Blown shocks

Has anyone else had their shocks wear out excessively early? I first noticed my left rear shock was leaking at around 25k miles, which seems extremely premature, although this is my first bike. It is even more strange because I only weigh 150 pounds and almost never ride two up. Just wondering if anybody can tell me what the usual life expectancy on these is, and also, does anyone know what they cost from the dealer?

on my bike,the shocks are 25 yrs old and i have allmost 36k on the bike.they dont leak but feel a lil wore out.i quoted some from the stealer at $250 a piece.however you can search on cruisercustomizing.com and get em a lil cheaper.good luck

You can usually get progressives on ebay for around $225 a pair.....

Jerry

$250 a piece... $225 a pair ... I'm used to paying seventy bucks for a set of four shocks. Those prices almost warrant replacing the things with box tubing and calling it a hardtail.

Could be cheaper depending on your bike. The price I mentioned was for a 1300. You might find some cheaper at a salvage yard.

Jerry

Oldsmobility wrote:$250 a piece... $225 a pair ... I'm used to paying seventy bucks for a set of four shocks. Those prices almost warrant replacing the things with box tubing and calling it a hardtail.

That is what Carrib (Robert) did. Look on Ebay.
Now I had to replace mine prematurely as I had tried the highest setting and turned them the wrong way 5 clicks, twice. I know, I know. You needed to be around when they started to leak and then to explain why I needed new shocks on a 3 month old bike.

Hay I did not say I never made a mistake, altho they are few and far inbetween. ha ha

Peace Yall

Progressives aren't cheap. I'm going with them this winter. They sell a pair with lifetime guarntee for $500 a pair. Wow! If I was going to keep the bike that long, I'd go for it.

Wow ... I've never dealt with shocks ... yet. Be sure to post what you find so I'll know what to do when I cross that bridge. I've read good things about progressives though.

ttexastim wrote:Wow ... I've never dealt with shocks ... yet. Be sure to post what you find so I'll know what to do when I cross that bridge. I've read good things about progressives though.

I fitted progressives to my VT1100 and are very happy with them, progressives springs are softer at one end so they soak up the little bumps better, but still have the strength at the upper end for those bigger bumps and potholes without bottoming out. I think couple progressives with the darkside tire, which I believe soaks up the bumps in the road better, would give a much more comfortable ride. After I get my darkside tire fitted my next project will be progressive fork springs for the front end.
Another thing about progressive shocks is you can get different lengths, the ones I have lower my bike about 1"

I did progressives on the front, and LOVED IT! The only annoying thing was that I had to make my own spacers cuz progressive doesn't give you enough PVC pipe to make 2 the right length. No problem though. Sounds like you've got your bike running good for you!