Topic: "Works Shocks" ..need some objective feedback..

[Ichiban 4]

I've been perusing the various shock absorber manufacturers..thinking about a new pair for my '77 550K.

Been thinking about a gas-fluid setup that's quickly adjustable for spring pre-load (my wife rides with me a lot..pre-load goes from about 160# to 260# when she's riding w/me).  

Currently..the stock Showa shocks aren't easy to change pre-load on (requires shock wrench..putting bike on center stand..then fiddling with adjustment nuts for several minutes each).  Besides that.. the OEM's are over 30 years old now..don't seem as smooth or versatile as newer models/engineering provide.

The only brand I was able to find that 1.) allows one to buy directly on-line from them and 2.) offer a quick..convenient spring pre-load adjustment (ARS) is Works Shocks..out of Southern California (my old stomping grounds..actually).

They're a bit pricy..starting @ about $300.00 a pair..on up to a thousand for remote reservoir..all stainless/chrome designs. They say that most are custom made on their CNC machines..to fit individual riders/requirements.

In comparison to say Ohlin's or YKK (or any other competition type shocks) these prices don't seem out of line..and in fact seem a little cheaper that the rest.  I was reading on these forums a while back though..about someone who really didn't like Works shocks..but they didn't give much factual info..just thought they were crap..etc.

Seems to me..that if one is paying that kind of money..for custom fabricated shocks essentially..the company couldn't stay in business very long (Works has been in business since the early '70's)..if their stuff was bad..or @ least one would assume so.

Therefore..I was wanting to get some more first hand information/feedback here..from any of you that have used/had experience with Works shocks (especially on these old SOHC 4's).  I didn't want to plunk-down $400.00 to $500.00 for a pair of shocks that are either mediocre or worse yet..crap.

Thanks for whatever info you can provide..

Al / Ichi

[bwaller]

I replaced a pair of S&W's shocks (in the day S&W were a huge step up from OEM) with Works Performance on my 750 nearly twenty years ago. I remember the difference was instantly noticable, much better dampers.  However I haven't used any other high end shocks on it so I can only say I'm still well pleased with these. After this time I feel no difference, still very controlled.

I installed a set on my wifes 550 when I built it, same story. Both are the steel trackers with DRS/ARS.

One riders opinion. Good luck with your decision.

[78 k550]

I have a set on my Pursang. Triple rated and well worth the money. Fully rebuildable also.

Paul

[andy750]

Consider Hagon shocks  -very good shocks for the money.

[Duke McDukiedook]

I have never heard anything bad about the Works shocks, only good things but I don't own any. I do have a set of Aluminum body Ikons on my 750 and they have worked great so far, fully rebuildable too.

[Retro Rocket]

I am going with the aluminium Ikons as well...

Mick

[bucky katt]

where does one get ikons here in the US?

[BLUE71TURBO]

Right here..........http://www.ikonsuspensionusa.com/servlet/StoreFront    
Woops !      Right here............http://www.ikonsuspension.com/

[Ichiban 4]

Thanks for all the feedback comments..

I noticed that a few seem partial to the Ikon's (formerly Koni's?).  As mentioned in my original post though..I was looking for shocks that were newer generation engineering..than the old OEM Showa's.

All of the Ikon's I saw on their website looked old school to me.  All of them have that spring pre-load adjustment..on the bottom of the shock..that requires a wrench..and fiddling around to change adjustment.  I was trying to get away from that..if @ all possible.  The internals also look pretty old school to me (little..simple valves..either fluid OR gas charged etc.).

However..because I'm no authority on Ikon's..or shocks for that matter..does Ikon make shocks that I'm not aware of..and have the features I've mentioned?

I realize that to pay several hundred dollars for a pair of shocks for these old Honda's..may seem impractical for some of us (me too actually..but every now and then if the improvements will be marked..I'm willing to spring for the extra bucks).

So..is part of what I'm reading here about the Ikon's a matter of PRICE..as compared to say Works..or Ohlin's...for example?

Thanks,

Al

[Retro Rocket]

I have used Koni's, now Ikon, on all my old Honda's and they are,  or at least when i was using them, excellent shocks. I used to ride my old bikes very hard, always braced the frames and always used good rubber {pirelli phantoms} and the shocks were very reliable. I am going to fit some of their newer Aluminum bodied ones to my latest build but won't be able to comment on their performance till it's built. I think someone on here is currently using the Aluminum bodied ones? They are also rebuildable and easy to get parts for.

Mick

[bwaller]

Hey Ichiban 4, of course you realize you aren't going to get the exact answer you're looking for, I'm fairly certain no-one out there can offer it. It's pretty safe to say riders don't change shocks that often. Works are great but you'll be pleased with any of the brand name shocks, pay $69 and you get what you pay for!

Just do all the other mods you can to optimize suspension/handling, including the front end, and your bike will be "transformed"   

But of course let us know how it turns out.

[Ichiban 4]

Hey Ichiban 4, of course you realize you aren't going to get the exact answer you're looking for, I'm fairly certain no-one out there can offer it. It's pretty safe to say riders don't change shocks that often. Works are great but you'll be pleased with any of the brand name shocks, pay $69 and you get what you pay for!

Just do all the other mods you can to optimize suspension/handling, including the front end, and your bike will be "transformed"   

But of course let us know how it turns out.

_________________________________________________________

Thanks for the extra feedback bwaller..I kinda figured that the comments about the Ikon's were not going to be critical of them..as compared to the Works shocks.  But as mentioned previously..I'm no authority on this stuff (shock engineering..et al.)..so I was just wanting to make sure that I wasn't missing something with the talk about using Ikon's.

I also realize that it's difficult to justify putting a $400.00 pair of shocks on a bike that's probably worth maybe $3,000.00.  And many of us on these forums have the old bikes precisely because they don't cost an arm and leg..like new bikes do.

With myself however..I tend to become a stickler for quality and functionality..even if that means investing more into the bike than can be recouped later..if or when it's sold (I just paid out about $800.00 to get a luggage rack/backrest re-chromed and re-upholstered. Then to have a new contoured seat/saddle made for this ride).  But thus far..the satisfaction of seeing and riding on this modified stuff..and what an improvement it's been over OEM..have been worth it to me.  I figure I'm still way below what it would cost for a new bike..and I just love the hello out of this ride. Am guessing a lot of the rest of us are that way too.

Anyway..your comments were really helpful/insightful for me..thanks very much.

Later,

Al / Ichi