Old Question Revisited - Buying Shocks for my R65L

[Red_Hen]

Hi Gang,

I'm getting ready to re-assemble my R65LS soon!  I need to buy shocks and understand 13" is the magic measurement.  I see a pair on Ebay - they're Progresive's - will these be okay?  My bike is Henna Red with a Black Frame - would you go with the chrome or black shocks?  Thanks as always,  Ken in MN

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=110446134559&viewitem=&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWAX%3AIT

[nhmaf]

I bought mine from Bob's BMW, but I can't tell you the part number of link to it because for some reason his whole online catalog of airheads parts is not functioning now.  I tried to check against the progressivesuspension.com website, but there flashy, but mostly worthless/non-operable website also pukes out Java runtime errors...

Can't anyone test their website code anymore before going online with it?!?!?   Argh!

I went with black shocks on my red LS - as I still run the flat black stock pipes and there is no chrome anywhere else on it, I thought that wen't with "the look" the best.  But, if you've got chrome pipes on your LS, or it is silver, the shiny chrome shocks may really look good too!

[Bob_Roller]

13 inches between the center of the upper and lower holes, is the correct dimension for the R65 .

If you can get rebuild-able shocks, it may be worth it in the long run, if you plan on keeping the bike for awhile .

I've got a red LS, and I think the black would probably look better, no chrome otherwise on the bike, but it's your call, it's your bike .

[Red_Hen]

Mine has the 2-in-1 black Luftmeister pipe - black sounds like the best way to. Thanks!

[515_FOTO]

Don't know about those particlar shocks for your application, but in general, while the overall length will put your unladen seat at the same height it should be, it is the compressed length that will keep your tire from hitting the fender--kinda important!

[Bengt_Phorqs]

Give Dave Quinn a call about Hagon shocks.   Dave Quinn Motorcycles inc. [dqmcs@earthlink.net]  I put a pair on the R65 and couldn't believe the difference it made.  Dave asked questions about my weight, type of riding, and correctly fitted the shocks.  At $218 per pair (last year) it was the very best value I know of.

On the other hand, I have Progressives on my R90/6 and they are good shocks, but they came with the bike.

[Crossrodes]

If you buy Hagon shocks don't get the type with shrouds.  Mine have chrome shrouds and the springs rub on the shrouds and squeak with every move...very annoying.  I emailed Hagon and their only advice was to put grease on the springs.  Grrrr.  

[bruce_launceston]

I have the YSS gas/oil shocks. They are available with black body and black springs but have an alloy top and bottom that set them off nicely. They also go on up the opposite way than the original oil shcks. There is a close-up on the photo gallery in my album.

Cheers

[steven m]

Just curious as to why you would want to buy used shocks for $100 each when you can get a new set of Progressive shocks for an R65 for $206, on ebay!  Do a search for Progressive shocks and look for the 13" 412 model.  Yes, they are the same shocks that are fitted to a H-D.  Progressive shocks are very good.  You will want to give them a call to figure out which springs are right for you, weight, two up riding, etc.

By the way, I'm not selling them, just doing research.

Good luck
Steve

[Red_Hen]

I bought new Progressives yesterday from onestopmoto.com - a progressive dealer - I bought the 12 series - all black.  I'd forgotten how good they're customer service and prices are.  I bought my mono shock for my K75 from them as well.  

Thanks for all your suggestions!

Soon the journey begins - reassembling my R65!

[Altritter]

If you buy Hagon shocks don't get the type with shrouds.  Mine have chrome shrouds and the springs rub on the shrouds and squeak with every move...very annoying.  I emailed Hagon and their only advice was to put grease on the springs.

Thanks for the warning, Crossrodes. When the financial shock from moving daughter in conjunction with her transferring law schools wears off (actually a nice problem to have under the circumstances), I plan to buy short Hagons for my bike. I was weighing the aesthetics of plain black on my black bike versus chrome caps. Guess this makes the decision an easy one.

JT

[515_FOTO]

Altritter, are you planning on shocks shorter than the 13"? If you are and find a sucessful set please let me know what you went with. I don't yet have the R65 but know I will be trying to lower it some for the inseam challenged member of the family. It's the compressed length/tire clearance I'm wondering about as I don't have a bike to experiment with.
Larry