Need replacement shock advice for 1995 Vulcan 1500A

4772 Views 25 Replies 11 Participants Last post by Rollthedice13, Jul 31, 2015

Spots

Discussion Starter · Feb 18, 2015

I recently picked up a 1500A that some genius has hard tailed with struts. What would be your recommendation for replacements? Something a lil beefier than stock would be preffered. Thanks guys

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madhatter4119

· #2 · Feb 18, 2015

Hi...eBay if full of motorcycle stuff...All depends what your looking for...If you want to lower it a little...I would look for some 10.5" to 11.5"...A lot of Harley shocks work on a Vulcan...How nice of a pair are you looking for...A lot of Vulcan owners spend big money for progressive shocks...I have a small budget , so most of my mods are done as cheap as possible...I might have some shocks around here if your interrested in seeing what I have...Just P M me your email and/or phone number and I'll either text or email some pictures of what I have that will fit your bike...OK...Oh yea, we love pictures here...Hint Hint Hint...Good Luck...Later

Joelg

· #3 · Feb 18, 2015

I've been happy with my new Progressive springs, 2007 Vn1500 Classic.

http://www.progressivesuspension.com/product/1408/412-series-shocks

Joel

kcducttaper

· #4 · Feb 18, 2015

Can you actually tell the difference with progressive shocks? I've been curious about them, but have gotten the general impression that you can't really tell the difference anyways.

madhatter4119

· #5 · Feb 18, 2015

Did you go with the black or chrome..? I found a good used pair for an older 1500A I had...Loved them...When I put a set in the front...felt like a different bike...

madhatter4119

· #6 · Feb 18, 2015

I didn't feel much of a difference on the rear...But as stated above...the front was a noticeable improvement...

Spots

Discussion Starter · #7 · Feb 18, 2015

madhatter4119 said:
Hi...eBay if full of motorcycle stuff...All depends what your looking for...If you want to lower it a little...I would look for some 10.5" to 11.5"...A lot of Harley shocks work on a Vulcan...How nice of a pair are you looking for...A lot of Vulcan owners spend big money for progressive shocks...I have a small budget , so most of my mods are done as cheap as possible...I might have some shocks around here if your interrested in seeing what I have...Just P M me your email and/or phone number and I'll either text or email some pictures of what I have that will fit your bike...OK...Oh yea, we love pictures here...Hint Hint Hint...Good Luck...Later

I need to get an eye to eye measurement on the struts they put in. Its extremely low right now. Probably to the point that a shock would be ineffective if it was that length. It looks good but comfort and performance are more important to me in the long run. Ill send you a pm and see what you might have. Ive looked at a set of 12.5" sporster shocks local, but worry they will be sprung to soft for the 1500. I dont care to replace bushings but don't wanna get into shock rebuilds, different springs, etc. Oh and the Picture you asked for. This was 2 days ago when I brought her home. Shes now in the garage cozy and warm.

Joelg said:
I've been happy with my new Progressive springs, 2007 Vn1500 Classic.

http://www.progressivesuspension.com/product/1408/412-series-shocks

Joel

Thank you I will look into those.

Jordan

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Joelg

· #8 · Feb 18, 2015

I replaced mine due to the factory (rear) leaking shock oil over my tire, so I definitely noticed an improvement.

I also went with the HD version, as I do a lot of two up riding and was bottoming out reasonably often (although neither of us are particularly heavy - probably 330lbs combined).

Joel

Spots

Discussion Starter · #9 · Feb 18, 2015

A little less snow covered picture

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madhatter4119

· #10 · Feb 19, 2015 (Edited)

Great pictures...thanks...Do you need that left side cover...with those bars...I would look into shaving those ears (Air Filters)...If you want to keep that fender like it is...I wouldn't be going higher than 11.5" on the shocks...I'm up in the Maryland area...If you
ever get up this way ( Truck Driver ) for any reason...give me a yell and I'll give you my
phone number...Well...is she running good or what...? Later

PS...WELCOME TO THE FORUM

Spots

Discussion Starter · #11 · Feb 19, 2015 (Edited)

madhatter4119 said:
Great pictures...thanks...Do you need that left side cover...with those bars...I would look into shaving those ears (Air Filters)...If you want to keep that fender like it is...I wouldn't be going higher than 11.5" on the shocks...I'm up in the Maryland area...If you
ever get up this way ( Truck Driver ) for any reason...give me a yell and I'll give you my
phone number...Well...is she running good or what...? Later

PS...WELCOME TO THE FORUM

Thanks for the welcome. I plan on ear shaving when my filters and jet kit get ear. I marbled it yesterday until I can make a set of coasters. And no the covers are good. I may do a set of 11.t" shocks. Im gonna put in a little ride tike to see if I like it this nlow. I will definitely hit you up if I ever get u0 that way. And she is running good.Thanks man

Krooser

· #12 · Feb 19, 2015

Shocks

Spots said:
I recently picked up a 1500A that some genius has hard tailed with struts. What would be your recommendation for replacements? Something a lil beefier than stock would be preffered. Thanks guys

I put a set of Progressive 412's on my 1500 with the HD springs (never get the regular ones) for about $225 and I put the Progressive springs in the front with new oil. The bike is night and day on both ends from what it was. The bike doesn't dive in corners anymore and it handles much better. Also no bottoming out with 2 up riding. Cheap fun!

madhatter4119

· #13 · Feb 21, 2015 (Edited)

Your Welcome...I'm not a fan of those forum that treat a new member like crap...they give noobs the blues...Look, you may want to give some thought about that ear shaving mod if your bike is running pretty good...those carbs are a bit of a pain where a pill can't reach to get out and dialed in...Here's a link to the place where I got my jet kit because if the bike is running pretty good...all your really doing is changing the jets...you need to dial in the pilot , mid range and the (Wide Open Throttle) WOT circuits...they provide everything you need to do that...for a fairly good price and free shipping...Look around their site and use their calculator and fill in the mods done section and it will custom your kit to the mods you have done or going to do...your call if you want to check them out...good luck...

http://carbjetkits.com/kawasaki-jet-kits/kawasaki-1500-cc-jet-kits.html

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martydogg

· #14 · Mar 1, 2015

Product Auto part Suspension part Cylinder Suspension

I have these stock Kawasaki air shocks if you like. I had them on my last 1500, which I put back all stock before I sold it. My current 1500 already has these already.

Sent from Motorcycle.com Free App

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Spots

Discussion Starter · #15 · Mar 2, 2015

martydogg said:
[iurl="http://www.vulcanforums.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=104554&d=1425228706"]

[/iurl]
I have these stock Kawasaki air shocks if you like. I had them on my last 1500, which I put back all stock before I sold it. My current 1500 already has these already.

Sent from Motorcycle.com Free App

I actually got a set of Dyna shocks from a buddy. Once I drill the bushings Ill report back on how they do.

ack1500

· #16 · Mar 3, 2015

+1 on the Progressives

+1 ( or 2 ) on the Progressive 412's on Amazon. I put the heavy duty versions on my 2006 1500 Classic and it made a noticeable difference, no more bottoming out. Well worth it ( bought the chrome versions ).

Kawi Rick

· #17 · Mar 3, 2015

Spots, Nice bike. I'm on the fence with the ear shave mod. I get why people do it, but to me the filters are the most visual element on the bike that show what you have. When ever I see one with the filters, I can immediately tell it's a 90's Vulcan. Welcome to the forum.

nick0187

· #18 · Mar 11, 2015 (Edited)

How would I fit Harley shocks to my Vulcan?, you weren't kidding about Harley shocks being much cheaper. I have a 1500A and want it lowered, was thinking 11.5" shocks. Does anybody have a picture of their bike lowered around that much?

madhatter4119

· #19 · Mar 12, 2015

I have used Harley shock on a 1500A...these came off a harley...these were 10.5 or 11" progressives...

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nick0187

· #20 · Mar 14, 2015 (Edited)

thanks or the pic, looks great! Did you have to modify the shocks at all or are they just bolt on?

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