82 Seca XJ750RJ Replacement Shocks

Getting close to the end of my Seca rennovation and looking to replace the rear shocks. Right now the likely candidates are Progressive 12 Series shocks (PN: 12-1201B in black) with Progressive springs (PN: 03-1367C in chrome). Does anybody have any experience/input/opinion on this choice? Good call; bad call; alternatives; I hate you Rick?

 

I've got Progressive 12-series on both of my 550 Secas (different PNs of course) and I'm VERY happy with them. One bike has chrome springs one has black. Highly recommended.

 

your stock springs will fit those if you want to save a few bucks

 

Thanks Polock; as you may have noticed, I'm always looking for ways a save money ... I'll have to recheck their (cosmetic) condition; maybe I can clean them up.

 

So I got my new shocks today, but it looks like I'm gonna need some new springs as well. I pulled one of the old shocks off, removed the spring, and attempted to clean it up. Although it may look all right in the photo, it's badly rusted and pitted on the inside and the bike looks too pretty to put it back on.

Also, the stock spring is shorter than the Progressive replacements. Stock spring is 9 inches vice 9.37 inches (according to Progressive) for the Progressive spring. The stock shock is also about .5 inches shorter (12 inches vice 12.5). Anyway, a set of new springs are on the way...

 

i think you just wanted new springs

 

Shhh... Don't tell my wife.

 

The bottom eyelet of the 12 Series shock is offset (rather than centered on the shock body). The installation instructions state:

"Note: The lower shock mounts are offset to allow clearance between the shocks and the motorcycle. Install the shocks with offset towards the motorcycle."

Dumb question of the day: Does this mean that the lower mount eyelet faces outward? Fitz, tried looking thru your gallery pics but couldn't tell from the photos.

 

I'm curious, did you order the heavy duty springs or just the regular ones? I'm considering replacing mine this spring and am still not sure which springs to choose. I'm not that big and typically don't ride 2 up, I was thinking of just going with the regular duty springs. It would be great to hear what your impressions of the new springs/shocks are too!

 

gomk I have the progressive 412's in heavy duty and I am 300lbs and often carry a decent amount of stuff with me. I have them set on the 2nd preload and they are good for me. If your not carrying that kind of weight regularly I would go with standard weight springs.

 

I finally got my brakes bled and my rear shocks (PN: 12-1201B) installed this weekend. I chose the standard Progressive springs (PN: 03-1367B) in black. Installing the springs on the shock was not hard but required a little improvising. I used some scrap lumber and ratcheting cargo straps to compress the springs onto the shocks (sorry, no pics...).

I took an hour test ride today with the springs set in the middle (third) setting. I am ~240lbs, and felt like the shocks were a little too firm. I will back them down to setting two on the next ride and see if there is a noticable difference. In any event, I do not regret NOT buying the HD springs. FWIW, I got the shocks/springs from Powersport Superstore (thru Amazon). The prices were $150 for the shocks and $65 for the springs (both with free shipping).