jpgranger@... wrote:
>How does the stock shock deal with damping this stiffer spring's motion?
>My rear shock is busted and I have to either rebuild it
>
Not so well. It deals with a 400lb spring OK, and you can always crank
up the rebound damping a bit. I never liked how the stock shock worked
with the 500-560 PS spring, it never had enough rebound. Remember though
it was night and day compared to stock springs.
>or buy a new one
>(Progressive Suspension 420)
>
I really suggest you don't do this. I have one, disassembled in a box in
my closet. In the end, I haven't yet decided to try and fix it, or
simply publish an autopsy online. Probably the latter.
If $425 for a shock doesn't make you choke, I suggest you try to swallow
$650 for a Works or other good, rebuildable shock. You should call local
suspension tuners and see what they are comfortable rebuilding and
revalving. This will ensure easy, quick service and valving that suits
your riding.
Long story short the PS420 shock can't be revalved. It's only
rebuildable by shipping it back to Progressive. Avoid it.
>before I can even think of taking my bike
>out.
>
FWIW if you don't go fast on rough terrain, a $60 bash plate, $50
radiator bar, and $25 handguards are all you NEED. The rest is either
nice to have, or really nice to have.
>I'm 6'3" and 180lbs. I want a stiffer (and higher) ride. The
>Progressive Susp. unit looks great because it's a new shocks and a
>stiffer, progressive spring
>
As others have mentioned you already have a progressive linkage on the
rear suspension and don't need (or necessarily want) a progressively
wound rear spring. eshocks.com sells straight-rate springs that fit the
KLR shock perfectly, for the same price. Try a 450 or 500 lb
straight-rate spring.
> but pricey for my Canadian pesos. I could
>probably cut costs by 60-70% by rebuilding the shock myself and getting
>a stiffer spring from eshock.com, but would a rebuilt stock shock be
>able to dampen double the spring??
>
When you rebuild it, try thicker oil (10w or 7.5w) and a 175psi gas
charge. I had the unusual circumstance of back-to-back testing a freshly
serviced stock shock, and then a new 420 shock (same spring on both).
The 420 is only a modest improvement over stock. If it was revalveable
it would totally be worth the money. Too bad PS won't sell tools, parts,
or share any knowledge with outside tuners.