This thread is part of a series, you can find the list of all other threads related to my overall restoration here: ColtMax's 1997 Restoration thread.
PARTS SELECTION STRATEGY:
Requirements (in synch with the front suspension)
I use my Vmax as a cruising bike, although I like to twist the throttle a lot, I want this bike to be comfortable for long rides (8+ hrs). I also ride with my wife occasionally. Our combined weight is nearing 400lb once all geared up.
The roads up here in Quebec are pretty bad, crack bumps, hole... you name it.. it's there. For this reason I would like to have a rear suspension that rides smoothly while providing proper support for riding with passenger. I would also like the suspension to better absorb those big bumps without getting the rear end air born.
Budget:
I wanted to keep the cost for rear shocks as low as possible, but the fact that I would like to have a good valving logic to deal with the bumps is getting the price to jump bit higher than expected.
If I can keep it below 1000$ CAD that would be great. After all, these are the shocks I sit directly above, might as well put a few more bucks downs to save my back.
Options:
I'll cover the ones I have looked at, but do not hesitate to tell me about different setups. I'll document them in here to. Just make sure to give me some pros and cons so future members can decide for themselves what they need.
Option 1 - Progressive Suspension 412
Option 2 - Progressive Suspension 430
Option 3 - Progressive Suspension 444 (Selected)
PARTS SELECTION STRATEGY:
Requirements (in synch with the front suspension)
I use my Vmax as a cruising bike, although I like to twist the throttle a lot, I want this bike to be comfortable for long rides (8+ hrs). I also ride with my wife occasionally. Our combined weight is nearing 400lb once all geared up.
The roads up here in Quebec are pretty bad, crack bumps, hole... you name it.. it's there. For this reason I would like to have a rear suspension that rides smoothly while providing proper support for riding with passenger. I would also like the suspension to better absorb those big bumps without getting the rear end air born.
Budget:
I wanted to keep the cost for rear shocks as low as possible, but the fact that I would like to have a good valving logic to deal with the bumps is getting the price to jump bit higher than expected.
If I can keep it below 1000$ CAD that would be great. After all, these are the shocks I sit directly above, might as well put a few more bucks downs to save my back.
Options:
I'll cover the ones I have looked at, but do not hesitate to tell me about different setups. I'll document them in here to. Just make sure to give me some pros and cons so future members can decide for themselves what they need.
Option 1 - Progressive Suspension 412
Pros:
- Still listed for Vmax and in stock from Progressive
- Affordable (MSRP: 344USD$ a pair)
Cons:
- Only 5 spring preload adjustment settings (not adjustable by hand)
- No FST or Deflective disc technology
Option 2 - Progressive Suspension 430
Pros:
- Still listed for Vmax and in stock from Progressive (Chromed version)
- Spring preload is adjustable by hand and to a multitude of settings
- Reasonable price (MSRP: 630USD$ a pair)
- Deflective disc technology
Cons:
- No Frequency Sensing Technology (FST)
- Price difference with the 444s might not be worth cheeping out on the FST
Option 3 - Progressive Suspension 444 (Selected)
Pros:
- Great suspension technology with Frequency Sensing Technology (FST) and Deflective Disc Damping
- Spring preload is adjustable by hand and to a multitude of settings
Cons:
- Not available anymore for Vmax. Stock for the Vmax's listed part numbers have become very difficult to find. Some equivalent Part Numbers have been confirmed to work on Vmax
- Quite pricey (Around 800USD$ a pair)
Option 4 - Ohlins STX36Pros:
- Apparently these are la crème de la crème when it comes to performance shocks
- Nice looking (not a decision factor for me, but I can understand why people find their look appealing)
Cons:
- Will put a significant dent in your wallet (MSRP: 1400USD$)
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