Rear Shock Talk

[72R75]

Hello everyone! Im new here. Last July I purchased my first bike. Its a 1972 BMW R75/5. I really enjoy riding it. Ive been doing alot of research on rear shocks. Mainly because mine stay collapsed now and I need some new ones. I would like to know what kind you guys run and like. Either oem fit or aftermarket. I heard some people running sportster rear shocks on theres. Also The ones Ive found on the internet say they are for a 73 and up. I was wondering if you guys could also tell me what size of rear shocks fit my bike? 13" or 13.5"? My bike is currently an hour away at the dealer getting the front forks resealed and new cables installed. Thanks for your time!
Jr

[Zombie Master]

A lot of us would upgrade our original shocks to Konis back in the day, which are no longer available. Ikon (note the spelling) makes similar shocks that are rebuildable. I've also heard that they can provide parts for the old Konis. If I were you that's what I'd use. Mind you, they are made in Oz so be very careful when you open the delivered package. There is no telling what strange hybrid critter might come flying out and lay eggs in you ears that could eat your brain.

http://www.ikonsuspension.com/content/quality.shtml

[ME 109]

Ikon shocks will serve you very well.
Three position spring preload with adjustable rebound dampening.

Don't listen to ZM, he'd just love to find himself in a package heading for Australia.

[SteveD]

Welcome Jr.
What sorta riding are you into? Go fast as you can all the time, mountain scratchin', weekend country cruisin' or just the occasional tootle around the 'hood?
There's plenty to choose from out there with different qualities and matching prices. Let us know what you're after. Hagon, YSS, Works, Forsa, Ikon and even uber expensive yellow ones.

[72R75]

I just do some cruising around town and on the highways and occasionally the mountain drive. Does the size really not matter to much?
Thanks again for your time guys!
Jr

[Deleted User 287]

I bought Hagons and was happy with them.
Here is their fitment chart: http://www.hagonshocksusa.com/HagApps1.htm
Scroll down for BMW.
BMW 750 R75/5/6/7 1970 1987 34003
Website: http://www.hagonshocksusa.com/index.htm
Indeed - I did not give you Dave Quinn's website! http://www.davequinnmotorcycles.com/

This is all assuming you are in the USA, of course. Give them a call if you want, it is a Mom & Pop operation here in the U.S. and Pop will answer the phone and you can tell him what you have, how much you weigh, and how you plan to use the bike. Very nice. An these are some of the more affordable (not IKON) shocks available.

Be very careful if you ride the bike before replacing those original shocks, if they are truly collapsed.

[SteveD]

I have a set of ikons that I need to rebuild.
In the meantime, I bought a set of these..

YSS bravo or RE302-T. $299 and they've been fine. They even felt very good in the mountains a couple of weekends back. For another $200 you can get their equivalent of the ikons.
Available in NA too..
http://www.yssusa.com/series-bravo.html

[Chuey]

I do not know the answer to the question of length. I can say, however, that I've bought several pairs of used Konis for my bikes and they've been fine. I clean them up and get the springs powder coated. I've also used stock shocks and they're fine. For most non performance riding, any good working (appropriately sized) shock should be fine.

Chuey

[Major Softie]

Mind you, they are made in Oz so be very careful when you open the delivered package. There is no telling what strange hybrid critter might come flying out and lay eggs in you ears that could eat your brain.

Brain eating marsupials . . . terrifying.

[SteveD]

Mind you, they are made in Oz so be very careful when you open the delivered package. There is no telling what strange hybrid critter might come flying out and lay eggs in you ears that could eat your brain.

Brain eating marsupials . . . terrifying.

Dropbears we call 'em. Sneaky little suckers.