Boge Shocks?

[weasel01]

The shocks were on the tightest setting when I got my r65 and thats
how I've been riding it.
On the way home today I got a wild hair and stopped and set them to the softest setting and it feels very good.
My question is when are they worn out? How can you tell.....what should I expect from these original shocks?

[Bob_Roller]

If you have the original BOGE shocks, they probably need to be replaced, they were marginal when they were new .

First clue, is oil leakage around the seals, that's where mine started seeping .

I replaced mine in 1994, had the bike 13 years, and around 28,000 miles on it .

[nhmaf]

Depending on the type of riding you do and your weight+weight of typical cargo if any, some shocks are better than others - and/or last longer, from a user's perspective.   Usually the first thing to go out on them is their damping, though the original shocks weren't especially good in that department to begin with.

I fitted some Progressive shocks I bought from Bob's BMW when I discovered how much the rear end of the R65 wallowed around going through twisties, and the tires, bearings, swingarm etc were all in good sort.  I liked to enjoy the occasional "spirited romp" around some twistier roads, and the new shocks & springs, mated with new fork springs made a great difference in how the bike handled.  They are a bit more stiff overall, than original equipment (Even when in perfect condition).   The IKON shocks (reborn KONIs) are well regarded, but still often hard to find.

[larstorders]

Riding on worn/ bouncy shocks can in many ways develop bike handling skills     . But seriously it can be dangerous.
Most folks say the Boges were just adequate when new. I'm still riding on mine (43000 miles) I tried one replacement set from Moto-bins but found them to be worse, providing a hardtail experience. (cant remember the make). Rider weight seems to be an important factor. So I too am looking for shock absorber reccomendations.

[montmil]

The Progressive line of shocks for motorcycles is quite varied. Springs are tailored to rider weight and projected load out. Some are pricey while others are moderately priced. BMW shocks are available.  Monte

http://www.progressivesuspension.com/

[weasel01]

So how soft should the bike feel?
With the shocks on the tightest setting it feels hard tailed like Larstorders
mentioned but on the softest setting I'm sure I will be bottoming out here and there.....

[Bob_Roller]

When you adjust the built in levers, you are only changing the tension on the spring, you are not adjusting the damping on the air/oil part of the shock absorber .

I installed KONI's 15 years and 45,000 miles ago .

I would recommend them, but back in 1994 the cost was $145US for the 7610 series, the available replacements, IKON, are in the $350-400US range today .

But the shocks are rebuildable with seal kits readily available .

[weasel01]

I'll tell ya I rode out to the shop this morning on the softest setting and the bike felt very very good..