RE: Shocks and Wind
Several years ago I replaced the worn shocks in my '85 Westy and there was a
big improvement in driving/handling (put on KYB's).  I had been running
KYB's for several years on my '90 but replaced the fronts with Bilsteins
before taking off on a long trip last month.  Was so happy with the front's
I stopped into Van Cafe in Santa Cruz and had Bilsteins put on the rear.
Very noticeable difference and well worth the money.  The KYB's are very
stiff and harsh (especially the fronts) even on just rough pavement.
Immediately after the rears were installed (just hours) drove a very
winding, twisty, narrow paved road up to Fremont Peak and found the Westy
much more stable, more 'sure footed', than with the KYB's.  And just a
couple of days before had driven two roads (one worse) and could make an
honest comparison.  I'm not knocking the KYB's, very stiff and stable road
shock, but even the smallest imperfections in the road are felt.