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Rear Shocks Bottoming Out
Hello again all!

When me and the wife ride 2-up I have noticed that the back tire bottoms out real easy. Neither of us are real big, I'm 195 and she is 140. I had the rear shock seals replaced last fall, but the issue was occuring before then.

I know someone on the board had this issue, but I can't locate their post to see if they had a sollution and what it was. I am running stock shocks in the back and while I'm not totally against progressive shocks, I would rather try to keep the old Wing as original as I can.

On a very related note, what is the max air pressure we can run in the back? I did add air to the back but was afraid of blowing out my new seals Smile

Thanks in Advance!

Jack
'86 Apencade SEi
Reply
#1 01-27-2012, 08:41 PM,
The owners manual shows under normal conditions:
Front - 0 to 6 psi
Rear - 28 to 57 psi

You can rebuild the shocks by replacing the springs with Progressive springs. Look at this link about the rebuild.
<!-- 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 -->

I had the same problem and bought a used pair of shocks that I drained and refilled with some ATF. (Keep in mind, the fluid only acts as a dampener, the springs handle the load issues.) It helped for now until I can get around to rebuilding the original shocks I pulled off my wing. The worst part of it is having to remove all the bags from the rear of the bike to get to the shocks. Progressive shocks will run about $300-$400, rebuilding them will cost you a fraction of that.
Paul
CE1 Navy Seabees/RET
1981 to 2002
ASE Mechanic
Reply
#2 01-27-2012, 09:03 PM,
what shock pressure are you running in the back and are you adjusting pressure while its on the c/s,
on the sei the max suggested is about 85-90,forget what normal is,i run approx anywheres from 30-35 single and about 40-50 packed for a trip,just bepends on the type of roads and speeds,but then again i've rebuilt mine using progressive springs
just so you know,aspy shocks can be substituted for the ones on the sei/ltd's
1987 Aspencade 129K
1986 SEI 93K
2014 Tri-Glide HD 17K

Hancock,MD
Reply
#3 01-27-2012, 10:53 PM,
Hey Jack... The stock shocks on my LTD were smoked when I got it. Switched them out to the Progressives. A little pricey, but well worth it! Before the shock change I was running 90-95 psi all the time and the bike still wallowed bad in high speed sweepers. Also handled like a truck. After the change, 70psi for general riding and 90psi for riding with the ST group. World of difference in handing! My weight and riding style justified it. YMMV.... :d
Adam
'96 ST1100
Brewerton, NY
Reply
#4 01-28-2012, 03:54 AM,
Neo,

I usually run around 65-70 psi and these numbers come from the bike on the kick stand, not the center stand. I'll put in on center and see what it reads. I'm thinking it will read lower on the center stand vs on the kick stand?

I will probably bite the bullet and go with progressives. Just gotta find the right deal on ebay or the like!

Thanks everyone for the info.

Jack
'86 Apencade SEi
Reply
#5 01-28-2012, 02:30 PM,
Well if I am not mistaken Neo rebuilds the stock shocks and uses Progressive springs at a better price then you will find anywhere else
[Image: VisitedStatesMap.jpg]
Reply
#6 01-28-2012, 04:48 PM,
+1 on rebuild. About $65+ for spring kit, $60+ for seals. $400+ for new shocks.
<!-- 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 -->
Paul
CE1 Navy Seabees/RET
1981 to 2002
ASE Mechanic
Reply
#7 01-28-2012, 05:56 PM,
yep but price out all the other parts required and see what you end up with,and thats just for an all out upgrade/rebuild
1987 Aspencade 129K
1986 SEI 93K
2014 Tri-Glide HD 17K

Hancock,MD
Reply
#8 01-28-2012, 05:58 PM,
Complete Progressive shock/spring replacement cured my bottoming out problem.
Ed (Vic) Belanger - 1954-2015
Founder of gl1200goldwings.com

Reply
#9 01-28-2012, 06:37 PM,
it did on my aspy too but the total rebuild/upgrade on my sei shocks cured the possible hole in my wallet six months later too with same results
:d :d
1987 Aspencade 129K
1986 SEI 93K
2014 Tri-Glide HD 17K

Hancock,MD
Reply
#10 01-28-2012, 06:42 PM,
Cost me about $325. total with tax and shipping included for the pair of Progressives and that included new shocks, springs, valves, seals, bushings, boots, chrome and oil as well as new air fittings with o-rings. I would have rebuilt my old shocks but since I could not get inside to inspect the valves and other internal components I figured that it was best for me to just get some new replacements and be done with it. Since they made such a tremendous difference over the old stock shocks I feel that it was money very well spent.
Ed (Vic) Belanger - 1954-2015
Founder of gl1200goldwings.com

Reply
#11 01-28-2012, 06:56 PM,
I am replacing my rear shocks as well in the next few weeks. I figured that a rebuild would save me around $100 at best compared to price of new shocks. Add in my trial and error factor and any foreseen circumstances along the way, for me I see best to just go new.....but again that's for me....

Add in as well the rest of my projects for my bike, my wife's bike, and the winter so far has been so warm I feel like I am missing the riding season, I would like to have the bikes out ASAP :YMPRAY:
Mike                  
'84 Aspencade                                      
*Poorboy Conversion                              
* Bed-liner Black                                    

North Jersey Motorcycle Group
Reply
#12 01-29-2012, 01:36 AM,
I installed the Progressive's last year. Also did the front Progressive springs. Huge difference. Shock technology has come real far since Honda built our bikes. Progressive is by far the best. Lifetime warranty. I think a GL1200 with Progressives increases the bikes value.
[Image: VisitedProvincesMap.jpg]
[Image: VisitedStatesMap_zps8229ee64.jpg]
Reply
#13 01-29-2012, 09:33 PM,
admin Wrote:Complete Progressive shock/spring replacement cured my bottoming out problem.

Same for our bike.


Reply
#14 02-02-2012, 06:27 AM,


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