Koni 7610-1297

[Stevex]

When I bought my LM2 it had these shocks fitted and also the original damper forks.
Having decided to try to improve the suspension of the bike, I replaced the fork internals with Honda RC36 Showa cartridges (courtesy of advice from huub).
Next is to strip the Konis and replace the oil. I have no idea how long these shocks have been fitted to the bike as the PO fitted them.
They are in excellent condition with no corrosion or leaks, but they give a very hard ride even on minimum spring pre load.
I've searched the internet to try to find what the original spring code was, with the hope of fitting a softer spring, but can find nothing.
Can anyone help with this, or even better, has anyone had the same problem and replaced the springs?

[Peter from Sch'dy]

I may be wrong but don't these shocks have adjustable damping? Serrated wheel under rubber cover just below top mount?
Best,
Peter

[wirespokes]

The airheads had the same problem with the Konis - spring too stiff. When I rebuilt the ones on my R65LS, I consulted the chart on the IKON site (the company now producing Konis) and found the next softer spring. I found some used, a pretty good trick, but they can be purchased new. Check out the IKON site for the data - the site is different now, so hopefully the chart is still up, but if not, they're very helpful and will answer any questions you post to them.

[PeteS]

I have these on my 850 LeMans but seem fine as they come. I put a set on my EV and did get set of softer springs. They were Ikons by then. Check the Ikon web site or maybe contact MG Cycle as they have Ikon springs.

Pete

[huub]

Remove the springs and test the dampers, to check if the dampers work properly.they tend to seize, because debris from the seals  clog the damper holes and shims
Just strip and clean them and They should be ok
They can be a pain to unscrew, some beat helps

[frozengoose]

They are in excellent condition with no corrosion or leaks, but they give a very hard ride even on minimum spring pre load.
I've searched the internet to try to find what the original spring code was, with the hope of fitting a softer spring, but can find nothing.
Can anyone help with this, or even better, has anyone had the same problem and replaced the springs?

I put Koni's on my T in the early '90's and they're still fine. They have Koni 213 on the spring and 9008 on the shock body. I find them a little under sprung and have them on the stiffest setting.  But maybe if I lost twenty lbs?

[geodoc]

Here's a good source for details on IKON socks and springs that will help if you are looking for what's available for a spring swap.

http://www.laverda.ca/ikon/ikonmain.htm






.

[Tom H]

IIRC the 1297 12 3/4" shock had 2 spring choices, light and heavy. The heavy is what I use on my Eldo. The light IMHO would be too light. If you decide to rebuild the shocks, the hard part is getting the nut off that uses a pin wrench. I posted some pics of what I made to work. I can post again if needed.

The Laverda sire has some great info in one place, I'm saving that site.

Tom

[Stevex]

Thanks to all for the advice offered.
I emailed the UK Ikon importer and received this as part of the reply:

I can advise that IKON shocks  7610-1297 is listed for your motorcycle and would’ve been fitted with springs; 255/18/25/33 (18-25Nm) and there doesn’t appear to be a lighter spring available for those shocks I’m afraid.

Interesting that the part number partially equates to the pre load force but the 'Laverda' spring table quotes 18-34NM for the same part number.

[PeteS]

It sounds like your shocks could use a rebuild. As mentioned the passageways are probably clogged with loose rubber bits from the seals. As soon as you remove the springs you should be able to feel how hard they are to compress and pull apart.

Pete

[geodoc]

Might be worth contacting IKON USA to see of they have a lighter spring available that's not on that list. I just sent them my 7614 series gas-charged shocks for overhaul & they responded quickly to my questions. (they're installed on my Loop and developed a shaft seal leak, but no inflation tool or PSI info to do N2 recharge)

https://www.ikonsuspensionusa.com/

Thanks to all for the advice offered.
I emailed the UK Ikon importer and received this as part of the reply:

I can advise that IKON shocks  7610-1297 is listed for your motorcycle and would’ve been fitted with springs; 255/18/25/33 (18-25Nm) and there doesn’t appear to be a lighter spring available for those shocks I’m afraid.

Interesting that the part number partially equates to the pre load force but the 'Laverda' spring table quotes 18-34NM for the same part number.

[Stevex]

I'll go for the sensible option of stripping and rebuilding first then. Here's hoping those nuts are not to tight.

[Tom H]

Per MG Cycle these will work:

http://www.mgcycle.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=197_200&products_id=4519

The 255mm springs only show one spring, but the 250mm's show more. Shame you can't easily put a 235mm spring on a -1297.

Yu can most likely fit a -1429 which is 13.25" yours are roughly 12.75"

Tom

[PeteS]

Per MG Cycle these will work:

http://www.mgcycle.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=197_200&products_id=4519

The 255mm springs only show one spring, but the 250mm's show more. Shame you can't easily put a 235mm spring on a -1297.

Yu can most likely fit a -1429 which is 13.25" yours are roughly 12.75"

Tom

If the LM2 has the same short swingarm as an 850 LM then the longer shock is probably not a good idea. It would only work the U Joint harder with the greater angle and the U Joint on my 850 had to be replaced at 20K miles even with the 12.75". 

Pete

[Stevex]

So...I contacted the UK importer who replied that no softer springs were available, hmmm really.
I then shot off another email to IkonUS in the hope they would be of more help and they were, in a roundabout way, as they forwarded my email to Ikon in Oz.
Just had an informative email back from them telling me that I should consider 250-15/21/28 springs as an alternative.
I had actually looked at the Laverda link and seen the 250 length softer springs.
It's pouring down here, likely to last all week, good excuse to get those shocks off and rip them apart.