I run a stock shock and I am about 300lbs, will be interested in seeing how this thread develops....

 

Without research I believe the linkage makes the rear progressive

Yes you need an upgrade both spring and dampening together

 

At 30,000 miles I installed a 16kg rear spring on my stock shock ( stock is 8kg I beleive ) and it worked well till now,now it bounces so I think the dampning is gone.I'm heading up to Deadhorse next June so I have some time to figure this out!!.


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I'm talking about a progressive brand rear shock.


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This is just opinion so take it for what its worth.
I have no experience with this particular Progressive. I have used their shocks on Harleys, I now use an Ohlins.
I've had shocks done on my two Tigers by Wilbers and Penske, customized to weight and ride and I have Ohlins on my BMW RT. I don't claim any great expertise but I have spent a lot of money on them.
My impression is that Progressive is a sort of middle of the road product, quality wise. Better than stock most likely, not likely to be up to the higher end products (doesn't cost like it either).
I think for a heavier person, rather than a one size fits all spring you would be better off with a shock that is as closely tailored to you as you can afford.
I've decided that I do want to upgrade suspension on my 11 and after looking at the alternatives I think I am likely to send my shock to RaceTech for a rebuild, its a bit less than the Progressive IIRC and built to your specs. Another possiblity in a lower cost custom shock might be Hagon, I don't have experience with them but have heard some good buzz.
The usual problem with asking about shock performance from owners is that they only have experience with one shock, the one they bought. Its not like they had a chance to try all of them and even then may have no frame of reference to draw from to describe whats 'good'. Anything likely feels better than the stock Suzuki shock.

 

my only experience with Progressive brand progressive rate springs are the springs I put in the fork of my SV650. based on that experience, for my 300lb lard ass, I don't believe the start or end at a stiff enuf rate

 

I was going to do a Sasquatch rebuild but that kinda went out the window !!.


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What did I miss? Is Sasquatch out of business?

 

Since you already have a spring rated for you, you could send it to Racetech in CA and have them add a gold valve, change the oil, and add a nitrogen port. It would be a similar rebuild to what you would have had Sasquatch do.

 

Ya,I'm kinda thinking on those lines!!.


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I'm happy with the HyperPro from EPM in NJ. Hope they're still there!

 

When I told my wife I needed a new shock and it was gonna cost about $400 she had a fit.So I best try to keep it around there!!.
I going to email RaceTech and see what it would cost for a rebuild.


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All I knew was that he was out of biz..


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I am 250lbs and often load up the bike.

Picked up a Progressive rear shock for $300 and it has been on the bike for about 2 years now. Been very happy with it - good value for the money.

That being said I am not a very aggressive rider but Bluelightning has ridden my Strom and about my size and really liked the setup.

If money is an issue it is probably a very good alternative value wise.

If I were in the market now I would look at the Progressive, Ricor, and Cogent Dynamics rear shocks as a value type replacement.

 

You don't want to know

I have during my life liked Progressive stuff. I usually doubt whether there is a real world difference in many things especially like a 2 1/2 times price difference. I never have a passenger or usually a heavy load so the hydraulic spring adjustment would not be important. The Progressive with the adjustment being a real $750 would make me look away compared to having like racetech remake a stocker.

I don't think they change parts and I would worry about rebuilding a shock with 50,000 miles

 

What happen to Sasquatch.

 

Sad story. http://www.stromtrooper.com/suspension-tire-tech/78925-wheres-sasquatch.html

 

Thats true,at 50,000 miles there maybe hard parts that are simply worn out !!.


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I think I would simply call Racetech and ask that question. Many custom shocks are sold as rebuildable. I would take that to mean 50k should still be rebuildable. They're fairly friendly to talk with and I think they'll give you a straight answer, they no doubt want happy customers so I doubt they'd want to rebuild a shock and then have it fail.

 

So anybody tried the Hagon shock ??.
For a little bit more than the Progressive they match the spring to my weight and riding style..


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+1 on the Race Tech rebuild. Probabaly be as good or probably better than a Progressive but less cost.