Suspension Upgrade

[MikeFossl]

I'm looking at two options to upgrade the rear suspension:

1.  Progressive type 12 with HD springs (I ride predominantly 2 up) or
2.  IKON  7610

Pros and Cons?  The IKON's are about 20% more.

[marcmax]

I can't comment on the Ikon's as I haven't tried them. I have Progressives installed and have had them for a while and for the money I like the ride. I ride solo and can make them so firm it is almost like a rigid frame or a nice comfortable ride. No complaints from me on the Progressives.

[Tony Smith]

I'm looking at two options to upgrade the rear suspension:

1.  Progressive type 12 with HD springs (I ride predominantly 2 up) or
2.  IKON  7610

Pros and Cons?  The IKON's are about 20% more.

IKONs are re badged and modernized KONIs. therefore have long established history in respect to performance and life expectancy. They are also rebuildable. My set of Konis I bought in the early 80s are just back from their 2nd (or is it 3rd) rebuild, if past experience is anything to go by, they will perform like new when the R1100 goes back on the road.

[steve hawkins]

Also with the Ikons, you can specify spring rate at the right dealership.  Tony has softened his up by buying new spring for his set on his r65 and is very pleased with them.

Cheers

Rev light

[Barry]

Do you have the data to show what the incremental spring rate is compared to the stock springs ?

If it's any help I calculated the stock dual rate springs to be       

105 lb/in      Soft Rate
146 lb/in      Hard Rate


I routinely ride two up without luggage on the stock springs set a only the mid pre-load position and find that to be adequate.  We are both relatively light weights though.

[steve hawkins]

I will get Tony to log on and give the spring rate he changed to from stock.  

My old bike is now a single seater 'bobber' or Brat style bike, so he has gone back to standard springs up front and softer ikon springs on his koni rears.  

It used to be very firmly set-up when I owned it and it was a Café Racer with progressive springs and a spacer up front and standard Konis at the back.

Cheers

Rev Light

[NC Steve]

If anyone is interested in considering another option, Hagon shocks work very well on the R65, and are specifically designed to suit the rider's needs by their importer, Dave Quinn. You will talk with Mr. Quinn directly to help him better design a shock for your bike, riding style, etc., and the Hagon prices are very competitive with or lower than many other brands. His site also has a good deal of information on spring rates, weight ranges, etc.

http://www.davequinnmotorcycles.com/cgi-bin/webc.cgi/Hagon.html

[wilcom]

+1 for Dave Quinn

They look good, are set up to your weight and riding style, priced right and delivered to your door.

[montmil]

Dave Quinn Hagon's on both my R65s. Good performance at an affordable price point.

[decorn33]

I also switched to Hagons last spring. I rode on them all summer, and was very satisfied with my investment. I agree that it is worth giving Dave Quinn a call.

[welshman]

I have just replaced the Hagons with IKONS on my R65RT. The Hagons lost their oil just before the Mot,very embarrassing when I presented it. The Ikon Dial-a-Rides are expensive but known quality and rebuildable.I have an ancient pair of Konis on the Trident that are 30+ years old and they are in the middle of a rebuild with assistance on tech details from the original guy in Australia. Glyn.