1996 rs rear shock rough ride

[worm]

ok finally figured out how to post thanks to Don Nelson.my 96 rs has i8oo miles on it i have adjusted the rear sock many different way,s .i have a very bad back witch is most of my trouble .the shock is good and doing its job buti have an 86 1100 shodow that the shocks are worn out on and it ride,s more to my tast or need,s i should say .i dont know when they changed the shock from horizontal like mine to the newer vertical style but i am thinking that i need a worn out shock .i really dont care if it leaks my building has a gravel floor can any one help me

[tazmocycle]

does your have the air valves in the top of the front forks? they will help out on the ride and stop the diving down when you put on the brakes. the earlier models didn't have them but you can drill and tap the fittings into the caps and then put them back on. you can get the air valve at most auto part stores. the smallest ones are 1/4-28 bolt thread and the next size up is the 1/8" pipes thread. most hardware store carry the drill bits and taps. I have done a few for others and sent them to them to install, but you need to really know how to do it to keep from cross-threading them.

[cowpuc]

Hi Worm,, you pose an interesting question and one that many of us,,, older folks,, can relate to,, well at least ol Puc can anyway.

Honestly,, I am not so sure you are on the right track in wanting to run on tired boingers.. I wonder if a different approach is something to think about.. Worn out shocks or suspention may "feel" better on your back BUT I can assure you that it wont feel better if those springy things cause your bike to go wacky in a bumpy corner and you end up on the ground.. I dont say that lightly, I say that cause your a family member and I dont wanna see you get hurt, I AM ON YOUR SIDE!!

Maybe a real close look at some seat mods and handlebar positioning mods are really what you need to address.. Get your seating position and arms in the closest to perfect ergonomically for YOU, no matter how goofy it looks, so when the suspention on your bike is doing its thing you are relaxed and confident that it can handle it.. There are a number of seat people around, at least one on our site who does a really good job! Depending on your inseam, you could maybe sit on and support your back with 4 inches of memory foam - might sound crazy but what the heck brother!! I have the bars on my 83 adjusted back and down,, when I ride for more than few hours straight (and do a lot - even after 5 back surgeries!!) I do so almost in a laydown position,, leaned back on the wife and just able to see over the dash.. I have found that this position enables me to ride for hours and hours - looks goofy but I dont care... If I sit up, in the "normal" ride position my back is doomed after a very short time.. Laying down,, 800 mile days are still normal days for this ol guy..

If that doesnt sound like a direction you wanna go.. Gotta say, after seeing what I have seen thru the years as a result of people running bad shocks (another something I have seen tried is low air pressures in the tires - DONT DO IT!!) and if I were in your shoes, I would test ride all kinds of different bikes and find the breed that meets my body's needs for comfort and fun all while having good suspention and a manageable weight.. In my case, if it meant building another 18" over springer chopper with 8" travel rear air shocks and a 6" thick King/Queen seat so it rode like a pillow I would do it.. THAN I WOULD STRAP MY GEAR ON THAT HOMEMADE CONTRAPTION AND STILL HANG OUT WITH THIS GREAT VR GROUP!!!!

Its all about FUN my friend,, and being beat up and unable to ride aint NO fun!!

Hope this helps somehow!!

Puc