Shocks for R50

[Gene Ungar]

I'm thinking that the 47 year old shocks on my R50 could use replacement. It has all the classic wallowing behavior.

Any suggestions on where the best place would be to buy replacement shocks (front and rear). Any recommendations on brand (if there is a choice)?

Thanks.

[Kurt in S.A.]

I'm not that up on shocks for these bikes, but some info I saved indicates that Koni made shocks for these bikes, but Mark Huggett in Switzerland (a Mobile Tradition Supplier) considers them too stiff. Probably OK for the heavier R69S but maybe not for the R50 series. BMW/Boge was the preferred supplier, but they stopped making those shocks as well as Koni. Ikon is the new maker of Koni-like shocks.

Mobile Tradition suppliers, like Mark Huggett and Vech, sell Boge replicas. Might be worth a shot. Here's what Vech shows on his website:

31 41 2 054 232--shock absorber front cartridge EFT oil filled by BMW Mobile Tradition
31 41 2 054 232.1--shock absorber front cartridge EFT oil filled aftermarket

Might want to give Vech a call...

Kurt in S.A.

[robtg]

Works Performance makes replacement shocks for /2s.

http://www.worksperformance.com/html/bmw.html

Go to street app guide.

[Kurt in S.A.]

I've read that the Works shocks were patterned after the Konis, so it is unclear if they as the same stiffness as the discontinued Konis...maybe they've changed over the years??

Kurt in S.A.

[Major Softie]

I had the Works on the front of my R50/2. They were a vast improvement over my 40k mile Boges, and were definitely not too stiff. BUT, they "clunked" solidly on top-out. I was a little disappointed in this flaw, but they gave a very nice ride.

[Duane Ausherman]

My first choice would be to ask Vech. I bet he has them and they will work.

[Gene Ungar]

So, for front and rear shocks plus springs it looks like I am looking at about $500 for parts (Max BMW and Vech are comparable).

That's more than I have to pour into an occasional rider at the moment, so I think I will wait a while. Thanks for the help.

[Garnet]

I had Koni's on the front of one of my bikes and found them WAY too stiff. They where only good for very spirited riding when comfort was not that important.

I replaced them with Atos (Mobil Traditions) and the ride is excelent. The handling (road holding) has not suffered as the front wheel stays in contact with the road better on rough roads.

Ulis sells the Atos shocks for 80E each and the springs are around 17E each. Don't forget the "silent blocks" (bushings), as they are probably on their last legs if still original.

[Major Softie]

Don't forget the "silent blocks" (bushings), as they are probably on their last legs if still original.

Yep, I replaced mine. Just do it.

[Flatwins]

I put the Mobile Traditions cartridges on the front of my conversion. The original rears I had were fine so I just reused them when I built the bike. I can't compare them to Works or Hagon shocks since I've never tried them but the Mobile Traditions units are plenty good for me!