GL1000 Shock Recommendations?

[tomk1960]

I bought a pair of new EMGO shocks for my '78 before I finished it up since the original shocks were a mess and too far gone. The EMGO's look nice, but they are way to harsh on my bad back. Hitting a bump can be pretty traumatic, and that's with them set at the softest setting.

Can anyone recommend a decent adjustable shock that doesn't cost $500-$600/set? Are YSS shocks any good?

Thanks!

[tlbranth]

I had the same experience. I put Emgo shocks on my CB750 when I resurrected it after a 25 year break. Those shocks about did me in. And like you I didn't fancy spending a fortune on 'designer' shocks. I finally settled on Hagon as a reasonably priced alternative with good reviews. I'm very happy with my choice. I think all their shocks are the same (might be wrong here) but there are fancy doodads you can add if you want to spend more money. I didn't and got the basic shock absorber. If my GL1000 shocks get shaky, I'll outfit it with Hagons too.
My understanding is that the rep I dealt with is no longer in business but the shocks can be had from Dime City Cycles. Hagon is British and can always be had from the UK.

[5speed]

I went with progressive series 12 shocks with the heavy duty springs. I have them set on the #2 setting on my 82 1100 and couldn't be happier.

[gregforesi]

Progressive only sells the model 12`s with the heavy springs but they do make medium and light springs for those shocks. I re-sprung with the mediums and on the "soft" setting they are just about right for my way-forward riding position. No more hopping when I hit a little bump in a corner either.
The progressives are 3/4" shorter so some adjustment has to be made to wrestle the bike onto the centerstand.

[Whiskerfish]

2nd vote for the hagons. First set lasted over a 100,000 miles on my dresser. I replaced them with a identical set about 3 years ago. Cost was around 240 USD IIRC.

[5speed]

Progressive only sells the model 12`s with the heavy springs but they do make medium and light springs for those shocks. I re-sprung with the mediums and on the "soft" setting they are just about right for my way-forward riding position. No more hopping when I hit a little bump in a corner either.
The progressives are 3/4" shorter so some adjustment has to be made to wrestle the bike onto the centerstand.

I was going to go with the mediums but I'm 250 pounds so I didn't want to have springs so light I had to crank the adjustment way up.

[1983lux]

I had a set of those same EMGO shocks put on by the PO and they were awful, bigger bumps felt like they were going to break my back. I got super lucky and found a set of used Hagons in some guy's parts bin for $40. They work great, but I think they have the heavy duty springs, so while they are far nicer than the EMGO's they are still pretty stiff for me (I weigh 190lbs). Maybe I will post on here to see if anybody with standard Hagon springs wants to trade.

[pidjones]

I lucked out and found Progressives on eBay for my '78. A bit stiff, but I'm used to a GL1800 plush ride. The '78 handles well and is not "punishing", just a bit stiff that I'm used to. I'll consider medium springs next year.