Shocks from Bob's BMW

[Red_Hen]

Greetings - I saw a thread from a member who purchased shocks for his R65 from Bob's - mine is an R65LS and has two - the ones on it are Progressive but the bike was sitting outside for who knows how long and are frozen - does it make any sense to try to "un-freeze" these shocks (the coils are red and black) or better off buying new ones - I'm a believer in good shocks but first want to get my bike up and running to decide how much I like it and then what kind to buy.
Also, what other model BMW's with dual shocks are compatible with our R65's?
Thanks,

Ken Tuvman

[nhmaf]

The dual shock R65 bikes (and the somewhat short-lived R45 bikes) have a slightly smaller/shorter frame than the R80/R100 of the same time period.  So, to maintain "stock" height and handling characteristics, the R65 dual shocks are shorter than the R80/R100 shocks by approximately 1 inch (actually somewhere between 1/2 and 3/4 inch) .     I think that one can fit taller shocks, but it will change the ride height and handling in a not so great way.

If you order from Bob's or Capital Cycle.com or other airhead-savvy places, they usually will have the R45/65 specific shocks.  The OEM ones are not well liked - I do prefer the Progressives on my LS.   You can also fit Hagons, which can come in some range of lengths.   Just be sure to tell the seller that you are looking for shocks for the R65 which are shorter than the R80/100 standard shocks.

[montmil]

A recent R65 shock topic on this site confirmed that the R65 shocks are 13-inch models. Several peeps went out and measured as did I. 12.75-inchers are usable and do lower the seat height just a tad for those inseamed challenged. Maybe the LS is different but I dunno.

Bob's repro-look BMW shocks have been rider reviewed as being pretty stiff and giving a harder ride than expected. Progressive shocks, as on my '81 R65, are every nice and reasonably priced. You can spend more on other lines. I'm not pushing the vintage R65s fast enough to need WSB suspension and prices. YMMV

If the frozen shocks were mine, I'd toss 'em. Had a pair of KYB shock cartridges freeze up on my Cabriolet and it was a nightmare. Unsafe.

Monte

[Justin B.]

You might check to see if the progressives are rebuildable and if they'd be worth rebuilding.

[Dave 2]

Hi Ken, I put a set of Ikons on my LS this summer and I'm very happy with them, I have a very stable ride without a hint of wobble. Some say they are expensive, I paid between $350 & $400 for them, and I would recommend them. Dave 2

[montmil]

... Some say they are expensive... Dave 2

They are!

[Bengt_Phorqs]

Paid about $220 for a new pair of Hagons from Dave Quinn and couldn't be happier.  At that price they are a great value.  I've always marvelled at why shocks are so dad-blamed expensive.  For what you pay you would think they would last at least 100k miles.

[Red_Hen]

Shocks are expensive but a good investment!

One of my other bikes is a K75S and it's got the notorious front brake pulsation problem - after buying new Carbone Lorraines & giving the rotors (which look great and are well above min. spec standards) still pulsing. Even changed the front wheel bearings - now looking to shell out @ 5 clams for the EBC's which what I've read are the solution.

My R65LS is going to be my winter project - I will not cut corners when it comes to safety - especially brakes & suspension!  No seat belts on bikes so do my best do ride good equipment.  Am very curious to ride the R65 but right now in a million little pieces.

Thanks for your input on the shocks.  I bought a nice Progressive on my K75 and it really improved the ride - of course the one on it was totally trashed - a stock BMW original shock.

[Red_Hen]

Has anyone bought the Progressive 412'?  I saw some online - black 13" for Harley - would those workout okay?  They're @ $200 for the pair on a close out.

Thanks

Ken

[Bengt_Phorqs]

One of my other bikes is a K75S and it's got the notorious front brake pulsation problem - after buying new Carbone Lorraines & giving the rotors (which look great and are well above min. spec standards) still pulsing.  

Are you still running the stock break lines?  Have you considered going to a braided stainless line such as Spiegler?  I put one on the R90 and it is much more firm.

[nhmaf]

I bought my progressive shocks from Bob's BMW - I no longer have the box so I cannot tell you the model number - they don't appear to have much in the way of identification on them..

[montmil]

Has anyone bought the Progressive 412'?  I saw some online - black 13" for Harley - would those workout okay?  They're @ $200 for the pair on a close out. Thanks Ken

Progressive 412's are available for the R65. I have them on my '81.

Also, IMHO, just because something costs a chunk of money more than the competition does not necessarily mean it's a better product or safer or a better performer than a less expensive item. You do not always get what you pay for.

 [smiley=2cents.gif] Monte  

[Ed Miller]

C'mon Monte, don't you want these:

http://www.ohlins.nl/index.php?langID=1&siteArea=models&brandID=3&catID=43&prodID=331&modelID=645

They don't actually list any for R65s, so I picked the R75.

[Barry]

+1 on expensive shocks Monte.

I like quality up to a point but I can't understand why some bike shocks should cost 4 times more than others. An element of "fashion" enters the equation at the high end of the market.

I have a set of original BMW shocks with the pre-load handle which I'm sure I would miss if I had to get a C spanner out every time my wife rode pillion. I have no complaints even though everyone says they are marginal.  They have only done 10,000 miles though.  

[montmil]

Roger your comments, Barry. My '83 R65 has BMW's Boge stockers with progressive springs and the bike handles just fine, thank you very much.

I can tell a crappy shock from a good one and the boingers on the '83 are good to go.

Monte