VTX Shocks 88 Magna

seratt · April 03, 2011, 04:35:41 PM

Will the VTX shocks fit onto an 88 Magna, or will I need to save up for progressives?

roboto65 · April 03, 2011, 05:01:16 PM

Well they fit on a 3rd gen not sure about the Super.

seratt · April 03, 2011, 07:08:04 PM

Yea. A buddy and I are gonna go by a junk yard sometime this week, was trying to find out for sure before I went.

He's gonna fab up a new bar for me. Just lookin for some forward controls and new shocks. Maybe a backrest for my wife also.

seratt · April 04, 2011, 08:32:30 AM

Found this.

Quote
Shock Parts #'s and Dimensions:

VTX 1300 - MEA-671, 12 1/8" center to center (all models), 642 lbs.

VTX 1800 C - MCH-003, 12 1/2" center to center, 705 lbs.

VTX 1800 R - ???-671, 12 1/2" center to center, 718 lbs.

Valk Standard - MZO-A41 and MZO-003, 13" center to center, 680 lbs.

Valk Interstate - MBY-671, 13" center to center, 710 lbs.

Stock Super - MNO-003, 13 3/4" center to center, 510 lbs.

I made a copy of this post from 4/11/'08. I think Hulio posted this info but if not, I'm sorry for not knowing who to credit.

All weights are assumed to be dry weight and measurments are with the respective shock's somewhat homely stock tops. The swapping of the Super tops will add aprox. 1/2" and look far better. Anyone swapping tops needs to ask how, to learn the few tricks that will save a ton of grief.

I know you like to run hard and in my experience, even a little lowering of the rear will shift enough weight and change the geometry enough to alter turn-in-bite in a negative way. Most don't mind it but it always bothered me and for a hard rider it is noticable.

The Valk Standards with Super tops are the best riding of the lot that are close to stock height when using the Super tops. I learned to deal with 1800's but my kidneys hate the sudden unseen bumps. Many like the "slammed" look and for them the 1300's are the softest riding.

If price is not a problem, the Progressives in nearest to stock length with the proper spring weights would be great. Otherwise these are a big bargain and all would be an improvement to stock shocks with sacked springs. (Just supporting the bikes weight for 25 years will trash the springs regardless of mileage...and they were too soft to start out.

Hope this helps.

Here http://forums.delphiforums.com/super_magna/messages/?start=Start+Reading+%3E%3E

Looks like it shouldn't be a problem. There's a pair of vtx1300 shocks on ebay right now, 8k miles, for 60 bucks. Not sure if I can get a better deal at a junk yard or not.

seratt · April 04, 2011, 08:34:53 AM

Thoughts? http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Honda-Valkyrie-GL1500-REAR-SHOCK-SHOCKS-/190515561681?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item2c5b9cc4d1#ht_4604wt_942

I may have to buy that. Off a Valk Standard with 7k miles.

edit: Scratch that, didn't notice that huge ding in them at first. Not to mention the seller took apart a perfectly good bike to part out. Why does that tick me off?

ToolBoxPop · April 04, 2011, 10:15:06 AM

I've always hated that. When you read, "Perfect running bike before disassembly" Someone could have enjoyed the bike

lragan · April 04, 2011, 02:32:05 PM

Quote from: ToolBoxPop on April 04, 2011, 10:15:06 AM
I've always hated that. When you read, "Perfect running bike before disassembly" Someone could have enjoyed the bike

Perhaps he knows something we don't. The bike may be worth more as parts than as a running vehicle. The price of used bikes has taken a real beating in the past two years, it appears to me.

seratt · April 16, 2011, 05:05:26 PM

I ordered some VTX 1300 shocks with around 1500 miles on them. Kinda worried about the 1.5" drop I'll have in the back. I'll just see how it feels once I get them on.

Anyone have any experience replacing the forks on an 88 magna? Is this guide about the same for the super? http://www.magnaownersoftexas.com/tips.htm#A1.13

seratt · April 18, 2011, 08:36:34 PM

Quote from: seratt on April 16, 2011, 05:05:26 PM
I ordered some VTX 1300 shocks with around 1500 miles on them. Kinda worried about the 1.5" drop I'll have in the back. I'll just see how it feels once I get them on.

Got the shocks on tonight, they feel really good. Much better then stock for sure. The drop is pretty significant, but I'm far from bottoming out and I really like the look. The only problem I ran into were the vtx tops. After looking around for solutions on super magna forums, I decided to just chop part of the chrome cover that is right above the shock. I'm pretty sure I'm not the first to do this. It's not perfect atm, but gonna mess with it some more later. I'll post some pics up as soon as I have some light to play with.