V7 E5 850 rear shocks

[zZavarivach]

Hey guys,

After a couple of hundred ridden KM's (450 on the clock) I noticed the rear hub was greasy-oily.
I instantly thought it was the rear hub seal or it was overfilled.
But after cleaning everything up and riding again, it is unfortunately the rear shock that is leaking!!! This is why the hub was mysteriously dirty on the top.

The bike is out of warranty. The rear chock is 380€ new here (Serbia, outside EU).

Now hear me out, this is where I need advice:

1) First option, buy from eBay some used set - from 130-200€ a pair for the 2021+     - I'm guessing this is from damaged bikes or ppl who upgraded the stock rear suspension.
2) Now the second ''option'' is where I need advice. There is a guy here locally selling a V85TT rear shock since he upgraded to something else, yes the V85TT has only one but as I read online on the documents avaliable it should be the same lenght or 10mm difference. If I buy this one and one other, from ebay ( I have to buy something anyway) would this be : a - doable , b - 2in1 upgrade move? 3 - too stiff?!?!

I'm sorry if its a dumb question. I don't know shock mater, so was just thinking about as a 2 in 1 move (replace+upgrade) since I have to get it sorted anyway, and the stock shocks are pretty basic like we all know that much.

Regards

[Bisbee]

Sorry to hear your problem. My 2021 850 Special with 800 miles leaked oil and I had it replaced under warranty. You should let Guzzi know that this is an issue with the KYB shock.KYB is an excellent company and should be willing to make things right.

[Tom H]

If I understand correctly, the TT uses a mono shock and yours uses 2 shocks. The mono shock will be too heavy for your bike.

No opinion on what to replace your shocks with except that Ikon are decent shocks and normally a decent price.

Tom

[JStorm]

I agree that using a pair of v85tt rear shocks will be incredibly stiff, in both spring rate and damping. Using a single shock might work but I have a feeling it won't be right.

Have to consider bike weight, amount of wheel travel, wheel rate, angle of mounting, etc...

[zZavarivach]

If I understand correctly, the TT uses a mono shock and yours uses 2 shocks. The mono shock will be too heavy for your bike.

No opinion on what to replace your shocks with except that Ikon are decent shocks and normally a decent price.

Tom

Thanks, that's the kind of opinion I was looking to get back on this subject. I was thinking of optimizing my choice but I guess you are right about the heavy part, IDK.

Regards

[bronzestar1]

Thinking outside the box here, if your shocks are like the ones on my '23 Special Edition, you might be able to get a set of Harley air shocks to work.  There s/b numerous listings on eBay.  You'll need to determine the length of your shocks, and find something close to that length.  I've used these air shocks on several bikes that I've had, and usually ended up ditching the airlines and installing a Shrader valve on each shock.  From what I remember, I had to get longer mounting bolts, because the mounts were a little wider than stock.  A good hand pump is all you need to air them up, do NOT use compressed air, unless you set the max output to something like 20 psi.  For solo riding, I usually had them set at no more than 5 psi (I weigh 215 lbs).  With a passenger, I'd increase it to maybe 10-12 psi.  Here are some pics for reference, this is a Sportster I used to have:

Stock shocks:



upload images


Big twin air shocks:

[Vagrant]

If they won't stand behind it contact "Shock factory" I believe in France and get a set custom made for you. Most likely the same or less money as stock. Tons better in every way!

[mechanicsavant]

I too was not happy with Oem shocks , Roger @ ICON was very patient working wit me to get the spring rates spot on with the shocks I purchased. It took several attempts to get them “just right”but he worked with me to get things dang near perfect ! I was pleasantly surprised at his attention to detail . A good experience all around . I’ve now got ICON shocks on both of my small blocks