Topic: Searching for good rear shocks for 750 K

[Fabricator]

Howdy all,

   After searching through the old threads with no success, I have decided to post this here...  I am looking for recommendations on stock length (or a touch longer if necessary) rear shocks for my '74 750K.  The bike had 8400 miles on it when I got it, but it had "mucho luggage" and fairings, so if 36 years didn't kill the rear suspension, the extra weight the "PO" carried did.

Semi-technical  details:  I am 6' 175 lbs.  I may carry camping gear, but mosly commute in the curvy NE Ga hills.  I want something with better damping than stock, as I want to be able to ride "enthusiatically" through my "pet corners" when I feel like it.  Can a shock do this that is under $100/pair? I am basically looking for a good value in a decent upgrade over stock.  Right now, I scrape my exhaust when I hit potholes while leaned hard to the RT.  I just raised the exhaust another inch, and I have the old shocks at their maximum pre-load settings.   Even with all this, I was able to scrape some metal again this morning.... 

Thanks in advance,

Fabricator

[Duke McDukiedook]

No.

[JS550]

I bought cheaper shocks and found out it was a waste of $. I recently put HAGONS on and its way better. And I got the lower end HAGS. But if you want some really stiff & a bit longer I have some that look great but are rock hard I'll sell you.
jim

[MCRider]

Your probably looking at $250 at the low end, for "real" shocks like Progressive Performance, but you'd be happy with them, probably.

Goes on up to $1000 pretty easy.

[andy750]

I am 6`4, 200lbs, CB750 rider and use Progressive rear shocks (and front springs). I got the heavy duty springs from Z1Enterprises. They are ok for the price but if I did it again Id buy Hagons. More money but Ive had them and liked them better in the past.

Good luck
Andy

[steam-powered man]

now that the jetting seems sorted on my 550k, decided to start tuning the suspension:

over the weekend i took a 3 hr ride and started to really push the 550k around.  sunday night i removed the springs, and noted they're 18 1/2inches long.  (spec is 17 1/2in with a service limit of 16 1/2inch - a mystery!).   i need to check front static/rider sag.   

i pumped out the atf i put in over the winter re-fresh, and put in 6oz of Motul full synthetic 5w.  just back from a 100 mile test run in eastern ny/western vt and wow, a noticable improvement.  very smooth action now.   

my shocks are toast, so i ordered hagons.  nitrogen filled, auto-adjust for rebound/compression, progressivly wound springs, adjustable for pre-load only.  my 550 is a lighter than stock, and i'm only 155 (wet) so the tech dude suggested a spring rate of 18kg.  $199 shipped and will be here in a few days.

i can adjust sag up front with spacers, rear with c-spanner.


long story short - have you looked a hagons?   
 

[Fabricator]

Shoe,

  I have not looked at the hagons.  Suspension is something I did  not pay much mind to until now, and I have no idea what even halfway decent shocks can be bought for.  There are "progressive" shocks at "parts-n-more" for between $100 and $150, but I have yet to hear a good review on this forum about them.... Leading me to believe they may be little improvment over stock.   If I need to spend more, that is fine, I am hoping to get some pointers on what y'all recommend as a good value in a quality performance part.  Thanks.

Fabricator

[steam-powered man]

not sure if i caught hagon during a sale or what, but i saw $250 on their site, paid $199 shipped.  i like the ability to spec the spring for my bike size/my weight.  yss, works performance and ohlins are all pricey.  progressive and hagons are maybe middle.  didn't check race tech.

i saw that progressive is having a sale (buy shocks and get fork springs free, until 5/31).  might want to look into that, to stiffen the front a tad, too.  good luck,
bobp       

[Fabricator]

Who sells progressive brand, and which ones do you recommend?  I went to bike bandit's site, but I honestly do not know what to look for.  I am parusing the Hagon site currently as well.  Any of you folks have a product recommendation in the $2-250 range.  Shoeman...  Where is this sale you mention?  I went to "Progressive's" site, and this is all they had for the 750K

http://www.progressivesuspension.com/prodSearchResults.aspx?AddToCart=11-1104&d=Fork+Spring+kit

(And no glossy pictures to boot     )

Hagon looks like a great product, but which one of the "A" application do you more expereinced fellas recommend  

http://www.hagon-shocks.co.uk/HagShocks.htm     

Fabricator

[steam-powered man]

i'd call both places for their recommendations, the techs will likely be helpful in suggesting shock/fork springs for your application.  good luck,
bobp

[JS550]

Go on www.davequinnmotorcycles.com, he sells HAGONS here in the states. You have to call to order them & he will set you up. You get two free spring swaps if you dont like the ones he sends out. He hit mine right with the first he sent out, Im really happy with the look & feel. I have type A with slimline springs, They were a little over $200 shipped. No matter what you go with, dont waste your $$ on cheapies. Get good ones to start with.
Jim

[Fabricator]

Thanks fellas!

  I will give them a shot!  I want to get quality parts the first time, I just did not know what to expect as far as $$$.

Regards,

Fabricator

[Duke McDukiedook]

Ikon, Hagon will be good shocks to buy, I wanted to make sure whatever I purchased that is was rebuildable and had decent reviews from other people.

I eventually went with the aluminum body Ikons and have been happy since. The Hagons should be rebuildable and a little cheaper than the Ikons- I paid about $450US for mine.

Expect to pay anywhere from about $350 and up for a decent rebuildable shock.

[fire113]

...bought Yesterday a set of IKON rear shock, feels good.

cu...fire113