SHOCKS

[Zonechamp]

I'm not confused at all, your point is exactly right. That is why I said to forget about rider weight and load. Thanks for confirming my suspicions.

 

[1olbull]

I shall not be forgetting about my rider weight and load.
I do NOT believe a set of shocks on my R3R, or any other motor, will perform the same under my 260 pound butt as if under my previous 200 pound butt.
Just sayin' . . .

 

[Ishrub]

I shall not be forgetting about my rider weight and load.
I do NOT believe a set of shocks on my R3R, or any other motor, will perform the same under my 260 pound butt as if under my previous 200 pound butt.
Just sayin' . . .

I don't know Steve, if you cut your 200lb butt off and sat it on the motor it would just wobble like a big jello wouldn't it.

 

[1olbull]

I reckon that there was just plain old mean.

 

[barbagris]

I reckon that there was just plain old mean.

Years of marsupial abuse do that to the criminal mind.

 

[1olbull]

Years of marsupial abuse do that to the criminal mind.

AMEN!

 

[Speedy]

Ishrub: "The longer eye to eye shock length versions, 12.5" or 13" with Standard or Heavy Duty rates are BOTH likely to provide a MUCH more compliant and comfortable ride than short 11.5" or 12" eye to eye length shock with the Standard spring rates required to provide support over a MUCH shorter available spring travel."

All the Progressive shocks for the R3 have the same travel or stroke length. Therefore, the spring travel is the same. The different lengths only affect ride height. They can be more compliant because the damping is likely very different than the stock shock. The Classic R3 has 12.5 center to center eye length, same as a standard. I would suggest heavier springs only if you are bottoming out with your current springs. My wife and I with luggage go over 400lbs and we rarely bottom out with 260 lb/in springs. We do bottom out with 150 lb/in.

 

[sonny]

Interesting thread. Never really got into all the ins and outs on shocks. Bought the stock length and recommended shock for my weight. Results are fantastic. Much improved ride. Did notice that after replacing the stock shocks I had to readjust my headlight. That says a lot about the condition of the stock shocks after only 25,000 miles. Now at 32,000 miles would I buy the shocks today? YOU BET.

 

[Ishrub]

Ishrub: "The longer eye to eye shock length versions, 12.5" or 13" with Standard or Heavy Duty rates are BOTH likely to provide a MUCH more compliant and comfortable ride than short 11.5" or 12" eye to eye length shock with the Standard spring rates required to provide support over a MUCH shorter available spring travel."

All the Progressive shocks for the R3 have the same travel or stroke length. Therefore, the spring travel is the same. The different lengths only affect ride height. They can be more compliant because the damping is likely very different than the stock shock. The Classic R3 has 12.5 center to center eye length, same as a standard. I would suggest heavier springs only if you are bottoming out with your current springs. My wife and I with luggage go over 400lbs and we rarely bottom out with 260 lb/in springs. We do bottom out with 150 lb/in.

@Speedy - Not sure if the first statement is correct, but I am sure you know FAR more than I ever will.
I'm just trying to learn more.
From checking spec sheets it appears that the same springs may be used across different Series/grades of shocks.

Source:
http://www.progressivesuspension.com/assets/files/7100-105-Specs-And-Tech-Info.pdf

These are the Rocket 3 Roadster listed 444 Series Progressive shocks and springs

Length-Rate-Order No.-----Spring No.----------Rate lbs/In
11.5" Std 444-4202B/C 1436-20B/30-------210/250
11.5" HD 444-4230B/C 03-1317-20B/30-----270/315

12.0" Std 444-4229B/C 1436-20B/30---------210/250
12.0" HD 444-4232B/C 03-1317-20B/30------270/315

12.5" Std 444-4209B/C 03-1315-20B/30------125/170
12.5" HD 444-4233B/C 1442-20B/30----------210/250

13.0" Std 444-4213B/C 1365-20B/30----------120/170
13.0" HD 444-4221B/C 03-1318-20B/30------140/200


Pages 22, 23 444 Series Shocks
Order No. Ext. Length " Comp. Length " Travel " Spring No. Rate lbs/In
444-4202B/C 11.50 9.48 2.02 1436-20B/30 210/250
444-4230B/C 11.50 9.48 2.02 03-1317-20B/30 270/315

444-4229B/C 12.00 9.51 2.49 1436-20B/30 210/250
444-4232B/C 12.00 9.51 2.49 03-1317-20B/30 270/315

444-4209B/C 12.50 9.53 2.97 03-1315-20B/30 125/170
444-4233B/C 12.50 9.53 2.97 1442-20B/30 210/250


444-4213B/C 13.00 9.81 3.19 1365-20B/30 120/170
444-4221B/C 13.00 9.81 3.19 03-1318-20B/30 140/200

Page 6 Progressive Rate Springs For 12/412 Series Street Shocks*
Order No. Rate lbs/in Length-In I.D.- Inch^ Notes (Fits)
03-1317-20B/30 270/315 7.75 1.85 ----------12.00”
03-1315-20B/30 125/170 8.75 1.85 ----------11.50” & 12.00”
03-1365B/C 120/170 9.87 1.85 ----------------12.50”, 13.00”, 13.50” & 14.25”
03-1318B/C 140/200 9.75 1.85 ----------------12.50”, 13.00”, 13.50” & 14.25”
* I am not 100% sure these are the same but seems to match travel data.
^ Note: All springs have a reduced coil I.D. of 1.57” on one end to fit our retaining clip



Page 31 Shock Springs for Specific Applications (sold individually)
Order No. Rate lbs/in Length-In I.D.- Inch Notes
1436-20B/30 210/250 7.75 1.85 -----------1.53" ID on one end
1442-20B/30 210/250 8.37 1.85 -----------1.53" ID on one end

 

[rocketpockets05]

Sorry didn't mean to quote anyone i just wanted to ask a question. There is a lot of good information in this thread.
Progressive has an air shock listed for another bike. Part #4161609a that another member here is using. I asked progressive about it and got a generic reply of "It's not designed for the Rocket" how would it behave on the Rocket ? Anyone have a clue ?