Shocks

[awaffa2003]

I was reading the "it's all about size" post and i started wondering. could you put longer shocks on the bike and raise it up??? just a thought....

[nhmaf]

To a point, this is possible.  BUT, if the rear subframe tube lengths aren't changed you may end up putting the swingarm (and driveshaft joints within it)
at a more severe angle, which might have a tendency to shorten the lifespan of the joints/bearings a bit.  And this will tend to try to pitch the bike's weight
a bit more forward onto the front wheels, which you may not want.   Easier to try different seat options that won't mess with the frame geometry or weight bias.

[Semper Gumby]

Before I knew anything I replaced my OEM shocks with some Progressive series twelve shocks.  They are 13 inches long instead of 12.5.  This plays hell with the side stand (the bike leans over more.)  Also I think it makes the bike more twitchy at speed.  The only advantage is a miniscule bit more clearence to draging the rideoff stand in a steep turn.  When it comes time to replace I will probably put on the proper 12.5 inch length Hagon/Progressive back on.

my2cents

[Crossrodes]

After the discussion on the "It's about size" thread I ordered the Hagon's.  I spoke with Dave Quinn and he told me that the 13" shock was what he normally sold for these bikes. (Mine measures 12.5").  So I ordered the 13" shocks.  I called Dave back today to see if I could get 12.5" shocks but unfortunately mine are already on the way.

So I will have 13" shocks.  I'll let you know how they work.  I'm expecting that I will have issues with the side stand as the one that's on there now is already bent and when I put the bike on the side stand (rarely) it already leans at a scary angle.  I'm trying to find a replacement sidestand but no one I can find has the Brown sidestand.  Does anyone know if another sidestand would be a good replacement or should I wait for a Brown?

[NC Steve]

Cross, try to contact this guy Richard Spehar, at beemerrich_49503@hotmail.com . He sells a very nice  Brown clone stand for around 100 bucks, $50 or so less than the Brown itself.
Several of us here bought these from him earlier this year.

If you want to read about the escapades and fiascos, aka The Sidestand Follies, look into here:

http://suraklyn.com/yabb/YaBB.pl?num=1179711673/0

Good luck with your shocks too.

[mtpica]

<< I'm expecting that I will have issues with the side stand as the one that's on there now is already bent and when I put the bike on the side stand (rarely) it already leans at a scary angle. >>

I faced the same situation.  I took the side stand off and realized that the biggest problem was actually wear inside the "slot" surrounding the pivot bolt.

My "fix": Using a wire-feed welder, I added metal to the inside of this slot.  I then used an angle grinder with a relatively thin cut-off wheel to grind out some of the extra weld and return it the slot to its original contour and angle.  When I refitted the sidestand to the bike it functioned like I'm guessing it did when it was new!

It took some time, but it cost a LOT less than a new sidestand.

mark
1984 R65
1983 R80ST
1981 R100RT

[redzap]

So...I've been thinking about a good upgrade for the stock shocks, both front and rear.  I'm sure this has been discussed before but I'd appreciate your opinions.

[dewjantim]

So...I've been thinking about a good upgrade for the stock shocks, both front and rear.  I'm sure this has been discussed before but I'd appreciate your opinions.

I just installed the progressive springs on the front of my R65 LS. I did not install the spacers which come with them. The bike rides as good as stock and does not have all the dive associated with the stock springs. My bike had only 6000 miles on it (now 8000) and I weigh 160 lbs. I use it for both sport and touring......Dew.

[nhmaf]

I installed the Progressive springs in the front forks (and the spacer that came with it) and also installed
Progressive shocks on the rear.  With 7.5W fork oil the front forks dive much less and have about the right
firmness I want without being miserable on the bumpy roads.   The progressive rear shocks also seem to
have a better range of adjustment for me, and are generally a bit stiffer and better damped than the old
stock units that were on there.   The have a shorter model for the R65, and a longer model for the other
airheads.   Apparently you can get either standard or heavy duty springs for the rear shocks, but they
advise against putting the heavy duty springs on the shorter shocks as that may make things just
way too harsh on most of the settings.

[Crossrodes]

NCSteve thanks for the tip on the Brown clone.  I ordered the sidestand from Richard yesterday.