rear shocks

[daryle105]

rear shocks removal is their a tech tip

[Mr Jensee]

Not rocket science. I replaced mine in about an half hour. Remove the saddle bags and everything is accessible. Remove one shock and replace it or if working on it, at a time and let the other shock hold up the rear end. I replaced the stocks with Progressives and the new shocks came with instructions. I just unscrewed the air lines and tucked them under the seat since the Progressives don't require air. If you buy Progressives, the box will come with mounting instructions.

[SgtSlag]

Welcome to the forum!

I would recommend the Kawasaki Service Manuals, the main, and the supplement book, for all things related to maintaining these bikes. Available in both hard copies, and PDF formats. There are no aftermarket books, such as Haynes, or Clymer, for the Voyager XII -- I looked, and asked...

Are you changing oil in the OEM shocks, or replacing them? Cheers!

[metric]

I just install Progressives rear shocks on the bike, not to bad the "pizza box" had to be removed to get them install, took an hour, Carl change the front ones for me in 2011. The ride it's much batter with Progressives I can believe the difference the bike feels higher and more stiff.

[Captain]

Hi
Looks like the rear shocks are needing replacing on my 200 B14 as they are leaking oil. The job looks easy enough, I just need some advice on replacements. I've been looking at the 416-1622A Progressives with the air adjustment. How easy is it to adapt the air fittings? Is it worthwhile fitting ones with air adjustment? I weigh about 250lbs and my wife is about 110lbs. Would these be suitable? Over here in the UK, they cost around £340 so I want to make sure I spend wisely

Cheers
Steve

[SgtSlag]

The 416's can be re-built (seals can be replaced), but you will need to monitor/add air periodically; I believe most of us want to avoid the hassles of using air, as well as saving money. The 412's are sealed, gas-charged (high pressure), and maintenance-free, but they cannot be re-built -- they also cost roughly 1/3 less than the 416's.

As to fitting the air lines to the 416's, that is something I would call/e-mail the manufacturer about. I've looked at their web site, and it does not state that you need their adapter kit to make the OEM air lines fit. They likely will connect easily, but the maker can tell you for sure.

Most folks on this forum have gone with the 412 series of shocks, with the Heavy Duty springs (recommended for riding primarily two up, or if the driver is 250 lbs., or more). The 416's are adjustable with air only, one standard spring type is all they come with.

I went with Standard Duty springs, on a set of 412's. After 10,000 miles, and three years, one shock is leaking oil. I contacted the company by e-mail, but I received no response (NOTE: the warranty is only one year, I was just hoping they would offer me some type of assistance, even though they were not obligated to do anything; e-mail is not reliable, so they may not have even received my inquiry). I ordered a replacement set, off of e-Bay (saved $70 off every shop's listed prices that I could find on the Internet!), with Heavy Duty springs. I seem to be the only owner to have had problems with the 412 shocks.

The 412's are considered to be entry-level quality shocks, even though the are typically better than OEM. The next level up, are shocks in the neighborhood of $500+ per pair (this is where the 416's come in at).

Here is a link to the 412's, with H-D springs: e-bay auction. The price, shipped to the UK, in British Pounds, as of today's exchange rate, is (L)174.94. Here is a link for a pair of 416's for a Voyager 1200: e-Bay link. These are priced at (L)244.91, delivered to the UK by USPS International Priority Mail. Best of luck. Cheers!