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Author Topic: Shocks - rebuild or replace?  (Read 12843 times)

Offline JustcallmeMrT

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Shocks - rebuild or replace?
« on: January 03, 2015, 02:55:34 PM »
Took a closer look at the shocks that came on my 550f2,  and wondering if you guys think they need to be rebuilt or replaced? 

The mounting rubbers look pretty worn, but that's not an issue.  My worry is that there seems to be some rust on the shaft that I assume will cause a leak if left as is.  The internal plastic cover also cracked.

Can these be rebuilt, or would it be better to replace them? 




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Offline Bitsa (Ralph Wright - RIP)

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Re: Shocks - rebuild or replace?
« Reply #1 on: January 03, 2015, 03:02:24 PM »
Mr T
If it were mine replace them.By the time you strip get bits rechromed etc to me not worth the hassle.Tried all of that and was a waste of time and money
Cheers
Bitsa
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Offline JustcallmeMrT

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Re: Shocks - rebuild or replace?
« Reply #2 on: January 03, 2015, 03:09:52 PM »
What would you replace it with?  Standard?  Something better?
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Offline Bitsa (Ralph Wright - RIP)

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Re: Shocks - rebuild or replace?
« Reply #3 on: January 03, 2015, 03:26:03 PM »
Looks like you have Konis as far as I can remember they did have a good reputation.For me and only to keep it as original as I can the    hate to say this    the pattern ones seem to do a reasonable job but as all ways each to there own mate
Cheers
Bitsa
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Offline Bryanj

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Re: Shocks - rebuild or replace?
« Reply #4 on: January 03, 2015, 03:48:13 PM »
Supposedly all the parts to rebuid Konis are available from Ikon in Australia and when good they are a far superior shock. If the rebuild cost is not excessive i would do them
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Offline JustcallmeMrT

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Re: Shocks - rebuild or replace?
« Reply #5 on: January 03, 2015, 05:13:42 PM »
I think, from the looks of things, the rebuild kits are for newer models than I have.  A new set of Ikon shocks are just over £300... ouch...
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Offline Trigger

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Re: Shocks - rebuild or replace?
« Reply #6 on: January 03, 2015, 05:22:21 PM »
Try ABE in Greenwich for a rebuild. If it is only seals and set up they charge about £100 but, the price does go up if new springs are needed.
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Offline JustcallmeMrT

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Re: Shocks - rebuild or replace?
« Reply #7 on: January 03, 2015, 05:40:54 PM »
Quote from: Trigger on January 03, 2015, 05:22:21 PM
Try ABE in Greenwich for a rebuild. If it is only seals and set up they charge about £100 but, the price does go up if new springs are needed.
Just sent them a job card for a quote - thanks for the link Trig.
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Offline matthewmosse

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Re: Shocks - rebuild or replace?
« Reply #8 on: January 03, 2015, 07:13:52 PM »
I think my last 3  sets (several bikes, they lasted well)  were from Custom fastners in Newtown, somewhere in the region of £50 - £60 a set oxon and yss brand, never heard of either but they handled pretty well as far as I could assess such things and were better than some I have tried, though I have not tried out the best types and am not the fastest rider.
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Got a 500/4 with rust and a sidecar and loadsa bits. nice and original and been round the clock

Offline Bitsa (Ralph Wright - RIP)

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Re: Shocks - rebuild or replace?
« Reply #9 on: January 03, 2015, 07:21:11 PM »
Mattew
Nor am I thats why the pattern ones are a ok with me never have passengers so sooner spend my bucks on the chrome ware
Cheers
Bitsa
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Offline matthewmosse

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Re: Shocks - rebuild or replace?
« Reply #10 on: January 03, 2015, 08:58:28 PM »
I have loaded my 500/4 up with 2 passengers and a sidecar, even then the pattern shocks handled fine. Not failed yet though 5 years un used in a damp shed pitted the damper rods so I do expect to replace them soon.
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Got a 500/4 with rust and a sidecar and loadsa bits. nice and original and been round the clock

Offline Bitsa (Ralph Wright - RIP)

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Re: Shocks - rebuild or replace?
« Reply #11 on: January 03, 2015, 09:07:08 PM »
Well cant moan at that then good service there mate
Cheers
Bitsa
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Offline Trigger

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Re: Shocks - rebuild or replace?
« Reply #12 on: January 03, 2015, 09:15:50 PM »
Quote from: Bitsa on January 03, 2015, 09:07:08 PM
Well cant moan at that then good service there mate
Cheers
Bitsa

I have some repro shocks on a CB450 K3 that has been in storage for the past 8 years. They still work fine and look like new ;) ;) ;)
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Offline Green1

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Re: Shocks - rebuild or replace?
« Reply #13 on: January 03, 2015, 10:20:53 PM »
Any pattern shocks are better than the original

Mick
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Offline JustcallmeMrT

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Re: Shocks - rebuild or replace?
« Reply #14 on: January 03, 2015, 10:32:52 PM »
I'll keep these comments in mind - can't go too far wrong with a set of pattern shocks then.  I won't be a very fast rider either, and as for riding two up, my wife said she'll only get on it if I survive a few years first.  Nothing like a vote of confidence from the ones you love. 
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