and put Progressive 416s on it. I got them from denniskirk.com for $299. Wow, what a difference. I put about 50 psi in them with a small Walmart compressor, the bike rides great, carries my daughter and me fine, and sits a lot higher, so much higher that it now seems to lean over too far on the sidestand. These shocks come with their own air lines, block, and valve, and do not require any part of the old stock system.

 

[Fastymz]

Oddly progressive rep keeps telling me that the HD 412 are the best choice

 

[JerryH]

Everyone on here recommended the 416s, so that's what I got, and am happy with them. Are the 412s a newer model? What is the difference between the two.

 

[Fastymz]

The 412hd shocks are gas filled shocks with a heavy coil spring on the outside of it. They are not air shocks,the 412 is said to give the bike a little more height in the rear and better handling but a little harser ride for one up riding. The shocks have a 5 way adjuster to set a firmer rate for two up riding. I just cant afford to be wrong

 

[Ken Bergen]

The 412hd shocks are gas filled shocks with a heavy coil spring on the outside of it. They are not air shocks,the 412 is said to give the bike a little more height in the rear and better handling but a little harser ride for one up riding. The shocks have a 5 way adjuster to set a firmer rate for two up riding. I just cant afford to be wrong

The 412's look like a good choice if you ride with the same weight every time.

However it looks like the saddle bags would have to be removed when/if you want to adjust the preload.

Just another thing to consider and I could be wrong on needing to remove the bags.

 

[Fastymz]

Well I found them on Denis Kirk for $204 with free shipping. Once I get them installed and I'll review them for you all. Thanks for the help