Progressive Shocks

[Steve Minor]

Any body ever tried Progressive Shocks?

I notice they have a "vintage dirtbike" section listed on their website and a selection of shocks and springs for KTM/Penton...

Thanks

 

[Larry Perkins]

They are decent shocks and more cost effective than Works or Ohlins.  I think they are not quite as good though.  Generally the less the price the less the product.  There are exceptions.  I have won races with both Progressive and Works so they will work fine I guess.  After all the old bikes handle marginal even with the best of shocks.  4 inches till kidney whomp is still less than optimum.  But that is Vintage according to AHRMA.

 

[Steve Minor]

Thanks Larry....now, in your opinion, how well you think the 13.5" Progressive Shocks will hold up if I install them in the lay down position on my 77' 400gs6? Do you think they can withstand the stress?

 

[tlanders]

Steve, I have the progressive shocks with the adjustable damping on all my bikes. I get the 14.25" long ones. That raises the rear a little making it easier to get up on the pegs and also makes the steering a little faster. They work very well. Teddy

 

[Larry Perkins]

I think they won't hold up in the lay-down position.  I think you need something gassy like Works, Ohlins, or Marzocchi.  There is alot more leverage and pressure in that position than Vintage.  Post-Vintage bikes are a whole different ballgame.  My opinion.

 

[Steve Minor]

Yeah.....that's what I thought too...Looks like it going to be a set of Works...$ouch$.

One last thing....In the lay down position, the manual indicates it to have 7" rear wheel travel and a shock angle of 45 degrees...do you think I should stick with the stock length or go to a longer shock? I believe stock is 13.5" eye to eye....

As always, all opinions are appreciated.

 

[Larry Perkins]

I think 14" will help the steering a bit but I won alot of races last year with one bike stock and the other a half inch longer so both are workable.

 

[Rocket]

Steve
My opinion, go with the longer shocks.  I never felt the GS6 bikes with the Marzocchi front ends turned very well.  A little steeper steering angle would definately help.  IMO
Rocket

 

[Steve Minor]

As always, I appreciate all the input. I guess I'll go with the 14" Works units.

Thanks again
Steve