Short shocks

[Altritter]

Ok, I've searched the usual-suspect web sites, and I've learned nothing. Who manufactures high-quality short shocks to lower the seat height of an R65, and who sells same? I know Bob's sells short-shock packages, but contacting Bob's parts dept by phone or email and getting a response is about as easy as natural childbirth (no personal experience regarding the latter). So I have no idea regarding manufacturer or price. Moto-Bins sells short-shock kits, but they appear to be for K-bikes. No one else gives definitive information. Two reasons why I am interested: (1) OEM R65 shocks from BMW have a lousy reputation; and (2) I have standard 13"(?) Konis on my bike, and except for the seat height, I really like them.

Tangential question: What are the measurement points of the shock? Is it between center points of the mounting rings? I've tried to measure mine with the shocks on the bike, but it's awkward and wildly imprecise.

[fastcataz]

Not sure who can help with the short stuff, but I am interested in your Koni's...

[Altritter]

I appreciate the thought, but at the moment I'm inclined to hold onto them. If I end up selling the bike some years (hopefully) down the road, having both a pair of standard Konis and  the short-shock kit might help land a sale, not to mention a few extra $$.

[MrRiden]

Altritter,

Melena lowered her r65 if I remember correctly. A PM might get her attention. She could give you real life experience with the result. I seem to recall she ordered Hagon shocks from
Dave Quinn Motorcycles http://www.davequinnmotorcycles.com/
You'll have to call him but he is a pleasure to deal with. Be prepaired to answer a lot of questions like
-the year, make and model of the bike and the VIN Number
--the rider's weight
--if you carry a passenger? passenger weight? % of time you ride two up?
--whether a fairing, saddlebags or a top case are fitted, and how much weight you carry in each
--your anticipated MAXIMUM LOADING in pounds
--how the bike is used, i.e highway, backroads, off road, track days, race etc
Read through his full twin shock section before you call, it's full of good info.
 I've had similar result with trying to contact Bob's. Dave is a different experience all together. I also run the full length Hagon's and have been quite satisfied. I recently had a '83 r65 with Progressive shocks out for a ride and found them smooth but a bit tractor lookin'
rich
 Measuring points are center of the mounting bushing. Eye to Eye with the shock off the bike

[fastcataz]

My stock shocks are in good shape, no leaks or rust, just looking for a bit more control. Perhaps a swap plus cash?

[Melena]

Altritter,

Melena lowered her r65 if I remember correctly. A PM might get her attention. She could give you real life experience with the result. I seem to recall she ordered Hagon shocks from
Dave Quinn Motorcycles http://www.davequinnmotorcycles.com/
You'll have to call him but he is a pleasure to deal with. Be prepaired to answer a lot of questions like
-the year, make and model of the bike and the VIN Number
--the rider's weight
--if you carry a passenger? passenger weight? % of time you ride two up?
--whether a fairing, saddlebags or a top case are fitted, and how much weight you carry in each
--your anticipated MAXIMUM LOADING in pounds
--how the bike is used, i.e highway, backroads, off road, track days, race etc
Read through his full twin shock section before you call, it's full of good info.
 I've had similar result with trying to contact Bob's. Dave is a different experience all together. I also run the full length Hagon's and have been quite satisfied. I recently had a '83 r65 with Progressive shocks out for a ride and found them smooth but a bit tractor lookin'
rich
 Measuring points are center of the mounting bushing. Eye to Eye with the shock off the bike

Hi!  Altritter PM'd me.  So I thought I'd post what I know here.

I did get the shocks from Dave Quinn.  A really good guy.  He really wants you to get the right thing for your bike.

I called him to order the stock size shock but he didn't have any at the time.  But he did have some that were a bit shorter than stock and he said they would work well.  It turned out that they do work well.  And they are much better than the originals (well, they were old and getting squishy).  Plus a great benefit for me.  They put the bike enough lower that I can get my feet closer to flat on the ground (both at the same time even   )  I think it could go even lower, but if you talk with Dave Quinn he will know what will work.  He won't sell you something that will make it too low.

I'm going to go try to find the original thread on this.

Okay!  I found it.  I'm going to try to put a link to it here.

http://suraklyn.com/yabb/YaBB.pl?num=1168544980/3#3

I think that worked.  It gives a bunch more information about the Hagon Shocks.

[Altritter]

Thanks, Melana, plus all of you who helped me with this!

I'm short a few round toits at the moment, but I'll put this project in the queue (along with fork gaiters and possibly a windscreen a touch higher than the Shoei Sport Fairing that I have at the moment).

Happy New Year!

John

[Altritter]

From fastcataz: <<My stock shocks are in good shape, no leaks or rust, just looking for a bit more control. Perhaps a swap plus cash?>>

Hmm. I'll keep that in mind. As my reply above indicates, this isn't likely to happen this week. Thanks much; you'll be first in line if I decide to sell them.

John