Well, since I've decided to keep the 750E for the foreseeable future, suspension upgrades are urgently needed. The front end is pretty simple, Progressive brand springs and fresh 15W fork oil. The rear end isn't so simple.
I've done a lot of searching here over the past couple of days, and consulted one of the local site techies about my mission. I've decided a couple things for my particular situation:
- Total cost for a pair of shocks and springs must be under $500 (preferably considerably under).
- Shocks must be rebuildable.
I've found lots of threads with bits of advice here and there, but it took a long time. I thought I'd condense much of the information into one thread.
These options are for 13" eye to clevis shocks that will fit the following GS models:
'78-'82 GS750/750E
'78-'80 GS1000C/N/E/S
'80-'83 GS1100E/S/ES
Most of these brands are also available in eye to eye configuration in different lengths for other twin shock GS models as well. The options are arranged in order of price, low to high.
1. $65-$90 Emgo/MDI: Found all over ebay, and at about every vendor on the internet. General consensus of users seems to be that they are ok quality, but very stiffly sprung. Essentially the bare minimum option from stock.
2. $120 Redwing: Evidently no longer made, they are still available at www.loudfastugly.com . I've not been able to find anyone who's actually used them, but they appear to be of halfway decent quality.
3. $210-$230 Progressive 12 Series: Lots of information here and all over the web about them. Most people seem happy with them, several different spring weights available. Available at most online retailers. www.denniskirk.com is a vendor I have had great luck with over the years.
4. $218-$270 Hagon Type A: Seem very similar to Progressive 12 series as far as owner satisfaction, quality of construction, and price. Available in the USA at www.davequinnmotorcycles.com
5. $320-$400+ Ikon 76 Series: Generally pretty highly regarded, lots of options available. From what I've read on the internet, they do seem to be more highly regarded than Progressive. Can be found at http://www.ikonsuspensionusa.com/servlet/StoreFront
6. $419-$589 Works Performance Steel Tracker: Very highly regarded, lots of positive reviews around the internet of Works Performance in general. Customer service (including rebuilding any brand of shock) is very highly rated. More info at http://www.worksperformance.com/html/home.html
There are other options available that are more expensive, including offerings from Works, Ikon, Ohlins, White Brothers, etc.... Unfortunately, these are out of my budget.
I hope this helps some folks who are looking to replace their shocks. If I've missed something in my price range, please, by all means, post the info so that we can all learn more.
Thanks.
I've done a lot of searching here over the past couple of days, and consulted one of the local site techies about my mission. I've decided a couple things for my particular situation:
- Total cost for a pair of shocks and springs must be under $500 (preferably considerably under).
- Shocks must be rebuildable.
I've found lots of threads with bits of advice here and there, but it took a long time. I thought I'd condense much of the information into one thread.
These options are for 13" eye to clevis shocks that will fit the following GS models:
'78-'82 GS750/750E
'78-'80 GS1000C/N/E/S
'80-'83 GS1100E/S/ES
Most of these brands are also available in eye to eye configuration in different lengths for other twin shock GS models as well. The options are arranged in order of price, low to high.
1. $65-$90 Emgo/MDI: Found all over ebay, and at about every vendor on the internet. General consensus of users seems to be that they are ok quality, but very stiffly sprung. Essentially the bare minimum option from stock.
2. $120 Redwing: Evidently no longer made, they are still available at www.loudfastugly.com . I've not been able to find anyone who's actually used them, but they appear to be of halfway decent quality.
3. $210-$230 Progressive 12 Series: Lots of information here and all over the web about them. Most people seem happy with them, several different spring weights available. Available at most online retailers. www.denniskirk.com is a vendor I have had great luck with over the years.
4. $218-$270 Hagon Type A: Seem very similar to Progressive 12 series as far as owner satisfaction, quality of construction, and price. Available in the USA at www.davequinnmotorcycles.com
5. $320-$400+ Ikon 76 Series: Generally pretty highly regarded, lots of options available. From what I've read on the internet, they do seem to be more highly regarded than Progressive. Can be found at http://www.ikonsuspensionusa.com/servlet/StoreFront
6. $419-$589 Works Performance Steel Tracker: Very highly regarded, lots of positive reviews around the internet of Works Performance in general. Customer service (including rebuilding any brand of shock) is very highly rated. More info at http://www.worksperformance.com/html/home.html
There are other options available that are more expensive, including offerings from Works, Ikon, Ohlins, White Brothers, etc.... Unfortunately, these are out of my budget.
I hope this helps some folks who are looking to replace their shocks. If I've missed something in my price range, please, by all means, post the info so that we can all learn more.
Thanks.
