Longer shocks - '83 GS1100ED

[Joe Nardy]

I'm going to be replacing the shocks on my '83 GS1100ED. I've decided to go with the Ikons because I want the adjustability and the ability to rebuild. I'm also thinking about getting them longer than stock to quicken the steering. I'm thinking of getting one-inch longer than stock. Has anyone here installed longer shocks on an 1100E or any other GS? If so I'd like to know how much longer than stock you used and how it worked out. I'd hate to spend that much money and have it cause problems.

Thanks,
Joe

 

[AOD]

What shocks do you have on the bike Joe, I need a more robust pair. Email me if they're still decent.

Regarding the height thing, I never measured my Progressive 14 versus the stock shock, but the manual said it was longer and would quicken the steering. Was it one inch longer, probably not. I think that might be excessive...

~Adam

 

[scotty]

i think e.d. are 13.5 inches

 

[Carter Turk]

I'm running 13.5 Works Performance Street Trackers which are supposedly .5 longer than stock on my 83 Katana 1100.

The alternator cover was grounding on left hand turns with the stockers. I removed some material with a file and hacksaw on my side stand bracket to give more room.

The alternator grounding happened at a track day and the following year I had the Works on and didn't touch anything.

It feels like the steering is a bit quicker, but getting around the 19'' hoop still takes awhile turning in.

 

[Joe Nardy]

What shocks do you have on the bike Joe, I need a more robust pair. Email me if they're still decent.

Regarding the height thing, I never measured my Progressive 14 versus the stock shock, but the manual said it was longer and would quicken the steering. Was it one inch longer, probably not. I think that might be excessive...

~Adam

Adam,

Mine are the original shocks. With 33K miles on them they're pretty sacked out. I want to keep them anyway in case I decide to return the bike to stock some day.

Thanks,
Joe

 

[AOD]

I've got the original ones on mine too...at least it has dampening adjustment and preload, the 550 only had preload.

 

[Joe Nardy]

I'm running 13.5 Works Performance Street Trackers which are supposedly .5 longer than stock on my 83 Katana 1100.

The alternator cover was grounding on left hand turns with the stockers. I removed some material with a file and hacksaw on my side stand bracket to give more room.

The alternator grounding happened at a track day and the following year I had the Works on and didn't touch anything.

It feels like the steering is a bit quicker, but getting around the 19'' hoop still takes awhile turning in.

That sounds pretty close. I couldn't find a spec in the service manual but I did a quick measurement and came up with 12 3/4 inches from center to center of mounting bolts.

Thanks,
Joe

 

[mark m]

Joe,

The stock shocks are 13" eye to eye. I have +1" Ikon's on my bike with no problems. I also spec'd heavier springs than they normally use. I actually went one too far for my weight (165lb) and have a bit too high of a rate, but it has not proven to be an issue. The ride is very firm, but controlled and not harsh. I am running BT-45 tires and have had no stability issues. The handling is definitely faster, it feels like the bike shed about 50lb with the higher back end. About the only issue is that the seat is now TALL. I am 5'-9" with a 32" inseam and I am on tip toes at stops now. It is not an issue for me, but some people like to be able to flat foot both feet at stops and I am no where near that.

BTW, Ikon did a custom build for the extra length and charged ~$50AUD for it (I think it was, I'm going from memory). Customer service was excellent and the quality of the shocks is very good.


Mark

 

[AOD]

What was the total price for the Ikon then? What is the original price for them? Buy direct from Ikon?

~Adam

 

[Joe Nardy]

I have received the Ikons and they are on the GS. My measurements were 12.75" for the stock shocks. Ikon said they could make them a bit longer for no extra charge. I asked them to make them as long as they could without extra charge and the came out to be 13.75". First Timer and I ordered together so we saved some $$$ on shipping. Our cost was $353 USD each. Since I'm about twice Ryan's weight we got different springs and the difference is very noticeable. One benefit of the longer shocks is that the bike now practically puts itself on the centerstand. One downfall is that it is hard to get the front wheel more than an inch off the ground for maintenence.

By the way, the customer service at Ikon is OUTSTANDING. Between Ryan and me Geoff at Ikon must have answered twenty Emails. He even sent pics of the shocks after they were assembled.

Thanks,
Joe

 

[AOD]

Good to hear it went okay. I honestly may go down the Progressive Series 12 road because they're $100 cheaper...and I'm that frugal.

We may have to swap 1100's at the Rally in June and see how they compare. I have KZ 1100 bars on mine, btw.

~Adam

 

[Joe Nardy]

Good to hear it went okay. I honestly may go down the Progressive Series 12 road because they're $100 cheaper...and I'm that frugal.

We may have to swap 1100's at the Rally in June and see how they compare. I have KZ 1100 bars on mine, btw.

~Adam

I'm installing the Race Tech Cartridge Emulators now. Between these and the Ikons I'm hoping to have one of the best handling GS's out there. I've heard great things about both Ikon and Race Tech.

Joe

 

[jonr]

Good to hear it went okay. I honestly may go down the Progressive Series 12 road because they're $100 cheaper...and I'm that frugal.

We may have to swap 1100's at the Rally in June and see how they compare. I have KZ 1100 bars on mine, btw.

~Adam

Adam,

Progressive 12" series are much less than $250 if you look in the right place. I don't have my notes with me here at the office, but I think you could put together a set of 12 series from MAW for about $190. If you get into the 412's, that's when you start breaking $250+.

Joe,
Could you post some pics with your shiny new Ikons installed? [-o<

-J

 

[Joe Nardy]

Joe,
Could you post some pics with your shiny new Ikons installed? [-o<

-J

Yes, I can do that. I'll try to get some pics in the next day or two....

Okay, here's a pic:

Joe

 

[jonr]

OOOOOHhh, those are perty! Thanks for the pic Joe (it loads really slow by the way!).


J

 

[AOD]

I'm sorry Jon, I should have said that $250 is for a pair of Series 12 with springs installed at CycleRecycle2. It's actually $245, per my notes.

~Adam

 

[jonr]

Adam,

My post for $190 included the shocks and springs for a set of 12 series.

-J

 

[first timer]

nice pimpin shocks joe, wish i had a pair..... installed on my bike.

did the extra length make any noticeable changes when installing? are your the same length as mine?

don't worry i should have all my stuff ready by riding time, my name isn't domino

-ryan

 

[Joe Nardy]

nice pimpin shocks joe, wish i had a pair..... installed on my bike.

did the extra length make any noticeable changes when installing? are your the same length as mine?

don't worry i should have all my stuff ready by riding time, my name isn't domino

-ryan

Yes, it did make noticeable differences. You can see that the tail sits higher. The chain got noticeably looser due to the increased swing of the swingarm. It practically jumps onto the centerstand by itself.

I'll believe both you and Domino when I see you both out riding!

Joe

 

[AOD]

I'll believe both you and Domino when I see you both out riding!

Maybe you slackers can come ride down here in NC!