Following up on a post started here. (http://www.magnaownersoftexas.com/forums/index.php/topic,5730.0.html) I'm looking to put new shocks on the back on my VF750. The dampers are shot in the ones on there now, and as I need something much stiffer, now is the time to get it done. I've priced OEM shocks for the Magna $350 per shock :shock:, VTX1800 shocks $332 per shock. :shock: or 412 progressives, $299 per pair. :).
Seems like a no brainer to me. Looking for any warnings or comments before I pull the trigger.
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(http://www.guywheatley.com/photos/V%20TX1800shocks.jpg)
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(http://www.guywheatley.com/photos/VF750-R-Shock.jpg)
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(http://www.guywheatley.com/photos/Progressive_shocks.jpg)
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Quote from: guywheatley on July 30, 2013, 01:41:58 PM
I've priced OEM shocks for the Magna $350 per shock :shock:, VTX1800 shocks $332 per shock. :shock:
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I think I see why they call them "shocks" -- you pass out at the price!!
Quote from: lragan on July 30, 2013, 01:59:12 PM
I think I see why they call them "shocks" -- you pass out at the price!!
LOL. It certainly was a "shock" to me.
I've been using the VTX1300C shocks on my Magna's. I just picked up a slightly used pair for my recent purchase off the VTXOA site for $60 shipped to me. I've paid up to $100 in the past.
As mentioned above, you have to find a good used set for the VTX shocks to be a cost effective solution. Even then though, from what I've researched the Progressives are a better riding shock. Price comparison though should be $80 +/- 20 for VTX shocks vs. the $300 for the Progressives. Personally I cheaped out and went the "better then OEM VTXs". But if I spent alot of time on long road trips on non-prestine pavement, I would seriuosly reconsider that decision.
I cheaped out and went with the vtx 1300 shocks. Got them off of fleabay for ~$80 for the pair which looked almost brand new. While they definitely ride better than stock, I still feel they are a little stiff. Here in central Illinois we have some crappy highways that have a lot of buckling and potholes. When I hit these (sometimes unavoidable), I still feel like the rear tire loses complete contact with the road more often than not even though I have the shocks on the loosest setting. I'm 6'3" and 235lbs just for reference.
I went ahead and ordered the 412 Progressives. Maybe I can get them on next weekend.
This is what Maggie felt like.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j-i2_g33wXQ (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j-i2_g33wXQ)
They came in today. Hope to get them on this weekend.
(http://www.guywheatley.com/photos/412s.jpg)
Let us know how you like them!!!
Don't know how they ride, but they sure are pretty. :cool:
Yummy.
Nice. They're what I'd be riding on if I wasn't such a CAMF (cheap azz mo-fo) :-P
Put 412's on my '96 ~ 2 yrs. ago. Better than stock, but not stiff enough for me.
Brad Badgett
MOOT #164
OK Region
1996 VF750C
How did you choose WHICH Progressive shocks to get for the back end? Looks like they have a few choices. (Or I'm reading it wrong.)
I also need to replace my front end springs with Progressives, but they only have ONE model (11-1126) for the 3rd Gen Magna. Is this my only choice? Nothing better? I'm 6'3", 235 lbs.
Quote from: Jmosmith on August 09, 2013, 07:52:23 PM
How did you choose WHICH Progressive shocks to get for the back end? Looks like they have a few choices. (Or I'm reading it wrong.)
I also need to replace my front end springs with Progressives, but they only have ONE model (11-1126) for the 3rd Gen Magna. Is this my only choice? Nothing better? I'm 6'3", 235 lbs.
I'm not sure what you mean by "better"...
I'm 6'1.5" and 215 lbs..
You adjust the stiffness of the front by increasing or decreasing the amount or spacer you place above the spring, or by going with higher viscosity fork oil...
The difference is subtle, but well worth it.. (in the front at least).. I still have stock shocks in the back.. I rarely go two up..
Quote from: Jmosmith on August 09, 2013, 07:52:23 PM
How did you choose WHICH Progressive shocks to get for the back end? Looks like they have a few choices. (Or I'm reading it wrong.)
I also need to replace my front end springs with Progressives, but they only have ONE model (11-1126) for the 3rd Gen Magna. Is this my only choice? Nothing better? I'm 6'3", 235 lbs.
Yes you probably have the Standard replacement rear shocks and the Heavy Duty model.
I finally got the new shocks on a went for a ride yesterday. The difference is mind blowing. I could gush for hours about how great they are, but truth be told my old ones were so bad I'd probably be impressed with simply marginal shocks. I've had a slight shimmy in the front wheel for a couple of years. I noticed that it got better or worse depending on whether or not I had a tank bag on the rack and by how much weight I had in it. I even put progressive springs in the front forks a while back hoping that would help. But the rear shocks were so bad, I really couldn't tell a difference.
With the new rear shocks, the shimmy is gone. The bike handles way better. Looking back, I wonder why it took me so long to realize how bad a problem I had.
Maggie is fun to ride again.
412 Progressives. I recommend them.
Thanks for the report, Guy.
Who did you order them from? I know mine are bad too and I've been thinking of replacing them.
Quote from: outlaw on August 18, 2013, 10:57:37 PM
Who did you order them from? I know mine are bad too and I've been thinking of replacing them.
I got them at a local cycle shop. (Cycle Zone in Texarkana) (http://www.cyclezonetxk.com/) But I'm pretty sure he just ordered them from J&P cycles.
http://www.jpcycles.com/product/701-834 (http://www.jpcycles.com/product/701-834)