Non air shocks?

[Bdog]

My air shocks are hooped! They hold 22lbs of air all winter but in -40 weather all winter, the one shock has been leaking a lot of oil on the floor. I would like to replace them with progressive shocks and get away from air all together. The problem is that I can't find any shocks for the nomad out there. The closest I can get is for the 1600 classic. They look the same but will they fit?..Bdog

[strobe]

The Progressive 440's will fit, there is a spacer kit you need for the top as well or you can make your own spacer (or use washers).

Here is another forum discussion on the Progressive shocks for the Nomad, there is some debate on the stock Nomad shock length (12.5 or 13, most seem to go with the 440HD 12.5" for the Nomad:

http://www.kawasakimotorcycle.org/forum/kawasaki-cruisers/64683-progressive-440-hd-shocks-06-nomad.html

[coot]

Replaced my air shocks with Progressive 412 series




























































Replaced my air shocks with Progressive 412 series #412-4213C, 13" from Phat Performance. $200.95 including shipping.

I can not tell if there is any difference in the ride as compared to OME air shocks.

Have about 13,000 miles and one year riding on these shocks including two weeks riding the twisties in N.C. {Tail of The Dragon}.

The OME air shocks on my 06 Nomad started leaking oil at around 8000 miles. It is my opinion, that air shocks are not needed on this bike. My choice was to eliminate the concern for air and oil leaks in the future.

[Bdog]

Good to hear guys..thanks..I will check into progressive shocks.

[ringadingh]

Mine leak down over the winter also, I check them a couple times a season and usually they are close to where I set them.

[Bdog]

Mine are still holding 22lbs of air but the left shock is leaking oil severly. I wanted to go with progressive shocks to eliminate air completely. I find air shocks to be too cushy and I'm use to sport bikes. I think the nomad will handle way better with out air shocks. Also want to install the fork springs and avon cobra radials. I know the nomad is not a sport bike but I feel it needs some help in the handling department and this combination should be a huge improvement....Bdog

[redeye]

You know every time you check your shock's air pressure, you lose 5psi when the air gauge is removed from the valve stem........

[gghost]

Unless you use a lossless gage. My hand pump is that type.

[coacha]

Unless you use a lossless gage. My hand pump is that type.

+1 on that. Get a no loss hand pump and you might lose 1 but not much more than that.

I talked to the Progressive guy at Bike Week and he said 440 or 412 for the Nomad. 440's run $500, I think, from them. 412's run $200 something. Again, I am not certain of those prices.

I'm with you on the new fork springs and the shocks though. I have to get the $$ saved up to do both.

[gghost]

How tall should the shock be? I see that strobe mentioned 12.5" to 13". I would need the HD http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif

[Top Cat]

Couple questions , I could look it up but I'm sure you guys know the answer;
What makes the 440's worth $300 more than the 412's and what would you put in for front springs?
I would like to improve the ride of my Nomad in the future.

[strobe]

How tall should the shock be? I see that strobe mentioned 12.5" to 13". I would need the HD http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif

On the progressive site they only list a 12.5" in the HD (which is recommended for riders over 200lbs or those that ride 2 up a lot). There is a 13" in the regular shock. The reference to the two sizes is because there is some question as to what the stock length is. Some say 12.5" others say 13". I honestly am not sure what the real answer is, but a lot of people have used the 12.5" and there is no issue. Based on the progressive site, It does not seem that there is a 13 option for you in the HD.

[strobe]

Couple questions , I could look it up but I'm sure you guys know the answer;
What makes the 440's worth $300 more than the 412's and what would you put in for front springs?
I would like to improve the ride of my Nomad in the future.

Not sure what the technical difference is, but the 440's look nicer in my opinion, but that really does not matter on a Nomad.

The front springs are usually replaced with progressive springs as well. The Progressive part number is 11-1144. They are quite cheap and make a big difference for some people. I have them on one bike and thought there was a difference, but not sure how big of one. The cost though is quite low for the spring kit, so likely worth doing.

[Bdog]

Strobe..thanks for all the info and part #'s. I agree..I think I'll go with the 412..12.5" and the spring kit for the forks. I see you live in the hat..we should get together some time this spring...by the way..nice looking bike ya got there...Bdog

[strobe]

Bdog,

No problem, I research things waaaaay to much before I do them, so if I have even looked at it I usually have some info, sometimes it is even useful... :). One site I found helpfull specifically for the front springs is this one (http://nomad.eurekaboy.com/progressivesprings.htm), it is a fairly easy procedure for the front end.

Thanks, The bike right now is a work in progress, added the Tour Pak and fairing, have to pull the fairing for electrical, paint, chrome now and put the shield back on so I can ride now though. I love that solo look you have going on your bike....my wife would really not like if I did that to mine. Always up for riding here....as long as there is no snow!

[gghost]

Thanks strobe

[strobe]

Strobe..thanks for all the info and part #'s. I agree..I think I'll go with the 412..12.5" and the spring kit for the forks. I see you live in the hat..we should get together some time this spring...by the way..nice looking bike ya got there...Bdog

Bdog,

There is this thread in the garage section that explains the difference between the 412 and the 440. Bruce McCrary explains:

"The reason the 440's get better reviews and are more expensive than the 412's are because the 440's dampen on both compression and rebound. The 412 have rebound only dampening. The 412's would be a good replacement for the factory shocks if the OEM's were faulty as the Progressive units are much cheaper. But if your looking to make an improvement over stock I'd look to the 440's. "

http://kawanow.proboards77.com/index.cgi?board=nomad&action=display&thread=9585

In your case Bdog they are replacements for the stock, not looking to get the 'upgrade' as much as fix the leaking shock, so the 412's are about the same overall as the stock is what I got from that thread.