Aftermarket Rear suspension? Which Brands to choose from?

[jjwithers]

Looking at some past threads, i am seeing that there are TONS of rear suspension options.

Does anybody have a breakdown of suspension rates? which ones are stiffer? which ones are more 'progressive'?
And what is the exact length needed for a shock purchase?
13"?
13.5?
14?


My quest is for comfortable sporty suspension with minimum rear wheel travel on a SWB /5 ( i don't want it to bounce up into the fender area too much due to putting a battery under the seat).

Ikon (koni) is what i have on both my bikes right now. i LOVE them on one bike (Koni's on my cafe /5). The Ikons seem stiff and after 23k miles, i am still waiting for them to break in (on my stock 77 R100s). Or maybe i just need to gain weight...

I recently saw a /5 with some Progressive rear shocks and can't figure out which model they are. I think they are the 412 series.

Hagon seems to be a name tossed around a bunch.
Same with Ohlins BM 141 but those look like aggressive race shocks (and crazy expensive).
YSS look cool but i know nothing about them.
Same with Works Shocks...

I'd love to start a poll of sorts to see what people are running and why.
Thanks in advance to anybody who participates.

-Josh

[Unclviny]

Call Dave Quinn Motorcycles and tell them what you want, they will set-up a pair of Hagons for you.
(203)393-2651

Vince

[Garnet]

The SWB /5 came with a 13.25" ish rear shocks. Useing longer shocks raises the rear of the bike and decreases rake making the bike "turn in" or respond to steering imput quicker. It depends on what you are looking for. The SWB bikes are already easy to throw around and IMO already great for in town and twistyback roads. Some have reported stabilty isues at high speeds, which only get worse with taller shocks.

Makeing sure that your front forks are aligned and working propery is ABSOLUTLY critical, and should be done before making rear suspension modifications.

Ikon's have the shortest travel of the good alternatives for twin shock bikes. Perhaps you find them too stiff of your cafe bike because of the reduced weight of the bike. Certinaly some homework on spring rates is in order.

The Progresives and Hagons have slightly longer travel at just over 3" but still nowhere near the 5" of the stock Boges.

I too am in the middle of trying to decide on rear shocks for my /5. The only thing that I know that I want for sure is a shock with adjustable damping, as I ride on a variety of roads surfaces with a variety of laods. I feel that it is very important to match the rebound damping with the diferent spring preloads.

[Major Softie]

Yeah, "too stiff" is not a clear picture. Too stiff in springing, or in damping? If the spring rate is right (determined by measuring sag with and without rider), then it's the damping that is too stiff for your tastes.

Any good suspension setup person should be able to get you the right springs by you giving them the weight on the rear tire both with and without rider, and where the shock mounts on the swingarm. Damping is a much more personal thing, dependent on what you want and where and how you ride, so adjustable damping is the best solution there if you are looking for perfection.