How long are my shocks By stevespidel (Read 606 times)

[stevespidel]

This is such a basic question and I think the answer would apply to any vehicle.

The rear shocks on my 2012 Viking are so stiff that I feel like I'm riding an old rigid frame bike. I have lowered the pressure in the tires but it hasn't made much difference. So the question is how do I determine the correct length shock to buy? Do I measure the current shock from center to center with no load? Also what specs am I looking for, such as mounting hole size, body diameter, ect. You can see that shocks is a new area for me!

On the same track, I have lots of clearance and my trike sits a little high in the back so I want to lower it about 2 inches. I think that lowering the rear might also increase the effective rake at the front a little which I want. The plan then is to order something about 2 inches shorter and much softer, maybe adjustable. My current shocks are not.

This is just transportation, so I dont want air ride or any of that high tech, (expensive) equipment.

Any input as to how to do this, including source info would helpful!

[kz1000st]

First find somebody even selling shocks. Usually you measure from center eye to center eye. I'm not sure about Chinese but Japanese bolt mounts were usually a standard size. One thing to watch out for, the length of the shock body. I had bought shocks for a bike once and later discovered that the bodies were longer on the new ones which had them bottoming out sooner. Not a problem alone but annoying with a passenger.

[stevespidel]

Thanks for the input. The Viking frame is a clone of the ruckus, so I'll figure on Japanese shock eyes. As to passengers, I carried a passenger one time on my motorcycle and hated the experience. I have removed the bitch-pad on every bike I've owned since. I weigh about 190 and I have to jump on the thing to even move the rear shocks.

[kz1000st]

Then that's technically not the shocks, it's the springs. Too bad they're not removable. We used to swap springs all the time until we got the right ride.

[stevespidel]

That makes sense! I found some with spring adjustment that are about .75 inch shorter so with that and maybe a little sag from setting the springs softer, I'll get the back a little lower and a better ride. I can live with a harsh ride, but it also is hard on the trike and all the stuff hanging off of it.