Gl1100 rear shocks

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tedfeast
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Gl1100 rear shocks

#1

Post by tedfeast »

Hello all!
This topic has been on here 1000 times but I can't find the answer I need..
Found some of the answers but not All...
Ok..
Need to rebuild my rear air shocks... bottoms out with me And the old lady on it..
Yes we are fat.
Doesn't matter..
So my question, can I use a heavy weight for oil instead of ATF to fill the shocks to achieve a stiffer ride with less bottoming out, say a 30 weight..I Know I can use fork oil..but I guess what I'm trying to decide is if new seals and a heavier fluid will do the trick without having to buy new/progressive springs...I'd rather not have to build a tool and deal with that..hate to go to all the trouble to rebuild them and still have an issue..
Trying to keep it simple and affordable.
Anyway, that's my question.
Thanks for the help people!!
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Track T 2411
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Re: Gl1100 rear shocks

#2

Post by Track T 2411 »

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Here's a few pics of the jig I made to do mine. The progressive springs made a huge difference. Well worth the investment, IMhO.
As far as heavier weight oil, I've not tried it, so I can't say for sure...
"I have no special talent. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein

"He that is good with a hammer tends to think everything is a nail" - Abraham Maslow

"If you can't take the time to do it right the first time, how are you ever going to find the time to do it over?" -Unknown

Current Rides:
'Grumpy' - '81 Standard, now fully dressed.
'Layla' - '81 Standard w/dealer installed fairing and Hondaline bags.
'Scarlett' '76 'Survivor' nekkid as a j-bird!

Under Construction:
The 'Jalopy' '78-'79 Mash-up
'Quikie' '81 gl1100I back on the lift, project with the step-son!

In The Shed:
'81 gl1100I barn find aka "Josie, the farmer's daughter." (almost comatose build)
'77 gl1000, roller parts bike.
'82 gl1100I, 'Old Crusty' titled roller parts bike (free!)
'82 gl1100I, My first 'Wing, and an expensive lesson!
New2U Bike? Read Me.
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RB
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Re: Gl1100 rear shocks

#3

Post by RB »

heavier weight will slow them down lots of info on front forks oil wt. think it's the same for shocks except if yoiu don't like the feel it's A LOT harder to change
98 1500 SE..
99 1500 SE SOLD
97 SE 1500 SOLD
83 SOLD
82 REBUILT sold!!!
81 DAILY RIDER sold her :(((!
81 REBUILT SOLD!!!
81 REBUILT SOLD!!
80 REBUILT SOLD
79 IN BASKET PARTS FOR SALE
79 CLEANED UP AND SOLD
78 REBUILT SOLD
77 REBUILT SOLD
76 SOLD/PARTIAL REBUILD
76 REBUILT AND SOLD
75 REBUILT SOLD
75 REBUILT SOLD
75 REBUILD SOLD


FAIR WINDS,
RB
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5speed
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Re: Gl1100 rear shocks

#4

Post by 5speed »

this thread is relevant to my issue. my rear shocks on my 82 are leaking air. no fluid. I haven't checked the lines yet but if there is no leak in the lines, does this mean a shock rebuild?
1982 1100 standard. (sold)
1986 Yamaha FJ1200
2000 Yamaha Roadstar
1976 GoldWing. running but not on the road
1978 Goldwing. future cafe project.
2019 Can-Am ryker (boss's new ride)

2002 Shadow American Classic(sold)
1983 Shadow 500. (sold)
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RB
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Re: Gl1100 rear shocks

#5

Post by RB »

yep..
98 1500 SE..
99 1500 SE SOLD
97 SE 1500 SOLD
83 SOLD
82 REBUILT sold!!!
81 DAILY RIDER sold her :(((!
81 REBUILT SOLD!!!
81 REBUILT SOLD!!
80 REBUILT SOLD
79 IN BASKET PARTS FOR SALE
79 CLEANED UP AND SOLD
78 REBUILT SOLD
77 REBUILT SOLD
76 SOLD/PARTIAL REBUILD
76 REBUILT AND SOLD
75 REBUILT SOLD
75 REBUILT SOLD
75 REBUILD SOLD


FAIR WINDS,
RB
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5speed
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Re: Gl1100 rear shocks

#6

Post by 5speed »

RB wrote:yep..
:( eyes the rear shocks on his yet to be finished 76....
1982 1100 standard. (sold)
1986 Yamaha FJ1200
2000 Yamaha Roadstar
1976 GoldWing. running but not on the road
1978 Goldwing. future cafe project.
2019 Can-Am ryker (boss's new ride)

2002 Shadow American Classic(sold)
1983 Shadow 500. (sold)
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Track T 2411
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Re: Gl1100 rear shocks

#7

Post by Track T 2411 »

5speed wrote:
RB wrote:yep..
:( eyes the rear shocks on his yet to be finished 76....
The 76 shocks are eye and clevis, the 1100's are eye and eye... replacing the seals on the 1100 shocks is relatively easy. You don't need the jig unless you are replacing the springs (or the internal bump stop that is ALWAYS decomposed due to the fact that it isn't impervious to the shock oil).
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One of these days I'll get around to posting a how-to on a full 1100 shock rebuild...
"I have no special talent. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein

"He that is good with a hammer tends to think everything is a nail" - Abraham Maslow

"If you can't take the time to do it right the first time, how are you ever going to find the time to do it over?" -Unknown

Current Rides:
'Grumpy' - '81 Standard, now fully dressed.
'Layla' - '81 Standard w/dealer installed fairing and Hondaline bags.
'Scarlett' '76 'Survivor' nekkid as a j-bird!

Under Construction:
The 'Jalopy' '78-'79 Mash-up
'Quikie' '81 gl1100I back on the lift, project with the step-son!

In The Shed:
'81 gl1100I barn find aka "Josie, the farmer's daughter." (almost comatose build)
'77 gl1000, roller parts bike.
'82 gl1100I, 'Old Crusty' titled roller parts bike (free!)
'82 gl1100I, My first 'Wing, and an expensive lesson!
New2U Bike? Read Me.
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5speed
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Re: Gl1100 rear shocks

#8

Post by 5speed »

tks for the info. I have my fingers crossed it is a leak in an air line.
I put 35 psi in them and checked them 3 days later and there was no air pressure at all. But no sign of a fluid leak on either shock.
1982 1100 standard. (sold)
1986 Yamaha FJ1200
2000 Yamaha Roadstar
1976 GoldWing. running but not on the road
1978 Goldwing. future cafe project.
2019 Can-Am ryker (boss's new ride)

2002 Shadow American Classic(sold)
1983 Shadow 500. (sold)
User avatar
Track T 2411
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My Album: http://www.ngwclub.com/gallery/v/wingmans/Track+T+2411/
Location: Prairie du Sac Wisconsin

Re: Gl1100 rear shocks

#9

Post by Track T 2411 »

Sounds like a leak in a line. If a seal were bad, it would almost definitely leak fluid. There are several o-rings in the system as well. I replaced all of them when I did my shocks, no more air leaks...
"I have no special talent. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein

"He that is good with a hammer tends to think everything is a nail" - Abraham Maslow

"If you can't take the time to do it right the first time, how are you ever going to find the time to do it over?" -Unknown

Current Rides:
'Grumpy' - '81 Standard, now fully dressed.
'Layla' - '81 Standard w/dealer installed fairing and Hondaline bags.
'Scarlett' '76 'Survivor' nekkid as a j-bird!

Under Construction:
The 'Jalopy' '78-'79 Mash-up
'Quikie' '81 gl1100I back on the lift, project with the step-son!

In The Shed:
'81 gl1100I barn find aka "Josie, the farmer's daughter." (almost comatose build)
'77 gl1000, roller parts bike.
'82 gl1100I, 'Old Crusty' titled roller parts bike (free!)
'82 gl1100I, My first 'Wing, and an expensive lesson!
New2U Bike? Read Me.
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5speed
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Re: Gl1100 rear shocks

#10

Post by 5speed »

Well..I put 50 psi in the shocks and sprayed soapy water on all the fittings..nothing.
No bubbles, no hissing..
I'm starting to think this bike is possessed.
1982 1100 standard. (sold)
1986 Yamaha FJ1200
2000 Yamaha Roadstar
1976 GoldWing. running but not on the road
1978 Goldwing. future cafe project.
2019 Can-Am ryker (boss's new ride)

2002 Shadow American Classic(sold)
1983 Shadow 500. (sold)
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WingnutGL
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Re: Gl1100 rear shocks

#11

Post by WingnutGL »

Hey Tedfeast. :-)

Been down this road and know exactly where you're coming from.

Got my '82 a few years ago: Windjammer on the front and Bates top box and side panniers at the rear.
Rear bottomed out first time I sat on the bike. I'm 220-230 lb.
Pumped rear shocks to 57psi. Felt better .... until on the road.
Didn't take much to bottom out quite hard. Hmmmm.

Fitted the Progressive upgrade springs as well as renewing seals.
Only marginal improvement.
Very dismayed at only 3 1/2" travel.
Also ... I scraped pegs, stands thru corners as rear was so low. Grrr.

OK. Need longer rear shocks for more cornering clearance.
Found some Progressive 14.5" Air Adjustables.
Got more cornering clearance, but also a hard ride solo; much better with passenger.
Running 0 psi pressure.

Turns out these were for the 1500: about 150lbs heavier than my Standard 1100.

Tedfeast - from what you've said, I think a set of these might be the most effective and simplest way to go.

As bought '82 Standard.
Image

More nekkid, with 14.5" rear shocks. And does it corner ... muahhh harr harrr ...
Image


Cheers.
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ericheath
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Re: Gl1100 rear shocks

#12

Post by ericheath »

I have seals to rebuild my 1100 shocks and new Progressive springs. With the seals gone on one side the bike would develop a weave at higher speeds. Procrastinating the task I put on 1500 shocks I had. One is a traditional coil-over shock, the other is a large canister with just air. It rides surprisingly well. Seems to be easier on my back.

However at around 80+ mph it develops a weave still randomly. Not always. I wondering if the car tire is some of it, (but it did it with the 160 Avon on it too) and that hitting some long grooves starts it.

I question having unmatched shocks in the back. You’d think the swingarm would cancel them out, but I wonder if the swingarm is flexing some. I guess I have to make a jig.
Whatever I suggest here should be given ample time for a moderator to delicately correct. I apologize in advance.
77 WING, 1200 engine with 77 heads, cams, gl1100 foot pegs, Magna V65 front end, 764A carbs, [-gone Suzuki M109 monoshock--, replaced with gl1100 shocks] gl 1200 swing arm, gl1500 final drive, wheel and rear brakes Valkyrie seat, Meanstreak tank, Sportster pipes, Power Arc ignition off crank.
77 Wing. black
83 Wing, in pieces
"Continuing education is important even if the subject matter is fairly useless (as in this case)."---Greg Foresi
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5speed
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Re: Gl1100 rear shocks

#13

Post by 5speed »

ericheath wrote:I have seals to rebuild my 1100 shocks and new Progressive springs. With the seals gone on one side the bike would develop a weave at higher speeds. Procrastinating the task I put on 1500 shocks I had. One is a traditional coil-over shock, the other is a large canister with just air. It rides surprisingly well. Seems to be easier on my back.

However at around 80+ mph it develops a weave still randomly. Not always. I wondering if the car tire is some of it, (but it did it with the 160 Avon on it too) and that hitting some long grooves starts it.

I question having unmatched shocks in the back. You’d think the swingarm would cancel them out, but I wonder if the swingarm is flexing some. I guess I have to make a jig.
I would think the different shocks (spring rate, damping, etc) would definitely cause issues..
but I have a hard time staying on my bike..what do I know. :mrgreen:
1982 1100 standard. (sold)
1986 Yamaha FJ1200
2000 Yamaha Roadstar
1976 GoldWing. running but not on the road
1978 Goldwing. future cafe project.
2019 Can-Am ryker (boss's new ride)

2002 Shadow American Classic(sold)
1983 Shadow 500. (sold)
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ericheath
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Re: Gl1100 rear shocks

#14

Post by ericheath »

These are what came off a 2000, gl1500.
Whatever I suggest here should be given ample time for a moderator to delicately correct. I apologize in advance.
77 WING, 1200 engine with 77 heads, cams, gl1100 foot pegs, Magna V65 front end, 764A carbs, [-gone Suzuki M109 monoshock--, replaced with gl1100 shocks] gl 1200 swing arm, gl1500 final drive, wheel and rear brakes Valkyrie seat, Meanstreak tank, Sportster pipes, Power Arc ignition off crank.
77 Wing. black
83 Wing, in pieces
"Continuing education is important even if the subject matter is fairly useless (as in this case)."---Greg Foresi
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5speed
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Re: Gl1100 rear shocks

#15

Post by 5speed »

ericheath wrote:These are what came off a 2000, gl1500.
they came with an air shock one one side, coil over on the other or am I confused? :mrgreen:
1982 1100 standard. (sold)
1986 Yamaha FJ1200
2000 Yamaha Roadstar
1976 GoldWing. running but not on the road
1978 Goldwing. future cafe project.
2019 Can-Am ryker (boss's new ride)

2002 Shadow American Classic(sold)
1983 Shadow 500. (sold)
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