any alternative to progressive springs

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  • gs850cafe
    • Jan 2026

    #1

    any alternative to progressive springs

    i have stock rear and front springs on my bike (81 850)...is there any cheaper routes for the rear shocks and or front ones?
  • Steve
    GS Whisperer
    • Jun 2005
    • 35924
    • southwest oHIo

    #2
    For the rear, the ultimate in cheap would be the EMGO or MDI shocks from China. However, I think a hard-tailed frame rides better than they do. IKON shocks cost a bit more, but ride better. Supposedly, they are derived from the old KONI shocks of many years ago.

    For the front, a popular choice would be Sonic springs. There is a representative from their company that is a member of this forum, I'm not sure if it's the owner or not. Sonic makes good springs, but they are straight-rate (not progressively-wound), but that's OK, the air that is trapped in the forks is progressive in nature. Sonic springs are available in different ratings, so you should be able to find one that is right for you.

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    • gs850cafe

      #3
      Originally posted by Steve
      For the rear, the ultimate in cheap would be the EMGO or MDI shocks from China. However, I think a hard-tailed frame rides better than they do. IKON shocks cost a bit more, but ride better. Supposedly, they are derived from the old KONI shocks of many years ago.

      For the front, a popular choice would be Sonic springs. There is a representative from their company that is a member of this forum, I'm not sure if it's the owner or not. Sonic makes good springs, but they are straight-rate (not progressively-wound), but that's OK, the air that is trapped in the forks is progressive in nature. Sonic springs are available in different ratings, so you should be able to find one that is right for you.

      .

      very nice...i like to corner to my bikes limit...any suggestions

      Comment

      • Baatfam
        Forum LongTimer
        Past Site Supporter
        Super Site Supporter
        • Jul 2006
        • 18747
        • Knoxville, TN

        #4
        Originally posted by gs850cafe
        very nice...i like to corner to my bikes limit...any suggestions
        Well...
        If you really like to corner to your bike's limit, don't look at cheaper routes....
        Bob T. ~~ Play the GSR weekly photo game: Pic of Week Game
        '83 GS1100E ~ '24 Triumph Speed 400 ~ '01 TRIUMPH TT600 ~ '67 HONDA CUB

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        • gs850cafe

          #5
          Originally posted by Baatfam
          Well...
          If you really like to corner to your bike's limit, don't look at cheaper routes....

          i already drag pegs with stock suspension...im looking for something that may do me a bit better in ride quality and looks

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          • Steel Toed Tank

            #6
            I'm going to be getting a set of Hagons from here, seems to be the cheapest around.
            http://www.davequinnmotorcycles.com/...IN_SHOCKS.html

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            • bwringer
              Forum LongTimer
              Bard Award Winner
              GSResource Superstar
              Past Site Supporter
              Super Site Supporter
              • Oct 2003
              • 17066
              • Indianapolis

              #7
              Originally posted by Steel Toed Tank
              I'm going to be getting a set of Hagons from here, seems to be the cheapest around.
              http://www.davequinnmotorcycles.com/...IN_SHOCKS.html


              Another vote for the Hagons -- Dave sets them up to suit your bike, weight, and riding style, and they're slightly cheaper than the Progressives.

              I'd also highly encourage you to take a riding skills class, such as Lee Parks' Total Control Advanced Riding Clinic. Once you learn to get your arse off the seat and corner properly, you'll stop dragging stuff and become MUCH faster. It's worth every penny and then some.
              1983 GS850G, Cosmos Blue.
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              • Gorminrider
                Forum Sage
                Past Site Supporter
                • Aug 2012
                • 4803
                • British Columbia, Canada

                #8
                Originally posted by Steel Toed Tank
                I'm going to be getting a set of Hagons from here, seems to be the cheapest around.
                http://www.davequinnmotorcycles.com/...IN_SHOCKS.html
                ...watch out for those UPS "brokers fees", fellow Canuck.
                signed, OnceBitten...

                Comment

                • bwringer
                  Forum LongTimer
                  Bard Award Winner
                  GSResource Superstar
                  Past Site Supporter
                  Super Site Supporter
                  • Oct 2003
                  • 17066
                  • Indianapolis

                  #9
                  Originally posted by Gorminrider
                  ...watch out for those UPS "brokers fees", fellow Canuck.
                  signed, OnceBitten...
                  Good point -- Dave Quinn is the US importer for Hagon shocks, which are made in England. I assume there is a Canadian importer up there somewhere.
                  1983 GS850G, Cosmos Blue.
                  2005 KLR685, Aztec Pink - Turd II.3, the ReReReTurdening
                  2015 Yamaha FJ-09, Magma Red Power Corrupts...
                  Eat more venison.

                  Please provide details. The GSR Hive Mind is nearly omniscient, but not yet clairvoyant.

                  Celeriter equita, converteque saepe.

                  SUPPORT THIS SITE! DONATE TODAY!

                  Co-host of "The Riding Obsession" sport-touring motorcycling podcast at tro.bike!

                  Comment

                  • Steel Toed Tank

                    #10
                    Not for anything close to that price.
                    Also, I only get things shipped through USPS.
                    I learned the "customs brokerage fee" thing a decade ago when I had some infrared heater rods shipped up from the states. The fee doubled the cost of my purchase!!

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