air shocks for 78 GL1000

[Jonesz]

Thinking of biting the bullet and investing in some air shocks for my bike. Also am interested in something like/similar to JBS nitrogen cell shocks as sold on Ebay. I know that there have been discussions in the past but can't seem to find the topics. Anybody done the conversion lately and what are your thoughts pro or con. Seems to me one of the members on here from Eastern Canada had a supplier contact? WIll also scroll down and read suggested posts at bottom of this post. Love my 78 but would like to take some of the harshness away to help my poor old lower back.

[Whiskerfish]

Sorry don't know about air shocks for it but I have used a couple sets of Hagons now and been very happy with them. The dealer I used I believe is out of business now but they should ask for your weight and single or double up and riding style to setup the correct spring rate for you. I have been very pleased with them. First pair lasted well over 100,000 miles.

[redglbx]

All I can add is to avoid YSS brand as they are very poor quality. I bought a set for my 76 of their better one’s and the dampening was gone within 500mi, pure pogo stick control, but they looked nice. I installed a set of old 78’s that were way better.

I plan to buy a set of Hagon’s if my back gets fixed and I can ride again, but for now it’s just a thought.

[Jonesz]

Thanx Whisker and redglbx. Couldn't recall the name Hagon and it seems to me that maybe 5speed had some info on a Hagon dealer in Canada? I was busy yest aft and this AM but later today will check out the Similar topics that popped up. Appreciate the info so far.

[redglbx]

A good set of shocks/dampers is one of the very best upgrades you can do to your bike ! They don’t need to be hard riding like the progressive shocks are but a good set of compliant & well controlled will just make your bike way better to ride. I had/have a set of older Koni’s (now Ikon) that I rebuilt many years ago that were just great on the bike, but unfortunately Ikon no longer supports them, preferring to sell new so I ended up with the YSS shocks that were pretty to look at but just shite in function with a complete loss of dampening control within 500mi. I did call them but their Tech/warranty people were no help.

So stick with the quality brands, they’ll cost you more initially but be worth it in the long run. Personally I may just stick with the 2 stage 78’s that are on there now due to my back problems, they aren’t great but riding time is very limited if at all.

[Jonesz]

Yes redglbx the bike currently has progressive shocks on it. They were on the bike when I purchased it and may have suited the bike when it had fairing, bags etc. and ridden two up but now that she is naked they make the bike very rough on surfaces that aren't perfect. Sometimes even small dips catch you unaware and really send a jolt thru my spine. Will keep looking for something that I can tune to my weight and one up riding on this bike.
BTW have just sent an email to British Cycle Supply in Nova Scotia asking for their recommendations on type of Hagon shocks and a quote re shipping etc. Will post when I get a reply and let folks here know how many $ I am looking at.

[Whiskerfish]

yea I have a set of the HD Progressives on the back of my 75. It is like riding a buckboard.

[redglbx]

Yepper, I have a set of Progressives on my 80 CBX as they were the “go-to” when I built it. But quite frankly a couple of steel strut bars would’ve worked about the same,,,, not great at all. The couple of early Wings I’ve ridden with them is about the same, about like riding a brick ! Not great but the YSS’s are the opposite end of the spectrum, no dampening whatsoever ! 500mi and they are off the bike sitting on a shelf, just can’t bring myself to throw them in the trash where they really belong.

[Rednaxs60]

Hagon shocks are very good, got mine from British Cycle Supply in NS, not inexpensive but should never have to replace. Have a set on my '85 GW Limited Edition FI model with the remote adjustable preload (RAP) feature. Allows me to adjust for solo or two-up riding without trying to get around the plastics. Even if you have good access, a choice between a spanner for preload adjustment or a calibrated adjuster, calibrated adjuster:

RAP install Right looking from side.jpg

Shock Install Left Side Complete - 2.jpg

The RAP adjuster hose to the shock can be customized by Hagon to the length required for your install. Preload adjustment for this shock is approximately "1" cm. There is a rebound adjustment as well where the lower bushing is, easy to setup.

I had Progressive non-air shocks installed for some 6 years, worked well solo and two-up (left it on max preload all the time) but the length was too long, rear tire touching floor when on centre stand. The Hagon shock returned rear height to where it should be. I use max preload for two-up riding and half this for solo. Picture of the two shocks:

Hagon Shock.jpg

Good Luck.

[Jonesz]

Mark from British Cycle contacted me by email late yest aft (same day I had sent an inquiry) even though it was New Years eve and a Sunday to boot. He wanted me to provide a phone # so that he could discuss options with me but I was busy and expecting happy hour guests at that time so told him I would get back to him early this week and arrange a call. I was quite impressed with the level of service to date. Thanks for the info Rednaxs60 good to know you like the quality of Hagon shocks.

[Jonesz]

I am wondering if anyone knows the length of the oem shock on a 1000? Have done some looking and it appears that the originals were 33 Cm (or 13") center hole to center hole. The shocks on my bike are not original and am trying to find the correct shock length before ordering new ones. Thanx

[1983lux]

British cycle supply is great, and though the shocks are not cheap they are high quality and they stand behind the product. I think stock length is 330mm? They can customize with regular or heavy dampers, and light, medium, or heavy springs. I’m 190 on a naked bike and the mediums seem fine and can handle 2-up with a 130lb passenger with the preload on max.