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What are the best shocks for my 74 rebuild? Also what is the eye to eye measurement supposed to be. I have some new stainless Hagons with the wide line springs. But they aren't that nice and I think they might not be long enough. Any help would be appreciated.

All's I know is standard shocks are ~12.75" to 13" range to shop for higher grade shock than Hagons set damping set up. So how much you want to end up spending? Ohlins can cost well over $1000, with all the bells and whistles and knobs and length adjustments.

Thanks. Those Ohlins are nice. I wonder if they make them w/o the booster valve? Just checked mine and they measure 12 3/8?! Must have had a few pints and/ or measured them off the old ones.

Ohlins and many others have whole range of shocks with and w/o various expensive features. You can look at the shocks on Norton racers for scope of hi end options. Some racers like about an inch longer shocks. I'm trying a special with 2" longer shocks. We await other reports on length range of shocks fitted.

The Manual states 13" between centres, but I've seen 12.9" mentioned also (no biggie!)

Ikons perform very well, and are well worth the investment.
I've got a pair of Falcon shocks ready to put on my proddy racer, but as I haven't built the bike yet I can't comment!
They build to order and aren't as expensive as you'd expect - depending on what your requirements are, of course.

They're still not cheap, though. It depends on what level of performance you require - Hagons are OK for a 'daily rider', and still make the correct type for the Commando.

For the price I would go the Ikons, they look the same as the old Koni shocks, I just got a new set for my project bike and the best thing is they are rebuildable and they look good as well, I have had my old Koni shocks on my Norton for 32 years I have just rebuild them and should get another 30 years use from them

Ashley

I like the Ohlins and the Ikons. Any experience with the Wilber's? Rebuilt motor and trans coming in Sept from CNW! I'll put some pics on here when I can figure out how to change the file size of my pics on my Mac.

Factory workshop manuals call it 13" center to center. If my menory isn't failing me again, the ones I've measured are more like 12.9". I used Works Performance shocks on my race Nortons for years and have been quite happy with them. I also used Konis some years back, and liked them a lot.

I've used Ohlins on other race bikes, and they are as good as it gets, although a bit pricey. I have a set I'm planning to fit to my street Commando eventually, but will have to move the mounts outboard a bit to clear the larger diameter springs. I don't know if Ohlins does a shock that is a bolt-on for Commandos.

I used slightly longer than stock shocks on the race bikes as an easy way to quicken up the steering a bit. Probably no reason to do so on a stock street bike.

Ken

I really like the Works Performance shocks. Waiting to see if they have them with a wider stainless steel spring.? Anybody get a tank made by Evan Wilcox? 8- 10 month lead time, and 1,600.00 bucks!! I don't want to spend that kind of money but I already bought one of the Indian ones and it leaked.

I think Commando Specialties is going to offer a tank built in the USA.

I am considering a set of Ikons for my 74 850. I was told that I may have to use a longer bolt and washer on the chain guard side to space it out a bit. Does this sound right? Thanks.

Vendors for Ikon are who?

Another option. I have a set of the exposed spring shocks. Look just like the originals. They have a decent ride. I am not an aggressive rider.

http://www.clubmanracing.com/shockspring.php

I believe there are 5 distributors in the USA for Ikon shocks. Google Ikon, then ck International distributors. Closest one to you is MG Cycle in Albany,WI- info@mgcycle.com. I've decided on the Works Performance billet trackers w/chrome springs.