Shock Absorbers

Back in 1982 a couple of motorcycle enthusiasts named Jay Tullis and Donn Rickard saw a need for a better after market motorcycle shock and with more than 30 years of “hog” experience between them, they came up with one.  In the short span of 28 years, Progressive has grown into the leading supplier of aftermarket suspension products for motorcycles in the United States.  They are a major supplier to OEM manufacturers as well.  In addition, they have added a variety of motorcycle accessories and tools to their extensive product offerings.  Progressive motorcycle shocks have truly become a household name amongst avid cycle enthusiasts.  Let’s take a look at some of their top offerings.

4 - Polaris RZR 800 Progressive Suspension 425 HD Coil Over Shocks Front & Rear US $565.00

4 - Yamaha Rhino Heavy Duty 425 Progressive Suspension Coil Over Shocks Ft & Rr US $565.00

4 Polaris RZR 800 Progressive Suspension 425 HD Coil Over Shocks Frt & Rear US $559.95

4 Yamaha Rhino Progressive Suspension 425 HD Coil Over Shocks Frt & Rear US $559.95

YAMAHA RHINO'04-08 PAIR FRONT 425 SERIES SHOCKS US $348.95

YAMAHA RHINO'04-08 PAIR REAR 425 SERIES SHOCKS US $348.95

YAMAHA RHINO'04-08 PAIR REAR HEAVY DUTY SHOCKS US $348.95

POLARIS RZR'09 PAIR FRONT 425 SERIES SHOCKS US $348.95

POLARIS RZR'09 PAIR FRONT HEAVY DUTY SHOCKS US $348.95

POLARIS RZR'09 PAIR REAR 425 SERIES SHOCKS US $348.95

POLARIS RZR'09 PAIR REAR HEAVY DUTY 425 SERIES SHOCKS US $348.95

Progressive Suspension Shock Absorber 425-1003 for Yamaha YXR45F Rhino 450 07-09 US $323.41

Progressive Suspension Shock Absorber 425-1003 for Yamaha YXR66F Rhino 660 04-07 US $323.41

Progressive Suspension Shock Absorber 425-1003 Yamaha YXR700F Rhino 700 FI US $323.41

Progressive Suspension Shock Absorber 425-1001 for Yamaha YXR45F Rhino 450 07-09 US $323.41

Progressive Suspension Shock Absorber 425-1001 for Yamaha YXR66F Rhino 660 04-07 US $323.41

Progressive Suspension Shock Absorber 425-1001 Yamaha YXR700F Rhino 700 FI US $323.41

Progressive Suspension Shock Absorber 425-1006 for Polaris Ranger RZR 800 08-11 US $320.11

Progressive Suspension Shock Absorber 425-1006 Polaris Ranger RZR 800 EPS 10-11 US $320.11

Progressive 425 Front Shocks Pair Heavy Duty 08-11 Polaris Ranger RZR 800 16.25" US $319.00

Progressive Shocks:  the Metric Line
Progressive has 11 different shocks in metric sizes and some of their more popular offerings are also available in sizes suitable for American made Harley Motorcycles.  For the biker who limits his or her use to touring, the basic 416 series is a great choice.  This was Progressive’s first shock and it is still being sold, some 20 or so years after its introduction.  It is air filled, not gas filled like the higher end models, and the aluminum air chamber is adjustable.  While it comes with a standard air fitting, an optional fitting which can make use of an on board air fill system — if your bike has one — is available.

The 416 will get the job done, but if you want something that looks sleek and sexy, take a look at the Progressive 812.   This model encloses their velocity sensitive damper and pre load adjuster inside a sleek aluminum can and then tops the can off with attractive end caps, available either in double-cut or baloney style.  With the double cut, the end result is a gleaming silver shock that looks like a bullet, with dum-dum cuts at both ends.  The baloney cut makes the shock look like a silver cylinder with pointy ends.  If it looks good, reviewers feel it performs even better.  The 812 features a high pressure gas charged cylinder for better damping performance and the pre load adjuster can be set in five different positions.  With the 812, all hardware is completely hidden — the shock might be confused by some to be merely an attractively styled ornament.

Progressive Shocks:  the Harley Line
The Harley line has 10 different models, most identical twins of the metric versions.  Because of its sleek design the 812 is a favorite of many Harley users, but the top of the line here is the same as in the metric line:  the Progressive 440 shock .

Progressive 440 Shocks
This modern marvel takes a Progressive Rate Spring — available in standard or heavy duty capacity — and  wraps it around a high pressure gas filled damping chamber.  The unit sports stylish aluminum caps at both ends and the Progressive Inertia Active System (IAS) actually separates wheel movement from chassis movement.  While this may be the best performer, the 812 is still the best “looker” and if you really want to go “whole hog”, add the optional 812 Shock Light accessory.  This little LED gem bolts right onto either the 812 or the 412 Series and can be wired directly into your bike’s braking or turn signal systems.

Works Performance Shocks have been on the street for over 35 years.  Back in 1973 they started with a line of off-road shocks with a damping system considered revolutionary for its time.  Today they make custom shocks for ATVs, touring motorcycles, off-road motorcycles, and high performance street bikes.   But you’ll find no “stock shocks” on their shelves – this is strictly a custom, made to order operation.   Each shock is built to meet the specific requirements of its owner.

Works Performance Shock Absorber SU-0975 for Suzuki LT-R450 QuadRacer 2007-2009 US $1,360.11

Works Performance Shock Absorber HO-3175 for Honda TRX450ER Electric Start 07-09 US $1,360.11

Works Performance Shock Absorber HO-3175 for Honda TRX450R 2004-2009 US $1,360.11

Works Performance Shock Absorber YA-3623 for Yamaha YFZ450 SE 2007-2008 US $1,359.01

Works Performance Shock Absorber YA-3623 Yamaha YFZ450 Bill Balance Edition US $1,359.01

Works Performance Shock Absorber YA-3626 for Yamaha YFZ450 2005-2009 US $1,359.01

Works Performance Shock Absorber YA-3626 for Yamaha YFZ450 SE 2007-2008 US $1,359.01

Works Performance Shock Absorber YA-3626 Yamaha YFZ450 Bill Balance Edition US $1,359.01

Works Performance Shock Absorber YA-3627 for Yamaha YFZ450 2005-2009 US $1,359.01

Works Performance Shock Absorber YA-3627 for Yamaha YFZ450 SE 2007-2008 US $1,359.01

Works Performance Shock Absorber YA-3627 Yamaha YFZ450 Bill Balance Edition US $1,359.01

Works Performance Shock Absorber YA-3623 for Yamaha YFZ450 2005-2009 US $1,359.01

Works Performance Shock Absorber HO-3728 for Honda TRX450ER Electric Start 07-09 US $1,359.01

Works Performance Shock Absorber HO-3728 for Honda TRX450R 2004-2009 US $1,359.01

Works Performance Shock Absorber HO-3729 for Honda TRX450ER Electric Start 07-09 US $1,359.01

Works Performance Shock Absorber HO-3729 for Honda TRX450R 2004-2009 US $1,359.01

Works Performance Shock Absorber YA-1703 for Yamaha YFM700R Raptor 2007-2009 US $1,357.91

Works Performance Shock Absorber YA-1703 for Yamaha YFM700R Raptor SE 2007-2010 US $1,357.91

Works Performance Shock Absorber YA-1703 Yamaha YFM700R Raptor GYTR Edition 07 US $1,357.91

Works Performance Shock Absorber YA-1714 for Yamaha YFM700R Raptor 2007-2009 US $1,357.91

Custom Work Performance Shocks
First, they take into account the way the owner will use his or her vehicle.  It’s just plain old fashioned common sense that a shock meant for touring use is not going to perform as well in off road driving as a shock built specifically for that purpose.  Next, they consider the weight of the owner.  Again, it stands to reason that a 250 pound rider puts different stress on a shock than a 150 pound rider.  Finally, they tailor the shock to the length and chassis requirements of the make and model of the owner’s vehicle.   If you think about all these different characteristics for a moment, you’ll realize the benefits of a custom shock design over a “one size fits all” approach.

Their products can be rebuilt which makes resale value very good for owners who wish to upgrade.  Check the Internet discussion forums and you’ll find testimonials from owners who have beat the living daylights out of their vehicle for years and are surprised at how few parts need to be replaced. So how do you get a pair of works shocks?

Works Performance Shocks
If you have a street bike, browse through that category and then go the Application guide which will show the specifics of what you’ll need to know to order shocks for your specific model and make of bike.  Unfortunately there is no order form but if you download their catalog you’ll find ordering instructions at the end.  Note that you’ll need to tell them your weight and the average weight of any passengers you may have with you from time to time as well as where you typically ride your bike.  Once you’ve installed your shocks Works Performance Company gives you thirty days to test them out.  If during that time you’re not happy they will revalve and respring them at no charge, except for shipping costs.

The history of American enterprise is filled with inspirational stories of individual entrepreneurs translating a dream into reality and changing the business landscape.  One of the best known tales is that of Apple Computer, where a couple guys named Steve — Jobs and Wozniak — created the personal computer in a neighborhood garage.  Fox Shocks has a similar story, and in some ways, an even more inspirational one.

Houser A-arms Fox DSC Evol Shocks kit Yamaha Raptor 700 US $2,999.99

+2 Laeger KTM 525 xc lt arms,fox f/r gen 2 shocks US $2,895.00

Laeger KTM 505sx lt arms,fox f/r gen 2 shocks US $2,895.00

Fox Shocks+Houser Long Travel A-arms Suzuki LTR450 R450 US $2,295.00

Houser Long Travel Arms Fox Float Shocks Yamaha YFZ450R US $2,277.29

Houser LT A-arms & Fox Shocks TRX450ER TRX450R TRX 450R US $2,173.22

Houser Long Travel Arms Fox Float Shocks Can-Am DS450 US $2,170.29

Houser Long Travel Arms Fox Float Shocks Suzuki LTR450 US $2,170.29

Houser LT A-arms & Fox Shocks TRX450ER TRX450R TRX 450R US $2,170.29

Houser Long Travel Arms Fox Float Shocks Yamaha YFZ450 US $2,170.29

CAN-AM COMMANDER 800 1000 FOX FRONT & REAR SHOCK ABSORBER KIT CANAM CAN AM NEW! US $2,129.99

LTR450 +2+1 Sport Series A-arms Fox Float X EVOL Shocks US $1,999.99

DFR Dragonfire Racing Shocks by FOX Racing Shox Polaris RZR NEW US $1,985.70

DFR Dragonfire Racing Shocks by FOX Racing Shox Yamaha Rhino NEW US $1,985.70

DFR Dragonfire Racing Shocks by FOX Racing Shox Polaris Ranger NEW US $1,985.70

DFR Dragonfire Racing Shocks by FOX Racing Shox Kawasaki Teryx NEW US $1,985.70

YFZ450 Sport Series A-arms w/ Fox Float X Shocks US $1,899.99

YFZ450 +2+1 Sport Series A-arms Fox Float X EVOL '09-10 US $1,899.99

Raptor 660 +2+1 Sport Series A-arms Fox Float X Shocks US $1,899.99

Raptor 700 +2+1 Sport Series A-Arms Fox Float X EVOL Sh US $1,899.99

Bob Fox was a motocross racer in the early 1970’s who just couldn’t find a shock to match the needs of his first love — racing.  So he used what he knew about what a shock should be able to do and went off and created his own.  And yes, he did it in a friend’s garage, using only his own hand drawn sketches and his friend’s machine lathe.  Fox motorcycle shocks were an instant hit, so much so that bike manufacturers began beefing up the quality of their original equipment shocks, leading to a gradual decline in Fox’s business.  So Bob looked to other markets to apply his engineering expertise and soon Fox Racing Shocks appeared on snowmobiles, ATV and Side by Sides  Off road vehicles, and mountain bicycles.  Through it all Bob remembered that as a racer, he was the best evaluator of his products, so to this day, all Fox Racing Shox are tested and used by professional racers.  Let’s take a brief look at a few of the offerings Fox has for some of these applications.

Fox Motorcycle Shocks
For moto racing enthusiasts the Podium RC3 is the shock of choice while those who include trail riding in their repertoire opt for the Podium RC2.  Both employ Fox’s dual speed compression technology which is fully adjustable by the end user.  The RC3 adds adjustable bottom out control technology and fast adjust spring technology.  For smaller, “mini-motorcycles” there’s the Float MXR shock.   The AVA technolgy (air volume adjustment) in this shock makes it suitable for pit racing as well as trail racing.

Fox Off Road Shocks
Fox engineering technology has been extended to the world of full size SUV’s, UTV’s, and Trucks with a full line of original equipment replacement shocks.  They also have a line of coil shocks, combining shock and spring technology into a single unit.  Their top of the line off road shocks — the By-Pass Shock — are fully user adjustable to match the terrain over which the vehicle is riding.

Fox Bicycle Shocks
Fox has bike shocks for cross country use, all mountain riding, as well as downhill and freestyle racing.   These shocks are used by champion racers all over the world and have led numerous racers to victory in a host of international racing events.  When Fox engineers found some OEM bicycle forks couldn’t make full use of their shocks, they began to design a line of replacement bicycle forks.  As is the case with their bike shocks, there are forks specifically designed to meet the needs of all racing terrains and applications, from cross country to all mountain to downhill and freestyle.

If you are wondering how Fox does this, take a minute and visit their website at Foxracingshox.com.  If you have even a little flair for engineering in you, you’ll be impressed with the care and detail that they put into the design and production of all their products.

At the onset of the Great Depression in 1931 a young Kansas auto mechanic set off for California to join his brother.  His career as a mechanic continued and flourished and in 1938 he bought the first of many cars on which he would begin to create his own high performance designs.  His first breakthrough was a revolutionary intake manifold.  One success followed another and by 1949 Vic was firmly established in his own production facility.  The Edelbrock name became legendary in racing circles and when Vic died his son kept the company going and today they are still a leader in high performance automotive products with six manufacturing, research and development, and tech center locations in California.  Although their shocks are geared toward high performance racing requirements, they also produce shocks for the ordinary driver.

New Edelbrock Xtreme Resi IAS Shocks 2005-07 F250 F350 US $440.00

STAGG SHS 4 STRUTS SHOCKS & SPRINGS BMW E36 325i 325is built 7/ 92 to 95 US $340.17

STAGG SHS STRUTS SHOCKS & SPRINGS HONDA CIVIC 03 to 05 US $318.35

STAGG SHS STRUTS SHOCKS & SPRINGS HONDA CIVIC 01 02 US $318.35

KYB 4 GR2 STRUTS SHOCKS SUBARU LEGACY AWD 4WD 95 - 99 US $299.62

STAGG SHS SET OF 4 SHOCKS & SPRINGS ACURA INTEGRA 94 to 01 US $279.71

STAGG SHS SET OF 4 SHOCKS & SPRINGS HONDA CIVIC 92 to 95 US $279.71

STAGG SHS SET OF 4 SHOCKS & SPRINGS HONDA CIVIC 96 to 00 US $279.71

STAGG SHS 4 SHOCKS & SPRINGS V6 HONDA ACCORD 98 to 02 US $279.11

STAGG SHS 4 SHOCKS & SPRINGS 4 Cyl. HONDA ACCORD 98 to 02 US $279.11

STAGG SHS 4 SHOCKS & SPRINGS HONDA ACCORD 90 to 97 US $279.11

STAGG SHS 4 SHOCKS & SPRINGS ACURA TL & TLS 99 to 03 US $279.11

STAGG SHS 4 SHOCKS & SPRINGS ACURA CL & CLS 01 to 03 US $279.11

STAGG SHS SET OF 4 SHOCKS & SPRINGS HONDA CIVIC 89 to 91 inc. Si US $271.63

KYB 4 GR-2 STRUTS SHOCKS CAMARO FIREBIRD 93 94 95 to 02 US $235.63

STAGG SHS 4 STRUTS SHOCKS MERCEDES W209 CLK320 CLK350 CLK500 CLK550 CLK55 US $229.00

STAGG 4 NEW SHOCKS STRUTS MERCEDES W209 CLK320 CLK350 CLK500 CLK55 AMG 01 - 09 US $229.00

STAGG SHS 4 STRUTS SHOCKS MERCEDES W203 C230 C240 C320 C350 C32 C55 US $229.00

KYB 4 EXCEL STRUTS SHOCKS CHEVY COBALT 05 06 07 08 US $225.56

New Edelbrock Xtreme Resi IAS Shocks 1999-03 Chevy 1500 US $220.00

Let’s take a brief look at what makes their shock absorber offerings stand out against the competition:

Performer IAS (Inertia Active System) Shocks
All Edelbrock Shocks use the patented Ricor Inertia Active System technology.  Simply put, the system involves a special valve that opens when the vehicle is traveling over rough surfaces and increases the flow of hydraulic fluid and air, resulting in a smooth ride and better handling.  Over smooth driving surfaces the valve closes, reducing flow for better handling and reduced body roll.  Performer IAS shocks are available for older cars, including AMC, GM, Ford, and Chrysler muscle cars.

Xtreme IAS Shocks
For light trucks and SUV’s Edelbrock offers the a Performer IAS Shock as well as an Xtreme Shock.  The Xtreme IAS is designed for normal driving as well as occasional off road driving and features a rolled close tube, not a welded tube, for a leak free seal.  The IAS valve in this shock is slightly larger than in a standard Performer IAS Shock.

For tougher off road driving they offer the Xtreme IAS with Remote Reservoir.  The reservoir is like a secondary hydraulic fluid tank that increase hydraulic fluid capacity during rough off road driving and maintains cool operation.  You can get Xtreme IAS shocks for lifted trucks with universal mount locations or for original equipment mount locations.  All Edelbrock shocks come with a limited lifetime warranty.

If you’d like to learn more about these shocks, visit their web site at edelbrock.com.  You’ll be impressed.  They have extensive technical specification listings and a line of product videos.  They even have their own On-line TV channel with a variety of exciting racing videos.  Enjoy!

Koni began as a maker of horse and buggy equipment in the Netherlands back in 1857.   Evolving into the automotive world was a natural progression and by the 1950’s they had become a world leader in shock absorbers with a distribution network in  over 90 countries.  They have three major subsidiary companies in France, Germany, and North America.  They offer shocks in the traditional consumer auto, RV, and motorcycle market, but they also provide shock absorber technology for Railroad use, Commercial Buses, Industrial Vehicles, and Defense Vehicles.  Let’s take a look at some of their consumer offerings.

FERRARI REAR LEVELATOR SHOCKS 365 2+2, GTC4 US $2,200.00

BRAND NEW 05-06 ORIGINAL LAMBORGHINI MURCIELAGO OEM FRONT SHOCK KONI 410412031B US $2,100.00

KONI YELLOW SPORT SHOCKS/STRUTS SET CHEVY CAMARO COUPE/CONVERTIBLE 93-02 US $1,639.00

KONI YELLOW SPORT SHOCKS/STRUTS SET FORD MUSTANG 94-04 US $1,441.00

KONI Sport Shocks Struts - 93-02 Chevrolet Camaro US $1,423.20

KONI YELLOW SPORT SHOCKS/STRUTS SET FORD MUSTANG 87-93 US $1,409.00

Koni Sport Shocks Ford Mustang 1987-1993 Double Adjust. US $1,386.00

Koni Sport Shocks Ford Mustang 1994-2004 Double Adjust. US $1,344.00

KONI YELLOW SPORT SHOCK STRUT KIT CORVETTE C5 C6 97-09 US $1,285.38

KONI YELLOW SPORT SHOCKS/STRUTS SET CHEVY CORVETTE C5/C6/Z06/ZR1 97-11 US $1,257.00

Koni Yellow Sport Shocks Struts Set Chevy Corvette C5 C6 Front And Rear US $1,251.96

KONI Sport Shocks Struts - 87-93 Ford Mustang 8 Cyl. US $1,224.00

Koni Sport Shocks BMW M3 1999-2006 US $1,218.00

LAMBORGHINI FRONT KONI ELECTRIC SHOCK OEM # 005133165 US $1,195.90

NEW Koni Shock, Bushing & Boot Kit For Ferrari 308 US $1,195.00

KONI Sport Shocks Struts - 94-04 Ford Mustang US $1,188.00

KONI Sport Shocks Struts - 97-11 Corvette US $1,173.60

KONI YELLOW SPORT SHOCKS/STRUTS SET CORVETTE C5 C6 US $1,151.84

KONI FSD SHOCKS/STRUTS SET 91-94 PORSCHE 911 964 US $1,039.00

KONI FSD SHOCKS PORSCHE 911 964 91-94 US $1,037.70

Koni Passenger Vehicle Shocks
Their base consumer shock is the STR.T.  Nicknamed the “Street Strut” you can get a pair of these for around $140 and they get high marks as original equipment replacement shocks.  Two of Koni’s first consumer shocks — the Special D and the Classic  — are still around and are  favorite replacement shocks for older vehicles.

Koni Sport Shocks were the world’s first adjustable shock and they’re still around as well.  You can get a Sport Kit that includes Koni Sport Springs in addition to the shocks and are great for lowering applications.  Koni’s newer shocks include the FSD line which combine improved handling with superior ride quality.  These shocks are available in an installation kit including Eibach springs, suitable for modest lowering applications.

For the serious driver koni offers top of the line Race Shocks.  The 28 Series Racing Shocks have been used in a variety of International Racing competitions.  For SUV and light truck owners Koni has the Heavy Track SPX shock.  For large Recreational Vehicles they have the FSD shock and a large capacity Adjustable Shock, with fully independent front suspension.  All these passenger vehicle shocks come with a full lifetime warranty and are highly regarded by experienced users all over the globe.

Koni MotorSports
Koni is not a well known name to the average consumer.  While we have all heard of Monroe and Gabriel shocks, Koni is not exactly a household name.  If you are in the market for replacement shocks and have heard of Koni but are a bit skeptical when it comes to purchasing a product with which you have little familiarity, take a moment and visit Koni’s North American web site at www.koni-na.com.  When you get there visit the Motorsports page.  Koni has shocks for a variety of racing applications, from drag racing to oval track racing to road racing.  Koni shocks are used on champion racing cars everywhere.  If these shocks are good enough for world class race car drivers, maybe they deserve a look!