Revisiting Rear Suspension

[Jay In Milpitas]

I know that the shock pics were taken during warmer weather.

Having said that, am I the only one wondering why Spud's pants are under the shocks?

JB, I agree with you about springs being matched to rider & machine. As far as the cost, I know that GS owners are known to put an aftermarket shock on their $20k+ bikes. Then again, I've known HD owners that put complete new engines in their bikes around the second scheduled service.

Heck, I think ALeong has already bought a couple thousand dollars of goodies and hasn't even received his bike yet.

[fishman10]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/2008-KAWASAK...VWx9gE&vxp=mtr i might have to gamble an see if this works,,,sure looks very similiar,,,,i just cant afford $400- $500 for the csc one right now.

[Dualsport Chic]

Watching this thread very closely as this is the exact same reason I gave up a brand new, totallly farkled Triumph Tiger 800 in 2012. I have a bad spine with two surgeries behind me and that thing was the cause to the second surgery. I even put a custom Ohlins shock on it for $1K and it still performed horribly. All the road feedback ran right up through the frame of the bike into my body and caused my already weak spine to collapse at the L4/L5 disc (known weak spot).

I totally get what your talking about and have $1K deposit down on an RX3 but this would indeed be a deal breaker if there is no viable solution for it. I cannot risk a third surgery as from what I am told from my surgeon, the next one would end my riding days.

Wishing you luck with finding a solve for this issue as I know all too well how devastating back issues can be.

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by Dualsport Chic

Watching this thread very closely as this is the exact same reason I gave up a brand new, totallly farkled Triumph Tiger 800 in 2012. I have a bad spine with two surgeries behind me and that thing was the cause to the second surgery. I even put a custom Ohlins shock on it for $1K and it still performed horribly. All the road feedback ran right up through the frame of the bike into my body and caused my already weak spine to collapse at the L4/L5 disc (known weak spot).

I totally get what your talking about and have $1K deposit down on an RX3 but this would indeed be a deal breaker if there is no viable solution for it. I cannot risk a third surgery as from what I am told from my surgeon, the next one would end my riding days.

Wishing you luck with finding a solve for this issue as I know all too how devastating back issues can be.

Let me preface my remarks by saying the RX3 is an excellent value, and I like the bike a lot. In addition, we are very glad you joined us here at China Riders.

However, I would be remiss if I didn't tell you my opinions regarding the stock shock absorber. Perhaps I got a bad shock, but the Chinese shock absorber can be punishing at times, even while riding on pavement. Given the condition of your back, I think the aftermarket, Progressive shock absorber is must buy for you. Even then, the RX3 won't have plush ride, but the Progressive shock will definitely improve the suspension.

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by fishman10

http://www.ebay.com/itm/2008-KAWASAK...VWx9gE&vxp=mtr i might have to gamble an see if this works,,,sure looks very similiar,,,,i just cant afford $400- $500 for the csc one right now.

Fish, I think you would lose the gamble by purchasing that shock. Getting another shock to fit the RX3 involves a lot of variables.

Tight clearance between shock and frame
Tight clearance between shock and air box
Proper suspension travel
Correct width of shock at upper mount
Correct width of shock at lower mount
Correct spring weight

Et Cetera

CSC did a very good job developing the Progressive shock absorber. It is a job not easily duplicated.

[fishman10]

I hear ya spud , just a thought as I know progressive suspension has good products.i just installed a set on my ultra classic today.

[jbfla]

Originally Posted by fishman10

http://www.ebay.com/itm/2008-KAWASAK...VWx9gE&vxp=mtr i might have to gamble an see if this works,,,sure looks very similiar,,,,i just cant afford $400- $500 for the csc one right now.

Fishman,

Buying a shock from another bike is a gamble, unless you know a lot of the measurements, like eye to eye distance, size of the hole in the top and bottom eye, the width of the mounting ends, the spring rate, etc.

Just saying that you could spend a lot of money trying to find the right one.

I thought about trying the shock from my DR, but will have to wait until I return to NC in a couple of months.

This may help your quest:

Specs for the Progressive shock:

Top eyelet ID: .479”
Bottom eyelet ID: .39”
Bottom bracket spread: .886”
Spring Length: 9.375”
Eyelet to Eyelet: 15.25” = 387 mm
Spring ID: 1.885”

jb

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by Jay In Milpitas

I know that the shock pics were taken during warmer weather.

Having said that, am I the only one wondering why Spud's pants are under the shocks?...

I was fully clothed, but the Swedish Bikini Team suddenly appeared, and begged me to dance with them in my underclothing.