Regardless of the fact if you stay on pavement, you will need a good rear shock. The Topes and potholes down below the US border throughout central and south America are a shocker, with the stock shock you will have big problems. I would not go forking out big bucks, I did and I think it was a waste of money in hindsight.
I would definately get a larger stiffer shock and have it designed for the 450kg you expect, but it will need to be revalved as well or you will have riding issues, this is hard to do on the stock shock. Another option is if you visit the states, go and see Suspensions by Sasquatch, he will modify the original shock for your weight with a stiffer spring, plus add different valves and it will be modified so the shock can be serviced by anyone afterwards.
I went that route just recently before I returned to Oz and the bike has performed extremely well on the highways and through the desert and corrugations, carrying around the same weight, including extra water and fuel. It still uses the original remote preload and damping controls.
Cheers
TS
Last edited by TravellingStrom; 15 Apr 2010 at 02:50.
Reason: spelling
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