[atd661]

hello, just joined site. bought my first goldwing 1986 gl1200a this year. i am a very big guy . 6' 3" 400lbs. looking to get best rear susp. read some about progressive springs and new air shocks and dampers. would like to stop bottoming out. will take any suggestions. thanks

 

[bwssr]

I had the same bike. I weigh about 250 and with my my wife on the back we were well over 400 We bottomed out too but wasn't to bad. There is a 1200 site just for you model. He is on this site too. I am sure he will see your question soon. His name is Vic. http://www.gl1200goldwings.com/gl1200/index.php Good luck

 

[atd661]

thank you

 

[seagullplayer]

I belong to both sites myself, those guys helped me just yesterday!

My wife and I overload our 1984 Interstate, and I had a lot of trouble bottoming out last year.

My air shocks where down to nothing, I pumped them up to 55+ lbs and we road it last night, there was a world of difference. Now it is just seeing if they will hold air for any length of time...

If they turn out needing replaced, I will go back with something other than air shocks myself.

I am just 6'1" and I wish for more leg room...

But we love ours! Good luck

 

[Fastymz]

I just installed the progressive 412hd shocks they are gas filled coil over shock. Amazing difference from old air shocks. My wife and are heaver people. These shocks made the bike taller and lot more fun to ride. Handle 100% better no bottoming out ever.

 

[atd661]

I belong to both sites myself, those guys helped me just yesterday!

My wife and I overload our 1984 Interstate, and I had a lot of trouble bottoming out last year.

My air shocks where down to nothing, I pumped them up to 55+ lbs and we road it last night, there was a world of difference. Now it is just seeing if they will hold air for any length of time...

If they turn out needing replaced, I will go back with something other than air shocks myself.

I am just 6'1" and I wish for more leg room...

But we love ours! Good luck

i too need more leg room. i have the heel toe shifter and it seems too far back to me.. i moved my seat back as far as possible, but still not comfortable so i am going to attempt to make a shifter for foward control. seems like it will be easy enough.

 

[JerryH]

I recommend the Progressive 416s. I weigh 230, my daughter weighs 140, together we were bottoming out the stock suspension with every bump. (the stock rear shocks were badly rusted, and would not hold air) After putting the 416s on, and putting 50 psi in them, the bike sat about 2" higher, and hasn't bottomed out since. And the ride is still pretty good.

 

[atd661]

with the 416 do you hook them up to the air ride on the bike or do you air them up with a compressor?

 

[JerryH]

with the 416 do you hook them up to the air ride on the bike or do you air them up with a compressor?

I use a cheap Walmart compressor/tire inflator. The on board compressor, switches, and hoses were all bad when I got the bike. They come with their own air lines and connecting block, so you air them both up at once. I believe there may be an adaptor that allows them to be connected to the bikes compressor.