Gotta get new Rear Shocks

[decorn33]

Started out Sunday morning for a bike rally across the river in Pennsylvania. Heading down a narrow road off the beaten track and went over a speed bump. I heard a groan from the rear, almost like something was rubbing.  Stopped and checked it out but couldn't find anything amiss.  Later on that morning, after filling up with gas, I headed out again and when I dropped off the slight curb at the exit, I heard that groan again.  At the rally, a friend and I worked the rear suspension up and down on the stand and were able to recreate the noise a little. I now believe that after only 30 years I may need new shocks!

Moto-bins has OEM Boge damper cylinders for 247 pounds. They also have complete Betor's (Better Than Nothing's) for 85 pounds and complete Ikons for more than triple at 270 pounds. Are Ikons really worth 270? that translates into $454.00 dollars which is a hefty sum on a modest budget. Does anyone have experience with other manufacturers?   I suppose I could re-mortgage the house and get some Ohlins.

Can the OEM dampers be rebuilt at all?

[montmil]

Both my R65s roll with Hagon shocks purchased through Dave Quinn Motorcycles in Bethany CT.

Hagons are British-made and Dave is one of the USA distributors. When you call him, he's the guy that answers the phone. Tell him what you ride, how you most often ride, ie: solo or w/pillion, and what you weight ready to ride. He will custom fit springs to the shocks that match both you and your bike. My receipt states $194.00/pair.

The Boge tagline is: Boge shocks installed at the factory were useful only to keep the rear fender off the tire while the bike was in the shipping crate.

http://www.davequinnmotorcycles.com/cgi-bin/webc.cgi/aboutus.html

[Lucky_Lou]

Hagon have a good reputation I had them on my K, when needed I will put a pair on the R65..
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Hagon-twin-motorcycle-replacement-road-shocks-to-fit-a-BMW-R65-650cc-1978-1985-/400696989207?pt=UK_Motorcycle_Parts_13&hash=item5d4b66d617
They say they will post to USA.
At £150 a pair that puts them at about $250 + post
Lou

[decorn33]

Thank you guys. Time to fire up that credit card, again.

[steve hawkins]

I like the Koni/Ikons.  However they are firm, which is not for all.  They became popular as the Boges were useless for '2up with luggage' riding.  Also some people, who want a firmer, sportier feel.  Both my old R65 and my current R100 have them fitted.  They are a quality product and you have to pay for that quality.

Rev Light.

[Matt Chapter]

I'm about to replace my monoshock with a Progessive, on the advice of my race tuning mechanic, 460$ USD.  Hard to argue with a guy that makes a living working with the race club circuit about suspensions.

[RSMike]

I put the Hagon's on my R65 when I had it and was very happy with them. I'm thinking about putting a new rear shock on the R1100, Wilbers seem to be favoured, but I might stick with a Hagon.

[tvrla]

I like the Konis and they work well for me, but as already mentioned, they're too stiff. They sport the same spring used on the longer R80/100 shocks that also support more weight (and are still too stiff), so installing a lighter weight spring is a must. I did and they work great!

[Dustybin]

Where would you get lighter springs made for koni's as I have inherited a set of these on Steve's old bike which is somewhat lighter than a standard model so you can imagine how stiff they are. I was coming down a hill the other day and had to clench my teeth to stop them rattling! And no I was not cold

[trips]

I put Hagons on my Triumph Rocket Touring, transformed the bike, I got them through Dave Quinn, very happy, they set me up nice, I will probably go with them for the r65

[Tony Smith]

I like the Koni/Ikons.  However they are firm, which is not for all.  They became popular as the Boges were useless for '2up with luggage' riding.  Also some people, who want a firmer, sportier feel.  Both my old R65 and my current R100 have them fitted.  They are a quality product and you have to pay for that quality.

And they stand behind their product, the 1980s Konis that were fitted to the R65 are off being refurbished as I type this.

I recently outsmarted myself beautifully, there were some shocks, complete with springs advertised on ebay as being for R65s. The shocks themselves look half OK and have a remote pressure chamber. In my enthusiasm and faced with an about to end auction I slapped on the minimum bid of $140 and then proceeded to win them.

Then I did the research.
 
They are actually well made - to a point - and will probably do the job if ever asked to, but with a little less than 2" of stroke I do not think I'll be going touring on them - ever.
 
Picture below as a warning to others. I would have been betor off with not much betor than nothings (and they would have been cheaper)

[Dustybin]

Looks like a pair of bumble bees , may work with certain loud paint jobs did they do the R65 in that shade of yellow.
Well warned off, thanks very much

[Ed Miller]

Both my R65s roll with Hagon shocks purchased through Dave Quinn Motorcycles in Bethany CT.

Hagons are British-made and Dave is one of the USA distributors.
http://www.davequinnmotorcycles.com/cgi-bin/webc.cgi/aboutus.html

I think I'll order a pair from him for my Triumph.  I have a nice pair on it, can't remember the name, but the lower part is fatter than my original shocks and my rear brake rod rubs on it.  The Konis I took off my R65 would probably fit it as they are thinner and about the same length, but I would want to rebuild them and find lighter springs.  I think the Hagons are probably better.  My riding buddy has a pair (shrouded) on his old toaster tank R75/5.

[decorn33]

New Hagons arrived yesterday. Dave Quinn was very helpful.  Thanks for the reference.  Now to get them mounted. No more honking over bumps.

[Ed Miller]

New Hagons arrived yesterday. Dave Quinn was very helpful.  Thanks for the reference.  Now to get them mounted. No more honking over bumps.

Which kind did you get?  The only ones that will (sort of) fit my Triumph are the skinny ones.  But they will fit better than the ones I've had on it for a long time.