Topic: Ikon shocks and progressive front springs

[72 yellow]

The Ikon factory is just 200 miles up the road from me, but Ikon shocks are cheaper to buy in the US than here, go figure. Anyhoo, I've got them on my BMW K100RS, R1100GS, and my Harley XLH1200.

Great shocks, the Australian distributor bought the rights to produce Koni motorcycle shocks when Koni ceased motorcycle shock production, and the quality is as good, or better than Koni. Ikon is an "anagram" of Koni.    

Terry, Did you also replace the front springs on your sportster or just the rear shocks ??

[NobleHops]

Ahoy lads, and thanks for the good words here and there. Just noticed this thread, don't mind me if I chime in.

We do indeed offer a 10% discount for this gang, use the discount code SOHC4 at checkout and it will calculate that before you pays yer dough. With my compliments, I owe this community about a zillion kindnesses, I'll never catch up.

We have a few options for the SOHC bikes, the 76 series is a slimmer lighter shock that has the very same damper as the 7610, but it is not adjustable for damping. Even so, it will be light years above the played out stock shocks or the POS Tec shocks that are found at the repro parts vendors. We also have very nice progressive fork springs, but the selection of spring rate of those is relatively limited. It matters a little less up front, but if you are much more than 250# we are a bit limited in what we can do for you.

The 7610 is the classic Ikon and it is as someone pointed out, identical to the Koni 7610 that was the cat's a$$ when our bikes were new. They are rebuildable, 4-way adjustable for damping, and carry a 1 year warranty. I am also factory trained in servicing these and have a big hoard of parts and factory tools. We can also do some custom things with the 7610: add or delete covers, create non standard spring and body finish combinations, whatever you can cook up. It's like playing Mr Potato Head with shocks :-).

Where I strive to add value is in helping folks with selection and by swapping springs when it is needed, and we do this at no cost, at least 30% of the time. There is a shelf full of alternate springs in the next room in chrome and black powdercoat, and if it is needed and I have it, I swap them out at no cost and ship, usually same day. If I don't have the spring for an in-stock shock, it's usually a 2 week thing to get them. This is something I feel strongly about - getting the sag and spring rate correct is so crucial to suspension performance and also really affects the motorcycle's geometry and handling. It boils down to comfort, confidence and control. When your bike is dialed in it just feels better, and safer, and it is more fun.

OK, thats enough hijacking from me, but feel free to ask if you have any questions, or drop me a line, or whatever you wish. And thanks as always for the fantastic support.

Best,

Nils Menten
nils@restocycle.com

[Terry in Australia]

Terry, Did you also replace the front springs on your sportster or just the rear shocks ??

Thanks mate, no the front feels pretty stiff, and seeing that the original owner installed some stupid "Progressive" brand shorty shocks on the rear (I'm 6 foot 4, so don't need no stinking shorty shocks) I'm guessing that he installed harder front springs too.

[72 yellow]

 :

Terry, Did you also replace the front springs on your sportster or just the rear shocks ??

Thanks mate, no the front feels pretty stiff, and seeing that the original owner installed some stupid "Progressive" brand shorty shocks on the rear (I'm 6 foot 4, so don't need no stinking shorty shocks) I'm guessing that he installed harder front springs too.

Thank you, sir 

[Dunk]

I have the same setup as PeWe on my K1. I'm very happy with performance as compared to worn out factory parts or the new China junker $100 shocks. Can't compare to other new quality shocks though as I've not used any other brand or model. The front is a little soft for spirited riding with the progressive springs. 15w fork oil helped a little (10w originally). It's plenty good for my typical riding though.

[markreimer]

I just overhauled my front forks. Adjusted the preload a bit, put the progressive springs in (denser coils at the top) and 160cc of synthetic atf fluid. It had been embarrassingly long since I changed the fork oil. Combined with the Ikon rear, my cb750 has never felt better. I changed to tapered steering bearings at the same time and the whole bike just feels so much lighter and smoother.


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[NobleHops]

I just overhauled my front forks. Adjusted the preload a bit, put the progressive springs in (denser coils at the top) and 160cc of synthetic atf fluid. It had been embarrassingly long since I changed the fork oil. Combined with the Ikon rear, my cb750 has never felt better. I changed to tapered steering bearings at the same time and the whole bike just feels so much lighter and smoother.


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I have *mumble* motorcycles, and the one thing they all have in common is upgraded suspension. It is so worth it.

/selfserving

[Stev-o]

I just overhauled my front forks. Adjusted the preload a bit, put the progressive springs in (denser coils at the top) and 160cc of synthetic atf fluid. It had been embarrassingly long since I changed the fork oil. Combined with the Ikon rear, my cb750 has never felt better. I changed to tapered steering bearings at the same time and the whole bike just feels so much lighter and smoother.


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I have *mumble* motorcycles, and the one thing they all have in common is upgraded suspension. It is so worth it.

Wait, Nlls....I missed that. How many?!

[NobleHops]

There are 5 registered "riders" all with upgraded suspension:

R1200GS
F650GS
DRZ400E
ST1100
CBX

and... 16 in the restoration queue. #$%*, I have 21 motorcycles. Why did you make me count.

4 twin shock CBX
2 75 Z1s (Not the one I just restored)
3 SOHC 750s
1 SOHC 500
1 H1 500
1 SOHC 350F
1 CL 360
1 XS 650
2 CT 70

I have a motorcycle problem :-)

[Stev-o]

There are 5 registered "riders" all with upgraded suspension:

R1200GS
F650GS
DRZ400E
ST1100
CBX

and... 16 in the restoration queue. #$%*, I have 21 motorcycles. Why did you make me count.

4 twin shock CBX
2 75 Z1s (Not the one I just restored)
3 SOHC 750s
1 SOHC 500
1 H1 500
1 SOHC 350F
1 CL 360
1 XS 650
2 CT 70

I have a motorcycle problem :-)

Sorry!   I counted last week and had more that I thought! [17]  But hey, I just sold one so I am down to a measly 16.

[NobleHops]

Sorry!   I counted last week and had more that I thought! [17]  But hey, I just sold one so I am down to a measly 16.

YOU, sir, have a motorcycle problem. I like that :-).

Spill the beans, what's in the fleet?

[kmb69]

Sorry!   I counted last week and had more that I thought! [17]  But hey, I just sold one so I am down to a measly 16.

YOU, sir, have a motorcycle problem. I like that :-).

Spill the beans, what's in the fleet?

Congratulations! Sounds like both of you guys are well on the road to recovery! 

My wife says I have a problem!      I have *mumble* motorcycles!    

[Stev-o]

Sorry!   I counted last week and had more that I thought! [17]  But hey, I just sold one so I am down to a measly 16.

YOU, sir, have a motorcycle problem. I like that :-).

Spill the beans, what's in the fleet?

Congratulations! Sounds like both of you guys are well on the road to recovery! 

My wife says I have a problem!      I have *mumble* motorcycles!    

Ah....excuse me Keith, I missed that!   I've heard you have quite the shop, would love to stop by one day when I am visting Bud.

Current fleet:

5 - CB750 [2 running]
2 - CB550 [1 running]
1 - Kaw Z1 [running]
2 - Kaw H1 [1 running]
2 - Kaw H2 [1 is current project]
1 - Kaw GPZ550 [running]
1 - Yam RD350
1 - Suzi TS250
1 - Puch 50 [running]

And shopping!!

[kmb69]

.....
Ah....excuse me Keith, I missed that!   I've heard you have quite the shop, would love to stop by one day when I am visting Bud.
.....

You are welcome any time. Usually out in the shop 7 days a week.

[NobleHops]

Sorry!   I counted last week and had more that I thought! [17]  But hey, I just sold one so I am down to a measly 16.

YOU, sir, have a motorcycle problem. I like that :-).

Spill the beans, what's in the fleet?

Congratulations! Sounds like both of you guys are well on the road to recovery! 

My wife says I have a problem!      I have *mumble* motorcycles!    

Ah....excuse me Keith, I missed that!   I've heard you have quite the shop, would love to stop by one day when I am visting Bud.

Current fleet:

5 - CB750 [2 running]
2 - CB550 [1 running]
1 - Kaw Z1 [running]
2 - Kaw H1 [1 running]
2 - Kaw H2 [1 is current project]
1 - Kaw GPZ550 [running]
1 - Yam RD350
1 - Suzi TS250
1 - Puch 50 [running]

And shopping!!

Excellent hoard!

[Stev-o]

Sorry!   I counted last week and had more that I thought! [17]  But hey, I just sold one so I am down to a measly 16.

YOU, sir, have a motorcycle problem. I like that :-).

Spill the beans, what's in the fleet?

Congratulations! Sounds like both of you guys are well on the road to recovery! 

My wife says I have a problem!      I have *mumble* motorcycles!    

Ah....excuse me Keith, I missed that!   I've heard you have quite the shop, would love to stop by one day when I am visting Bud.

Current fleet:

5 - CB750 [2 running]
2 - CB550 [1 running]
1 - Kaw Z1 [running]
2 - Kaw H1 [1 running]
2 - Kaw H2 [1 is current project]
1 - Kaw GPZ550 [running]
1 - Yam RD350
1 - Suzi TS250
1 - Puch 50 [running]

And shopping!!

Excellent hoard!

Nils - I prefer the term "collection"!!

[cb_n00b]

Just to add-on here....I have recently put the Progressive 7610-1302's on the rear of my 77' CB550 and the 500-083 progressive fork springs up front...It's like night and day versus those old stock springs.

I think the best part is the ability to adjust the suspension for when I'm riding solo or with someone on back.

[NobleHops]

Just to add-on here....I have recently put the IKON 7610-1302's on the rear of my 77' CB550 and the 500-083 progressive fork springs up front...It's like night and day versus those old stock springs.

I think the best part is the ability to adjust the suspension for when I'm riding solo or with someone on back.

Mr. n00b, did I hook you up with those? Those are Ikon parts you reference, and it is confusing but we do sell Ikon progressive fork springs :-). Which are not the same as Progressive progressive fork springs. Or shocks for that matter.

In any event I am very happy that you are enjoying the new IKON suspension :-).

Best,

Nils

[Nic]

I have progressive ( progressive ) fork springs in my K2, I reckon they are way soft, I wonder how the Ikon one's would be?

[NobleHops]

I have progressive ( progressive ) fork springs in my K2, I reckon they are way soft, I wonder how the Ikon one's would be?

Nic, what do you weigh?

The springs can certainly account for a lot of that feeling, but the primitive damper rod forks have a lot to do with that feeling too. Here's two things to try before you go giving me money (which is also fine  ):  This is simpler done with the fork off the bike, but it can be done on too, with a helper.

First, drain the forks as best you can. Remove the drain bolts, don't lose the copper sealing washer, and pump the fork up and down while holding the brake, get out as much fork oil as you can. Do this one leg at a time, right? Replace the drain bolts (don't ask why I remind you to do that). Then put a jack under the engine, bike on center stand and raise it carefully till the front end is barely unweighted. (be careful) Remove the caps, springs and spacers if there are any. Carefully fill one fork leg with 10wt fork oil till it is 150mm from the top of the tube, with the spring and spacer out and the fork all the way collapsed. You will need to pump the fork up and down a few times to get the air out of the damper rod or you will get a false reading. Take note of how much you put in, (do this by putting a quart in a graduated cylinder and seeing how much was poured out) and then just put the same amount on the second fork leg. Pump to make sure it's bled.

Next, if they use a spacer, add 15mm to it by making a longer one. If they don't then just make a 15mm spacer. Hie thee to your neighborhood hardware store and grab the closest size of PVC pipe that matches the diameter of the spring, and some not-fender washers that will fit in the tubes. Put the washers atop the springs, the spacers atop the washers, and replace the caps. Go ride, and report back. 

Or send me money and I will send you a drop in kit, for about $100 shipped, using your discount code SOHC4 on the ikonshocksusa.com website.

:-)

[markreimer]

I have progressive ( progressive ) fork springs in my K2, I reckon they are way soft, I wonder how the Ikon one's would be?

Nic, what do you weigh?

The springs can certainly account for a lot of that feeling, but the primitive damper rod forks have a lot to do with that feeling too. Here's two things to try before you go giving me money (which is also fine  ):  This is simpler done with the fork off the bike, but it can be done on too, with a helper.

First, drain the forks as best you can. Remove the drain bolts, don't lose the copper sealing washer, and pump the fork up and down while holding the brake, get out as much fork oil as you can. Do this one leg at a time, right? Replace the drain bolts (don't ask why I remind you to do that). Then put a jack under the engine, bike on center stand and raise it carefully till the front end is barely unweighted. (be careful) Remove the caps, springs and spacers if there are any. Carefully fill one fork leg with 10wt fork oil till it is 150mm from the top of the tube, with the spring and spacer out and the fork all the way collapsed. You will need to pump the fork up and down a few times to get the air out of the damper rod or you will get a false reading. Take note of how much you put in, (do this by putting a quart in a graduated cylinder and seeing how much was poured out) and then just put the same amount on the second fork leg. Pump to make sure it's bled.

Next, if they use a spacer, add 15mm to it by making a longer one. If they don't then just make a 15mm spacer. Hie thee to your neighborhood hardware store and grab the closest size of PVC pipe that matches the diameter of the spring, and some not-fender washers that will fit in the tubes. Put the washers atop the springs, the spacers atop the washers, and replace the caps. Go ride, and report back. 

Or send me money and I will send you a drop in kit, for about $100 shipped, using your discount code SOHC4 on the ikonshocksusa.com website.

:-)

You just described exactly what I did to my front end over the weekend. My Progressive progressive springs also seemed a bit soft. No signs of oil seeing past the seals, but there definitely wasn't enough oil in there when I drained it.

Fresh atf fluid and 15mm spacers, and my front end feels so much better.


Give it a try!

I also put the densely coiled end of the springs at the top, with the thinking that it wouldn't displace as much oil at the bottom


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[Nic]

Thanks guys, I'll give it a go, I just painted my tank and will not be able to ride the Honda for a fortnight but I can do the oil and spacers. At the moment I have 15W oil in there, I just put it in recently, you think atf is OK? That's what I had in previously. Oh and I weight about 85KG kitted up.

[Nic]

I have progressive ( progressive ) fork springs in my K2, I reckon they are way soft, I wonder how the Ikon one's would be?

Nic, what do you weigh?

The springs can certainly account for a lot of that feeling, but the primitive damper rod forks have a lot to do with that feeling too. Here's two things to try before you go giving me money (which is also fine  ):  This is simpler done with the fork off the bike, but it can be done on too, with a helper.

First, drain the forks as best you can. Remove the drain bolts, don't lose the copper sealing washer, and pump the fork up and down while holding the brake, get out as much fork oil as you can. Do this one leg at a time, right? Replace the drain bolts (don't ask why I remind you to do that). Then put a jack under the engine, bike on center stand and raise it carefully till the front end is barely unweighted. (be careful) Remove the caps, springs and spacers if there are any. Carefully fill one fork leg with 10wt fork oil till it is 150mm from the top of the tube, with the spring and spacer out and the fork all the way collapsed. You will need to pump the fork up and down a few times to get the air out of the damper rod or you will get a false reading. Take note of how much you put in, (do this by putting a quart in a graduated cylinder and seeing how much was poured out) and then just put the same amount on the second fork leg. Pump to make sure it's bled.

Next, if they use a spacer, add 15mm to it by making a longer one. If they don't then just make a 15mm spacer. Hie thee to your neighborhood hardware store and grab the closest size of PVC pipe that matches the diameter of the spring, and some not-fender washers that will fit in the tubes. Put the washers atop the springs, the spacers atop the washers, and replace the caps. Go ride, and report back. 

Or send me money and I will send you a drop in kit, for about $100 shipped, using your discount code SOHC4 on the ikonshocksusa.com website.

:-)

You just described exactly what I did to my front end over the weekend. My Progressive progressive springs also seemed a bit soft. No signs of oil seeing past the seals, but there definitely wasn't enough oil in there when I drained it.

Fresh atf fluid and 15mm spacers, and my front end feels so much better.


Give it a try!

I also put the densely coiled end of the springs at the top, with the thinking that it wouldn't displace as much oil at the bottom


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Mark, in a previous post you said you put 160cc of atf in your forks, my Haynes manual says that K3 to K5 should take 130 to 135, so you put 160 in eh. My K2 is supposed to have depending on which manual you read, anywhere from 200 to 230, I'm pretty sure last time I put 200 in there, sounds like I'm a way short.

[Nic]

Right then, I'm just back from the shed, turns out I was 15/20 CCs short, I simply topped up the 15w oil. The plastic spacers are 35mm long, I made up some 50mm ones but couldn't get the tops to thread on so I pissed those off n put the 35s back in. While I haven't ridden the bike I could tell that the forks felt way better just rocking the bike with the brake on, not only a little firmer but also smoother. I'll now have to wait a while to ride it. Cheers.

[NobleHops]

Cool. The volume of oil really only affects one thing, and that is the size of the 'air spring' that gets compressed within the sealed fork assembly. The manuals refer to oil volume when servicing them, and that is faster, but most suspension tuners refer instead to the size of the air spring. The 150mm figure I suggested results in a bit more fork oil than the stock recommendation, and will result in a bit more damping action.

ATF is nominally 10w, FYI. 15 is about the max viscosity I'd put in to a fork.

Keep tweaking! There is always more to learn.

N.