Rear Shock Replacement recommendations?

Single & twin cylinder model BMW Airhead specific discussions
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jjwithers
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Rear Shock Replacement recommendations?

Post by jjwithers »

The rear shocks are pretty worn down on my /2.

It looks like i can buy the replacement parts from BMW (i'm assuming the shock absorbers and springs).

Are there any other options out there? Perhaps aftermarket?
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Kurt in S.A.
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Re: Rear Shock Replacement recommendations?

Post by Kurt in S.A. »

Mobile Tradition (aka Mark Huggett and probably Vech) have a replace Boge shock. Looks like it's running 115 Swiss Francs. Konis were a decent choice, but maybe Ikon has a replacement that would work well.

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Re: Rear Shock Replacement recommendations?

Post by Major Softie »

I had Works Performance on the front of my /2. A slightly firmer ride and a definite improvement in handling.
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Kurt in S.A.
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Re: Rear Shock Replacement recommendations?

Post by Kurt in S.A. »

Does Works make a rear shock replacement? The question was about rear shocks. I'd read where the Works were stiffer and might not be as comfortable on the non-sporty /2s, but somewhat OK for the R69S.

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Re: Rear Shock Replacement recommendations?

Post by jjwithers »

Yes, I am definitely referring to the rear shocks. The fronts will need some loving someday but the rear, solo, or with my 90lb daughter on the back, are much too soft. I have changed the pre-load setting lever but I think they are just old and tired.
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'77 R100S - http://www.joshuawithers.com/r100s
'73 /5 Toaster Cafe bike http://www.joshwithers.com/slash5
'67 Bridgestone 175 Hurricane Scrambler
'66 R60/2
'72 BMW 2002
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Major Softie
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Re: Rear Shock Replacement recommendations?

Post by Major Softie »

Vech shows an aftermarket alternative for both ends, but they're a bit more expensive than the BMW Traditions units. They are probably the Works units (if they're still making them).
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Duane Ausherman
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Re: Rear Shock Replacement recommendations?

Post by Duane Ausherman »

The original Boge in decent shape are quite capable of doing the job for your light load. I would use them and save the money. The usually lasted at least 20 years, on average.

Test yours out, do they allow bouncing, or do they dampen out after the first bounce? Are they leaking oil? Or, show signs of an old leak? They are easy to remove and take apart for accurate testing. My site has the info.
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jjwithers
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Re: Rear Shock Replacement recommendations?

Post by jjwithers »

It seems that ikon makes replacement dampeners. Has anybody tried them over the stock Boge?

Do the springs wear out? I am trying to not spend money unless necessary and wondering if they need to be replaced.

As of now, I think the issues is too much bound/rebound which seems more like a dampener vs a spring.
www.beemersandbits.com
'77 R100S - http://www.joshuawithers.com/r100s
'73 /5 Toaster Cafe bike http://www.joshwithers.com/slash5
'67 Bridgestone 175 Hurricane Scrambler
'66 R60/2
'72 BMW 2002
Instagram - jj_withers
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