Rear shock recommendation

Afan

... and this is my real name.
Joined
Jun 2, 2014
Messages
521
Location
Urbandale, IA
Bike
1998 ST1100
STOC #
8832
After some research - I still didn't figure out if it's better to stick with OEM or look for an aftermarket shock. Works or Progressive?
I'm not an agressive or pushy rider, so any "sporty" solution is not necessary.

The model number is 52400-MAJ-G41 (96A-02A), right?
 
Last edited:
Joined
Jul 24, 2011
Messages
1,026
Age
71
Location
Hereford, AZ
Bike
2020 Moto guzzi V85T
Re: Rear shock recomandation

I personally would not get a stock shock. I would go with an after market. You really have two choices and it come down to the spring. Do you want a progressive wound spring or a linear rated wound spring. I think if it were me since I have had a progressive and I have not had issues with it I might leans toward that but if you are pulling a trailer I would look at a linear rated spring. Also make sure that it is re-buildable.

The progressive shock I used is the Progressive 465
 
Joined
Apr 16, 2010
Messages
1,263
Location
Rochester Mn
Bike
2014 FJR ES 2009 WEE
Re: Rear shock recomandation

I'd take what Uncle Phil and John O recommend very seriously....on an 1100....and get the right spring for your weight...good luck....ff
 
Last edited:
Joined
Dec 4, 2004
Messages
232
Location
Rura Penthe, Arkansas
STOC #
2933
Re: Rear shock recomandation

Progressive has given me much better service & performance than either of my Works Pro Racers or the OEM's. After 50K I sent it in for a rebuild and IIRC the total rebuild cost including return shipping was about $10. I have over 100K on the shock. Couldn't be happier.
 
Joined
Sep 10, 2011
Messages
2,211
Location
West Michigan
Bike
'98 ST1100
STOC #
8470
Re: Rear shock recomandation

I personally would not get a stock shock. I would go with an after market. You really have two choices and it come down to the spring. Do you want a progressive wound spring or a linear rated wound spring. I think if it were me since I have had a progressive and I have not had issues with it I might leans toward that but if you are pulling a trailer I would look at a linear rated spring. Also make sure that it is re-buildable.

The progressive shock I used is the Progressive 465
+1 That's what I'm using and I'm happy with it. You can find one at much less than list price on Amazon or one of the well known MC parts warehouses.
 
Joined
Sep 10, 2011
Messages
2,211
Location
West Michigan
Bike
'98 ST1100
STOC #
8470
Re: Rear shock recomandation

Progressive has given me much better service & performance than either of my Works Pro Racers or the OEM's. After 50K I sent it in for a rebuild and IIRC the total rebuild cost including return shipping was about $10. I have over 100K on the shock. Couldn't be happier.
Nice to know !! Thanks.
 
OP
OP
Afan

Afan

... and this is my real name.
Joined
Jun 2, 2014
Messages
521
Location
Urbandale, IA
Bike
1998 ST1100
STOC #
8832
Re: Rear shock recomandation

I run Works Pro Racers on all three of my ST1100s and have been very pleased with them.
Does "Racer" part means $100 more then just "Works Pro"?
:D
 
Last edited:
OP
OP
Afan

Afan

... and this is my real name.
Joined
Jun 2, 2014
Messages
521
Location
Urbandale, IA
Bike
1998 ST1100
STOC #
8832
Re: Rear shock recomandation

Thanks guys, I really appreciate your help. I'm shopping now... I'll check for both brands and most likely the price will decide the finalist. :)

P.S. Don't see if the Works Pro can be rebuilt too? I'm assuming it can.
 
Joined
Apr 10, 2012
Messages
1,258
Location
Donegal, Ireland.
Bike
Vstrom 650
I fitted a Wilbers, very pleased with the difference, then again it was bound to be a big difference because the oem shock was horsed.
 

John OoSTerhuis

Life Is Good!
Joined
May 10, 2005
Messages
5,218
Location
Bettendorf, Iowa
Bike
1991 SSMST1100
STOC #
1058
OEMs have worked just fine for me over 178K, Afan. I'm not a Ricky Racer but am quite comfortable riding spiritedly with Honda's shock. The price is reasonable, considering... And yes, that's a good part number.

FWIW YMMV

John
via iPhone 6
 
Joined
Jun 3, 2006
Messages
3,512
Location
British Columbia
Bike
2021 RE Meteor 350
+1 for OEM. IIRC, I was considering a Progressive 465 a few years back, until I found the adjuster ring is at the TOP end, once the shock is mounted. Bit of a pain to adjust.
 

ardykay54

Russ "NeonMan" Knock
Joined
Apr 27, 2008
Messages
1,156
Age
69
Location
Hopkinton, Iowa
Bike
22 Kaw Z900rs 50 ann
2024 Miles
002718
STOC #
7581
I touched the wire on an electric fence once..............not the shock you're looking for!:D Russ.
 

Gymbo

R.I.P. - 2021/08/30
Rest In Peace
Joined
Sep 27, 2005
Messages
391
Location
Roseburg, Oregon
STOC #
892
As a larger guy (over 300 pounds in riding gear) I find the OEM even at max preload is undersprung for me, especially when the bags are loaded for a trip.
 
Last edited:
Joined
Dec 4, 2004
Messages
232
Location
Rura Penthe, Arkansas
STOC #
2933
Re: Rear shock recomandation

Sorry for the typo, $100. Looked up the receipt, it was $115.05 dated 4/15/2010.

*****Yes, the Progressive shock requires removing the right side body panel to adjust spring pre-load but I had the sag set at Westoc one year and pre-load hasn't changed. I do fiddle with the rebound valve when the bike is unloaded.
 

ST1100Y

Site Supporter
Joined
Dec 4, 2012
Messages
4,981
Age
59
Location
Vienna, AuSTria
Bike
ST1100Y, ST1100R
STOC #
637
OEMs have worked just fine for me over 178K, Afan. I'm not a Ricky Racer but am quite comfortable riding spiritedly with Honda's shock. The price is reasonable, considering...
+1...
If you're not very spirited and/or facing payload issues, a (properly adjusted though!!) OEM shock serves absolutely great for a reasonable price...
 
Top Bottom