VTX shocks for 3rd Gen

[PatsMag]

I have heard that VTX shocks will lower a 3rd gen magna by 1 inch. What size VTX and will they work if I have the Cobra lowering kit?
Thanks
Patrick

[BA]

I've got the 1300C shocks on mine, and it does lower it close to 1 inch at the rear.  Don't know if they work with the lowering kit.

[PatsMag]

Thanks BA

[Greg Cothern]

I have a set of VTX shocks on my Project 96, not sure if it lowered it 3/4" or 1" but in that range.  I like the stance, feels very good for me.

[Sledge Hammer]

I am very glad you all have been having this little discussion I had been toying with putting the 1300C shocks on mine but did not know about them lowering the rear ride height on the VF750Cs. I do not want my bike to sit lower than it already does in stock trim.

[paddling_man]

When replacing the shocks with the VTX does this include the coil over springs or shock only? Thanks

[BA]

The springs on the VTX shocks are hidden under the chrome cover.  You do need to switch the bushings from the stock Magna shocks to the VTX shocks to get them to fit.

[drkngas]

I love the look but don't want to be lower.  Is there an equivalent shock that looks like the VTX shock but is the same height as the stock Magna's?

[Solafide]

I love the look but don't want to be lower.  Is there an equivalent shock that looks like the VTX shock but is the same height as the stock Magna's?

A set from a Honda Shadow should work fine.     

I had the vtx shocks for a while, but my wife found the ride on back a little to harsh, so I switched to the shadow shocks and they seem just right.

[TLRam1]

Are the Shadow Shocks stiffer?

[Lurkin]

Well, I was about to spout off some "alleged" knowledge, but then I checked the facts....  I had thought that the 1800s were at 13", and the 1300s were 12"

Stock shock lengths according to Progressive:
   o Magna - 12.5"
   o 1800 - 12.25"
   o 1300 - 12.12"

As you can see, the length differences are negligible for the 1800s and close to negligible, for most riders, for the 1300s.  Do note that the 1800/1300 shocks actual ride height with rider may be closer to a stock Magna due to the stiffer springs.  I have not measured this myself, but I did not notice a ride height difference between these 3 sets of shocks.

BTW Greg, I sold you a set of 1800 shocks, and I moved to a set of 1300s.  The 1800s were too harsh for me on rough pavement.  The 1300s are better, but still a bit harsh.

Rod...

[Solafide]

Are the Shadow Shocks stiffer?

Yes, but not too stiff - IMHO they are just about right.  I like the feel of the bike in the corners better then I did with the stock ones.

BTW Greg, I sold you a set of 1800 shocks, and I moved to a set of 1300s.  The 1800s were too harsh for me on rough pavement.  The 1300s are better, but still a bit harsh.

Hay, You have a good memory!  I actually didn't mind the stiff ride - but my wife would feel like she was going to get bucked off on the bigger bumps.  A friend of mine has the 1800 shocks on his Super Magna now.  He's a fair bit bigger then I am - and he was bottoming out often on his old shocks so the 1800's were a big improvement for his ride.

[drkngas]

  The 1800s were too harsh for me on rough pavement.  The 1300s are better, but still a bit harsh.

I know the VTX's are heavier bikes.  I was considering going with the Progressives Heavy Duty Shocks but haven't yet because of price. I wonder if VTX shocks would be comparable?

Are the VTX shocks adjustable?


Warning - while you were typing a new reply has been posted. You may wish to review your post. - yeah- whatever.

[hootmon]

The 1100 Sabre shocks look similar to the VTX shocks.. If they can be used, they may not be as harsh (Lighter bike), but have the same look...

[Lurkin]

I agree on the costs.  Which is why I don't have Progressives on the back.

Over on MRF, one of the guys did a review on all these shocks (can't find the post since it's over 3 months back though).  As I recall the order was stock, 1800 (due to road riding harshness), 1300, 412, 440, 418.  Note that this was his own personal review.  He was more of a sporty rider but tried to cover the road riding aspects also.

IMHO, VTX shocks are not highly comparable to the Progressives,,, from what I've researched that is (as in no practical experience).  The stockers and 18/1300 shocks suffer from insufficient rebound and dampening control for the most part.  The 18/1300 are stiffer then the stockers when installed on the Magna though, so this helps handling as the stockers are a bit soft and washy.  The 18/1300 only have a pre-load adjustment, just like the stockers.

The 18/1300 do look better though.

BTW, the Greg I referred to on the 1800 shock sale was our illustrious Mr. Cothern.

Rod...