Topic: My shock has a case of the winds

[eigenvector]

Can I assume that the sucking sound from my right rear shock when weight is taken off it is the sound of it desperately crying for replacement?

Is rebuilding an option here (assuming it's bad of course)?  While owning and operating this bike isn't expensive - I've noticed that good replacement shocks are one of the few high ticket items.

[Duke McDukiedook]

They were toast probably long before you bought it and were not that great to start with. I say get something new- Hagons, Ikons, etc.

[eigenvector]

Well that's not encouraging.

500 bucks for Ikon shocks is more than I paid for the entire bike - almost twice what I paid.

[Retro Rocket]

Well that's not encouraging.

500 bucks for Ikon shocks is more than I paid for the entire bike - almost twice what I paid.

Thats not the point of good shocks though, is it...   See if someone here has a second hand set of Koni's {now Ikon}, they are rebuildable and worth every cent...

[ekpent]

My hearing is really bad but I do not think I have ever actually heard my shock suck. Usually its like riding a pogo stick when you know the (your) end is near. Early K0-K1 interior black bodied shocks seem to be the worst or just the oldest.  I will pay more attention to see if I hear the groan.

[eigenvector]

The rains have returned for a bit.  So I was going to dismantle it and see what's what.

They certainly aren't very stiff, and 40 years is a LONG time for them to last - so it wouldn't surprise me in the least to find that the dampener has finally let go.

I just can't believe how expensive they are.  300 to 400 bucks is a ton of money, way more than it should be.

[eigenvector]

Worse come to worse I can snag the Dime City versions.  I don't disagree with people that you get what you pay for with suspension components, but I have my limits.

It's not dire right now, so I have time to look around and see what my options are.

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

Try Mick's suggestion. Check out classifieds or eBay. The Ikon/Koni's are good quality and rebuildable.

[seanbarney41]

Dude, almost anything is better than even properly functioning stockers...even Emgo's for about $80-$100 (probably what Dime City is pedaling) or how about Progressives for $150 or so, or Hagons for a little north of $200?


...just be glad it's not a VF500 and the only thing available starts at $600 shipped from Germany...and that's for just ONE.

[eigenvector]

I'll figure it out.  I can stable it until I come across something worthwhile and in my budget. 

Incidentally, any reason why I shouldn't get slightly taller shocks than stock?  I think the stocks are 330mm, I've seen some 335mm.  I mean 1/2 a centimeter isn't a heck of a lot but I bet it would raise my saggy behind some - and probably raise the bike up too!

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

If you cannot find Ikon/Koni's, I would recommend the Hagons.  Not spectacular, but very decent shocks.  I have them on my 550K.

[754]

Someone on here mentioned ed scent name brand shocks for around 230. 00
 I know Columbia. Car and Cycle in Nakusp BC,  can get some..

[Djfob]

Someone on here mentioned ed scent name brand shocks for around 230. 00
 I know Columbia. Car and Cycle in Nakusp BC,  can get some..

So hard to find dealers for good shocks in Canada with an online site

[Dunk]

I like my Ikons and feel they were worth the price tag. All I have to compare them to are worn out originals and worn out Emgo, so consider that along with my recommendation. I would think the Progressive shocks at $150 would be the bottom end of anything worth buying.

[PeWe]

My Ikons feels OK too. I have tested them max 200km only. Last year I had my old Marzocchi AG Strada that was good upgrade in 80's and earlier.
New parts cost some. Good shock important for me if the bike should be used for speeds around 100mph or more. City driving only might allow cheaper stuff. My Ikons look like std CB750 shocks, that's why I bought them. 4-4 will soon be mounted too. The Strada shocks do not look good with 4-4.
I have a repair kit for my old shocks, might be used for a future project.

I have had bad shocks with similar sound, car shocks. I think they had water inside too, frozen winter time.