shock coils

[mack]

Cruzin thru the web looking at different parts sources and prices, I stumble onto a pair of crome coils on cheep bike parts.com says they're 150/150 ratio and fit the series 12 magnum shocks. Since I have no idea what any of that means I ask you. Will these coils fit my stock shocks?

[TopCatGr58]

Hey Mack,

Would have helped to post the link to the site for the springs?

However, aside from the springs rusting on our old shocks is the other problem, the actual SHOCK absorbing function. They don't last forever, and are probably worn out or close to it on your old shocks. Might be better/easier and just as cheap to get some aftermarket shocks/springs combo and replace the whole set.

My OEM shocks on my 81 had very poor dampening affect even when they were new, and it felt like a bucking bronco even on max setting. When I put on some el cheapo shocks, they worked 300% better than the OEMS ever did! JAT?
T.C.

[mack]

replacement shocks

I've looked through the links but could only find black ones. I want to keep the chrome look. As for the function of the shocks, you guys are the pro's so correct me if I'm wrong. The coil controls the sudden vertical movement of the swing arm and the piston only provides a controlled return to the original starting position. The dial with numbers on it controls the speed of the return?

Is there any replacement shocks that have the same configuration as the manual says that the spring/ damper and fork pressure must be co-ordinated for proper safe handling?

[crazy steve]

...so correct me if I'm wrong. The coil controls the sudden vertical movement of the swing arm and the piston only provides a controlled return to the original starting position. The dial with numbers on it controls the speed of the return?....

The actual shock (piston) provides damping in both compression and rebound, so no, it's not the spring that wholly controls vertical movement. The OEM compression damping isn't as stiff as the rebound as you have the resistance of the spring working for you. As the shocks wear, the compression damping is what'll most noticeably go away first.

As to how the 'Special' shocks work, I have a Standard so I can't address that, but the manual is unclear, simply noting that you have 'damping adjustment' which could be both types. It may be possible to compensate for wear by changing the adjustment. Removing the spring and playing around with the adjustment will quickly tell you how that works unless the shocks are completely worn out. If you have any leaks around the piston shafts, the shocks are toast.

All 'chrome' aftermarket shocks are available, but you're generally looking at the higher-end units (big $$$). You won't find any that have the indentical 'adjustments' as the factory units, but there are some that are adjustable but again are big $$$.

'78E original owner

[DGXSER]

On my special the lower adjustment sets the preload of the spring. the upper adjustment works on the cylinder. My guess is there is a movable plate in the cylinder and that adjust its height to change the amount of compression from the same force. Kind of like milling the block on your engine to increase compression.

[bikerphil]

None of the factory shocks have any useable compression damping. Both the Standards and Specials have rebound damping, although the Special's rebound damping is adjustable. Aftermarket shocks will have both compression and rebound damping, a much better handling ride, IMHO.

[mack]

Links

Ok so big bucks or not, I want the chrome ones. I know it sounds anal but I'm going to restore this big dude to as close to original as I can make it. If anyone has a link to these I'd appreciate it. As an another thought, is anyone still running air in their forks or has everyone switched to the spring in lieu.?

[crazy steve]

Ok so big bucks or not, I want the chrome ones. ....If anyone has a link to these I'd appreciate it.

Go to the Progressive Suspension site www.progressivesuspension.com , click 'metric', then select your bike. There's several choices, but none are cheap....

'78E original owner

[xs11bobber]

Wouldn't those of the proper length from Mikes XS work as well? Maybe try searching around in those a bit. Looks like a combo of chrome and black. I know I've seen all chrome with a side mount reflector somewhere, but now that I'm looking for it you think i can find it. Good luck with the search and restore