Modern rear shocks for an old Guzzi

[canuck750]

I am looking for a set of shock absorbers for a 1975 750 S3, basically the same a 850 T3 as they share the same frame, swing arm, rear drive etc....

I have looked at YSS, Progressive, Gazi, IKON and Hagon sites. Does anyone have experience with any particular model? Looking for good quality but don't want to fit the piggy back reservoir type shock. Not going racing but want something that is effective, adjustable, etc.

My preference is that it look something like the original, black body and chrome springs. originals are Paoloi and look a lot like a stock Eldorado shock.

I put Hagon's on my Eldorado, much better than the stock shocks but I understand they are a pretty basic unit.

Thanks

Jim

[dan_s]

Got Ikons for three years now, a bit stiff for me even with the lowest spring preload (76kg rider). They're ok I guess,

[gwb_mg]

I have the Ikons on my Cali II and will be putting them on my Convert, very pleased with them, better than the Progressive shocks I had.

[190 Octane]

I have Hagon Nitros on my Titanium.  I've been really pleased with them.  I've never touched the preload, I was able to dial them into my liking with just the dampening adjustment.

[John Ulrich]

Ikon's on two Guzzis.  I had a custom Works Shock built for one that worked worse then the stock shock did new.....it's hard to build one worse then new!!! The Ikon out of the box was fantastic.

[canuck750]

Thanks Guys,

I am going to follow John's experience and go for the IKON 7610-1297 - black body / chrome springs. Price wise they are right in the middle at $460.00 a pair, and I like that they are rebuildable.

The Progressive and Gazi options are more expensive and not much I can find on them relative to a Guzzi. 

Hagon is cheaper but I have those already and I know the KONI were stock on a lot of Guzzi's so I will try my luck with a pair.

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

I am going to follow John's experience and go for the IKON 7610-1297 - black body / chrome springs. Price wise they are right in the middle at $460.00 a pair, and I like that they are rebuildable.

Yhat's what I used on Herr Dr. Pepper's V7 Sport restoration. They worked very well IMO, a little on the firm side, but will likely get better with use.

[aschem]

Put IKON shocks on my CB1100 made a big difference. Will put a set on my CALVIN this summer.

[harrytief]

I REALLY like the Gazi Hyper X on the rear of my calvin. Comparable to Ohlins but cheaper. That said, the Ohlins on my two cx100's are as good as it gets. One cx wears a fully adjustable set but the second cx has the vintage look with no remote reservoir or adjustment. Pro Pilot set them up for my weight and riding style and they are outstanding.
Harry

[earemike]

Just for reference mupo do adjustable length shocks with & without piggyback, they're not inexpensive though.

[Guzzigary777]

I haven't replaced the shocks on my '83 1000sp in such a long time that it has Koni's on it (and they still work great), but I just replaced the single rear shock on my 2000 Yammy royal star Venture with a Hagon. I have been very pleased with it's performance (and price).  It seems to be a very good quality unit.

[Furbo]

Have always had great luck with Progressives. Used 'em on a T3, LeMans, Eldo, Cal II, and an SPIII.

[mtiberio]

I loved Konis when I raced, but modern Ikons seem too harsh out of the box. If I could get a set with about 10,000 miles on them maybe. Progressives are only a little better out of the box, but still do not compare to the old Konis. Marzocchis? Not great. I had low end Ohlins, only Ok. I have had a couple of sets of custom "works performance" shocks. Took multiple returns for revalving to get right. Currently have a set of long travel Works shocks on my EldoVert.

One of the most important things for old guzzis (or any bike with a simple/non-floating driveshaft). Pick a rear spring rate that allows you to run minimal preload. In other words if you have to jack up preload to adjust ride height or prevent bottoming, get a stiffer spring. Preload on the old bikes helps the swingarm top out during acceleration by adding to the jack effect of the rear drive unit.

[frans belgium]

I used to be very happy with these under my Cali
Best investment I ever did on a motorcycle
http://www.mawsolutions.com/html/body_about_fournales.html

[Orange Guzzi]

I loved Konis when I raced, but modern Ikons seem too harsh out of the box. If I could get a set with about 10,000 miles on them maybe. Progressives are only a little better out of the box, but still do not compare to the old Konis. Marzocchis? Not great. I had low end Ohlins, only Ok. I have had a couple of sets of custom "works performance" shocks. Took multiple returns for revalving to get right. Currently have a set of long travel Works shocks on my EldoVert.

One of the most important things for old guzzis (or any bike with a simple/non-floating driveshaft). Pick a rear spring rate that allows you to run minimal preload. In other words if you have to jack up preload to adjust ride height or prevent bottoming, get a stiffer spring. Preload on the old bikes helps the swingarm top out during acceleration by adding to the jack effect of the rear drive unit.

A straight rate spring is best on the shaft drive bike for this reason.

[rbm]

Contact Realm Engineering to see about fitting a pair of their RAM shocks.  Very well respected shock in the BMW K-bike community and they've branched out into producing the same design for classic bikes.  Here's my review of a pair I got for my M-G V7R