Shorter Rear Shocks

PO had installed MDI (universal?) shocks that are approximately 11.5 inches open. They are fairly new; It does add to the look of the GL1000 and it helps in height since I'm a shorter dude.

But I've run into a few issues... I am a heavier dude and I don't know if the shocks are a good fit for me. Riding isn't too bad but if I hit the railroad tracks or a pot hole... I'm bottoming out. (pucker effect on high)

The shocks have the ability to tighten up the spring. It was on the second to last notch and I just moved it to the very last (tightest) notch today.

Has anyone found a successful "shorter" shock that will work for the GL1000 that is a tad stronger. I would really like a 12" good quality shock.

The 13" (OEM size) would be too high for my toes (in boots) to place the heels flat at stops.

Not certain but I think the 1200 shocks are shorter than 1100 and maybe 1000 shocks.

[url=https://www.classicgoldwings.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=150986#p150986:3a76s1cs said:

slabghost » Sun Jun 14, 2015 8:16 am[/url]":3a76s1cs]
Not certain but I think the 1200 shocks are shorter than 1100 and maybe 1000 shocks.

Click to expand...

Seems that the 1200 are 14.5" and the 1000/1100 are 13"

Might want to check with Progressive. They may have a shock to fit.

I knew that answer once , seem to remember it was a factory shock from another bike..I have seen set backs for GL shocks they would drop any shock down some..usually 15 bucks on ebay under shock bracket or other such heading , with those you could drop the stock shocks down..Current aftermarket shocks can be cheap in the dampening department and it sounds like yours just don't dampen all too well.
I would look for a factory or high quality aftermarket, S&W street strokers or S&W air shocks were very adjustable and dampened very well as well as Yoshimura shocks were very good but that's going back a ways ,Harley shocks seem to work and they are 12"(I think). Progressive brand gets good revues but are expensive usually.

I put 1200 shocks on my 78 to provide more cushioning. The 1200 shocks are air shocks, so adding air can increase your load carrying capability. I weigh 230 (on a light day) and don't bottom out. The bike does sit higher.

It's not a direct bolt-on; the bottom of the 1200 shocks must be modified to mate to the 1000 swing arm.

my 1100 has what appears to me to be harley shocks,i know the 70's era big twins had 12 inch shocks on them,they may work for you

So I rode for 60 miles today on the highest setting for the spring. It was decent and I didn't bottom out.

I will in the meantime look for an equivalent 12" eye-clevis version and hopefully a heavy duty one at that. I have a goal of taking this puppy on a long trip and may need to be able to ride with some weight from the gear.