Rear shock choices

[Jonez69]

I plan to replace the rear shocks on my 74' Commando. Emgo? Girling? Hagon? I"m just looking for a replacement for the original shocks, just pleasure cruising, rarely two up, and taking it easy.
Thank you for your replies!

 

[Desmopower]

Hagon for stock look or Ikon for upgraded ride comfort.

 

[Craig]

I got the Hagons , strictly solo rider , they work great

 

[B+Bogus]

For the price the EMGO perform well, but I can't comment on longevity.
For long term ownership I think Ikon are worth the investment.

 

[concours]

For performance, the IKON stands high.

IKON Suspension USA

The Best Aftermarket Motorcycle Shock Manufacturer In The World

ikonsuspensionusa.com

Emgo is decorative only. Fake damping. Learn from my mistakes. Buy once, cry once.

Edit: OP, I just re-read your post.
"just pleasure cruising, rarely two up, and taking it easy."

Why are you replacing the original shocks? Esthetic reasons? Poor damping?

 

[ashman]

Koni shocks were the go back in the day, now Ikon shocks and the good thing they are rebuildable, i brought my Koni shocks for my Norton in 1978 and only rebuilt them about 12 years ago, the rebuild kit cost $40 from Ikon and wasn't a hard job to do 1 1/2 hrs for the first one, 30 mins for the second one.

Ashley

 

[robs ss]

I strongly recommend you look at Nitron R3 shocks - not OEM looking but jeez they're good for your back and kidneys!
I'd rate these as one of my best purchases. They were recommended to me by our @kommando about 5 years ago.
They have three damping settings - one compression and two rebound (I think)
I got rid of all the stickers so the black just blends in.
Cheers

EDIT: To make them clear the chain guard I had a couple of stainless spacers made for me that lift the spring to the top. Let me know if you're interested

 

[BERT]

My Hagons didn't last. The thin metal cap at the top of the cylinder would not stay seated and kept popping off, probably by the spring catching it. Then the other side started the same. I fiddled with it trying to keep it in place with loctite etc.Then the seal started to leak oil so off they came and on went Ikon's. Great shocks. Australian company too I believe

 

[nortonmargie]

I have Hagons and have had no problems.

 

[Fast Eddie]

I had some cheap replica shocks on a T140 I bought. The guy was a big Wassell user, so I suspect that’s whence they came, but don’t know for sure.

They looked really good, but the damping was none existent and the ride quality awful, changing them transformed the bike.

I sold them to a bloke on eBay who was over the moon with them! Take from that what you will…!

 

[olympus]

I've had NJB shocks on my bike for a number of years, and it has to be said. I'm really happy with them

 

[jseng1]

May Hagons failed. Very happy with the Ikons.

 

[phippsy]

Ikon rate them very high

 

[jseng1]

photos of mounted IKONs here: https://jsmotorsport.com/ikon-rear-shocks-for-nortons//

 

[Metisse11]

My favourite Commando shocks are Falcon, manufactured in Wareham Poole UK, made to measure and value for money, either steel bodies or alloy.

 

[Jonez69]

For performance, the IKON stands high.

IKON Suspension USA

The Best Aftermarket Motorcycle Shock Manufacturer In The World

ikonsuspensionusa.com

Emgo is decorative only. Fake damping. Learn from my mistakes. Buy once, cry once.

Edit: OP, I just re-read your post.
"just pleasure cruising, rarely two up, and taking it easy."

Why are you replacing the original shocks? Esthetic reasons? Poor damping?

As to why I want to replace them, I simply assumed after 32,000 miles and 50 years, they would be due for replacement. I have only rode this bike about 200 miles since I bought it , so my experience on the original shocks is limited. They would definitely need new rubber mounting bushes. Could I expect more service life out of these shocks at this age and this many miles? Esthetically, the originals would match the bike better as I am leaving the appearance with all its beauty scars intact.

 

[Desmopower]

At that age & mileage a shock replacement would be money well spent, Hagons are a good choice if you want to retain the stock look but Ikons are indeed a big step up in terms of performance.

 

[Norceans of time]

I Bought Emgo rears discovered steel inserts in the rubber bushings top and bottom are 1/4" wider than stock necessitating filing to fit the upper mount slot. Ride much better than the 50 year old stocks

 

[B+Bogus]

I Bought Emgo rears discovered steel inserts in the rubber bushings top and bottom are 1/4" wider than stock necessitating filing to fit the upper mount slot. Ride much better than the 50 year old stocks

That's strange - I just fitted a pair to my Combat build and they slotted straight in.
I've fitted quite a few now, and never had this problem. Do you have the part number?

 

[batrider]

I'm using the NJBs. These replaced some Konis which had been on there since the 70's. I can't tell any difference honestly.