Rear shocks

Status
Not open for further replies.
Snorton74

Snorton74

Joined
Jul 28, 2012
Messages
1,132
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.

Rear shocks
 
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 :roll:

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 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.
 
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.
 
I'm using Progressive shocks and springs on my '74 and they're fine. Different spring rates are available to suit rider weight and expected payload.

Rear shocks
 
I really like progressive suspension. Have them on a Santa Cruz downhill mountain bike . Starting to have 2nd thoughts on the Works Performance shocks, as I've just read a couple bad reviews. Both reviewers noted poor customer service and leaking issues.? Waiting to hear back from Wilber's. Where did you get your Progressive shocks?
 
Congratulations Maylar.
You have the shiniest seat knobs I have ever seen!
The one in the photo looks like a little mirror reflecting your image back at us. :lol:
 
I have the Hagons, my only complaint is riding solo they are pretty firm, at lowest preload. But two up the ride is nice. I have the Landsdowne front end treatment with home made teflon bushes, the front end is luxurious. Funny I never noticed the rear being harsh until I got the front sorted? Your bike is spotless Maylar, I hope you don't trailer it around. Sorry mate, please don't take offence! But are your progressive comfortable, I have them on my Shovelhead and they really transformed the old truck, now I can ride all day on the Shove and still walk afterward.
Cheers Richard
 
I put a set of Ikons on the Commando and they do touch the chain guard slightly, they were used and off a modern Bonnie, so swapped out the springs for 215's and its very nice to ride....I pinched them for a while and used them on my BMW racer and they worked well on that too.
Koni dial a rides are the same and I got parts off Ikon to rebuild a set of Konis.
Easy to rebuild, I posted on ADV rider on how to do it.
http://advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=808690
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

V
  • Locked
Marzocchi Strada rear shocks [Deleted]
Replies
2
Views
115
ventkj
V
jseng1
Rear shocks for wideline and slimline
Replies
16
Views
678
jms
jms
mean gene
Good reasonable priced rear shocks
2 3
Replies
52
Views
3,776
acotrel
acotrel
N
New Girling rear shockers
Replies
3
Views
457
marshg246
marshg246
jseng1
rear shock tuning
Replies
12
Views
836
acotrel
acotrel
Back
Top