Which shock absorbers?

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I think I mentioned it earlier, I went for the NJB Shocks. They look almost like the originals and are brightly chromed and sparkling black in all the right places. How well they’ll work only time will tell, once I get a chance to get out for a spin.
 
there you go Jim. 13.4" length 3" travel, Manx fitment.

Yeah - those look 13.4" Falcons look like the ticket if they really have 3" travel. I might want them in steel so they don't wear. And I'm thinking about rigging up alum adapter plates on my wideline - then (maybe) going with 11" shocks (with 3"travel) and laying them down at a steeper angle. I had adapter plates and twin shocks on my race frame before I worked out the monoshock details. See alum adapter plates below.

Which shock absorbers?
 
Just be careful comparing Wilbers to Nitro for pricing, for seperate low and high speed compression damping ie a reduction in damping when you hit a pronounced bump, you need the Nitro R3 shock, R1 and R2 Nitro shocks do not have the dual rate compression damping Ludwig has on his Wilbers.
I ordered some Nitron R3s (thanks for your input kommando!) some weeks ago and have been advised they have arrived in Australia.
I'll give feedback (as objective as I can) once fitted and tested.
Any advice on initial settings - from those that have experience? (BTW - I'm after comfort!)
Cheers
Rob
 
I could give you what my R2 monoshock on my Duc is setup as, but as nice as it is it probably wont do you a lick of good.

Find a suspension guru in your area.

KSS sell a lot of Nitron in NZ, and they do great tuning, but not sure that helps either.
 
Just looked at their page. Those shocks would not seem to be able to clear the chain guard on a Commando. Am I missing something here?
 
Just looked at their page. Those shocks would not seem to be able to clear the chain guard on a Commando. Am I missing something here?
The Australian suppliers have ensured me they have made alterations that allow them to clear the chainguard.
I sincerely hope you're wrong - I'll let you know in the coming days.
 
Thanks for that Gortnipper but the R3 set that I've ordered have two compression damping ( high & low speed) settings and one rebound damping setting. Guess I'll have to play a little.
 
Yeah, I know, my Duc has that on the front. I went by the manuals recommendations, and based on historicals of needing more I bumped everything a click. Then I played around for a while by using the instructions I posted above.
 
I have a 74 850 mk2a that I am recommissioning. Although it is a very low genuine mileage of just 10,000 miles it has needed quite a lot of fettling to get it to a sensible state. I was hoping just to give it an oily rag restoration as it’s spent all its life in a dry garage, but 46 years have still taken their toll in places.

now we’re in lockdown my hands can’t stay idle and it’s getting rather more attention and I’m trying to sort out some more pressing areas that won’t just polish out.

So, now it’s shock absorbers. I’ve removed them and taken off the springs, the dampers don’t, they’re knackered. So it’s time for a nice new shiny pair. Which ones? All of these are available now on eBay.

£69.95 pair Classic Bike. (Maybe these are Wassells?)

£147 Pair Hagon

£189 pair Ikon

I’m torn for choice, I doubt I will ever notice any difference whatever is fitted, what is the thinking man’s choice?
Some time back I had a refurb done by Norman White at Thruxton. He recommended the Ikon shocks which although pricey have worked well and look good. Much better than the shot originals that bottomed out over every bump.
 
But it isn't fair to compare a sacked out set of shocks to anything. We want to know how current stuff works on our Nortons.
And we want to know the pricing to establish value for money.
I like the Ikons that are made to fit the Commando rear but they are not cheap so how much better (or worse) are they compared
to say Maxton or Falcon or whatever. Will admit the dual adjustment offered on the Nitrons is pretty appealing.
 
two compression damping ( high & low speed) settings

Set the low speed compression damping first, you want a long sweeping bend with a smooth surface, adjust according to the Ducati ref above.

For the high speed compression damping you want a rough road with sharp edged holes, adjust this for max comfort whilst maintaining control, to maintain control it may not be as comfortable as you want but safety first.
 
Rob, You may find that the settings for "comfort" may not be the same as adjusting the settings for better handling performance.. As Gortnipper suggested, maybe talk to someone who does suspension professionally. This might be something they well understand and do regularly.

I think if you go with people's opinions of what is "best", you will get the best performance shocks, not necessarily the set up that gives the most comfortable ride.
 
Mine of IKON 7610 -1429 SP1 for my 850 MK3, do not touch the chainguard, no the inside of the mudguard even in pair with luggage.
I bought them for 10 years from RGM with chrome expensive springs : 280 £.;)

Number 2 at top and middle down.
 
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I need rear shocks for my 850 and have been thinking about IKONs. Have a quote from the local agent for
7610-1653 Ikon Shock 1.00 $875.00 NZ plus gst
or
76-3044 Ikon Shock 1.00 $625.00 NZ plus gst

Not sure which to buy. Do I need the 4 way adjustable 1653"s or would the non adjustable 3044 Basics be ok.

Dereck
 
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