Shocking Advice! (for a GT550 needed)

[gdh12bike]

I have some nice chambers on my GT550 and they scrape every time I hit a corner hard. I'm pretty sure that the shocks are original, and fairly tired out. Anyone have any ideas as to where I could get a pair of stiff rear shocks without breaking the bank?

Thanks,

Gary

[CJF]

You can try Hagons. Not too high on price and good quality.

http://www.davequinnmotorcycles.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[H2RICK]

Progressive Suspension makes replacement shocks for the 550.
I have a set on my H2 and, believe me, they are a HUGE improvement
over anything built back in the day. US prices should be very reasonable. If you weigh under 180# order the 70# springs with your shocks. Any heavier springs make the shocks into struts.
The only downside to the PS shocks is they only come in black....but if you're running chambers, etc, that shouldn't be a problem.

[BRP Tourer]

From what I am told, Harley Sportster shocks will bolt right up and they are made by Ohlins. Lots of guys taking off good stockers to lower sporties. I would go a little longer than stock on the GT. Lots available on flea-bay, just gotta browse a bit to find a deal.

[jeff g]

Progressive makes a pretty good shock at a reasonable price. Stay away from the generic cheapies.

[gdh12bike]

Thanks for all the input. I wonder if i should be looking for 883 or 1200 Sporster shocks. Any ideas?

[BRP Tourer]

I don't think there is much difference, depends more on trim package. I would look for 1200 shocks, more important is the length, many options available. I am planning on 13" ers for mine, slightly longer than stock. As I recall GT550 shocks are 12.5" from center to center in the mounting eyes. You don't want to go too tall or you will mess up your handling.

[gdh12bike]

That sounds like sound advice BRP. I just saw a set of nice ones go for $50.00 on Ebay. If they are really Ohlins, that is an amazing lead! I'll be keeping my eyes peeled with Ebay for sure.

[CJF]

The Harley is a lot heavier bike, so you may want to be careful with the spring rates.

[BRP Tourer]

Take my advice for what it is worth.... I haven't actually tried the Harley shocks myself, yet, only repeating what I have read elsewhere.
I do intend to try a pair soon and will update on the results. The weather has been too crappy to ride much here for a while, and I want to get some miles on to get a good feel for my bike again before swapping shocks.

[Buffalo-guy]

The Sporster shocks are definitely "NOT" Ohlins. They are Showas from Japan, as is all the suspension on the Harleys, and most of their electrics. As was mentioned, the Harley is a heavier bike, and the spring rate may not be compatible with your 550. Hagons, or Progressives are most likely your better bet, though, a bit more $. Cheers.
Fred

[gdh12bike]

Thank you all. I called, davequinnmotorcycles.com, and he was very helpful over the phone. (a home boy too, in that he's on Lawn Guyland, NY - where I grew up). I think I’ll go with Hagons as he seemed very knowledgeable on the subject of shocks for old Suzi's, and had what I needed in stock.

[BRP Tourer]

I am not a Harley fan, so I don't know where they get their parts, but the guy selling the pair I was looking at said they were Ohlins, and I thought he said they were OEM. I assumed they all were. Perhaps I was mistaken, or he was, either way I am sorry if I mislead anyone. As far as spring rates... I have several sets of OEM suzi shocks and find the springs are way too soft.

[Coyote]

I have Progressives on my red 550. The nice thing about them is they come in a variety of different lengths and the springs are sold seperately. You can make them right for your size and weight. If you are in to chrome however, your'e SOL. Worked perfectly in my application.

[H2RICK]

I have several sets of OEM suzi shocks and find the springs are way too soft.

Are those stock 550 shocks you're talking about, BRP ??
If so, how much DO you weigh ??
The stock 550 shocks are somewhat oversprung for the "average' guy (like me) at ~170 pounds.....even on the "soft" setting. On the "hard" setting, they're almost like struts.
However, if you weigh 250+ pounds then you just might find the stockers a little "soft"....even on the "hard" setting.
To "add insult to injury", the stockers are also waaaayyyyy underdamped.....and get worse when they warm up.
Nope, if you want a performance shock set for your 550, I'd go with Progressives (for a cheap price) or Hagons or IKONS for performance and durability.

My .02 worth....