I have some Konis

[suecanada]

I got some Koni shocks which has the right part number for the R65's. My mechanic has stated that the Konis are 1/2 inch longer than the OEM so we decided not to mount them at the time. I really don't want to sit any higher what with the new seat and all which makes me sit a bit higher as it isl. Are the Konis worth the change? I guess I should just try 'em. Nothing to lose. With my weight at 125 lbs. I don't want to have to worry about biting off the end of my tongue if i hit a bump with much stiffer shocks. I'd certainly try the Konis at the lightest setting first. If the handling improves, not that I find it bad, that would be the real reason to change. I still have the old one's on the softest setting and I increase it when I add my gear. Ya see, even if I have bought all new lighter gear, I AM still a woman!! We just need... stuff.

[Yikes]

From what I've read, the proper time to replace the standard BMW is as soon as you get the bike! (According to Rob V. anyway) And Konis seem to be a top quality shock although they're not made anymore, somehow replaced by Ikon (Koni with a relocated "I"?)  They sure are expensve enough!  What I've read is that the shock rplacement is one of the biggest improvments you can make to the comfort and handling of the bike.

I'd be interested to hear what you think of the Konis, and would be very interested in taking them off your hands if they prove too tall for your liking.  I wouldn't mind anoher 1/2 inch of elevation on the old "82.  My guess is, you'll love em.

John M

[montmil]

Understand that going from a 13-inch shock to a 13.50-incher will change the front end steering geometry and tire contact point making the bike handle quicker.

Monte

[Bob_Roller]

I replaced my OEM shocks with KONI's at about 25,000 miles in June '94, the OEM's were worn out !!!!

I now have 81,000 miles on the bike, and the KONI's still seem to be, doing a good job, I am tempted to disassemble them, even though there is no leakage, and replace seals and oil, just because.

I figure 15 years, and 56,000 miles, they may need some attention, and shocks go bad so slowly, that you might not notice it, until they are either rebuilt, or replaced.

Does anybody know of a place where I can get replacement seals for the KONI's ?

[msbuck]

Hmmm...I thought I put Konis on my bike to LOWER it.  I think it depends on which ones you have?  Now I have to go out in this storm and check them out....


OK, I'm back - a little wetter, but not worse for the wear.  They ARE Konis - looks like they say 230 or 23C beside the KONI...I know they were the lower shocks made for my bike back when I purchased it in 1992.  

[Ed Miller]

Does anybody know of a place where I can get replacement seals for the KONI's ?

I've read that Ikon sells them, or can steer you toward some.  I have a spare set that came with my Konis but I'm keeping it....

I don't think they're all that special, but that's probably because I rode an F650GS Paris Dakar and a GSX-650 recently.  I don't know why my friends hate me.

[R65Guy]

Koni 7610-1427 ~12.75" eye-to-eye.  It looks like the Ikon number is the same.  The OEM shock is the same length (12.75"), I just measured it.  The shocks for the R80/100 was 1/2" longer if I remember correctly.

[suecanada]

I have the same number R65guy so I'll put 'em on and just see how it all feels!

[R65Guy]

Sue,
I think you will find that the ride will be firmer but the handling will be much improved.  The tendency to wallow in a corner should disappear.
Neal

[bobbydyabb]

Does anybody know of a place where I can get replacement seals for the KONI's ?  

Try Vech at http://www.benchmarkworks.com.

pn 33 53 1 231 894B, $10.00, rebuild kit Ikon shock: one seal two O-rings.

Order two kits.  

For instructions and pictures, see http://www.flickr.com/photos/getproductions/.

[stevie]

Hi everyone
I bought a pair last year from germany via ebay. On fitting them I found they had to be put at the "softest" setting, otherwise they would bounce up hard on the springs. Has anyone else had this experience or are my shocks shot? They seem to ride fine on this setting though.

Cheers from blighty Steve.