OzVMX Forum
Clubroom => Tech Talk => Topic started by: Husk72 on November 09, 2009, 06:37:32 am
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My 1972 Husky shocks are not worth repairing.Was wondering what type of shocks are available,and at a reasonable cost.The bike will be raced,but not regularly,and certainly not at the pace most of you guns ride at.
Cheers,Mark.
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Hi Mark try IKON in Albury. Realistic price,work well. look good, well made speedy delivery. Their also rebuildable. Have a look on their website. Jerry
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Husky2, have a look at GAZI on the web, we use them on the sidecar and have no problems. The new ones are coming with spherical bearings, they have 16mm shafts and are rebuildable. About 1/2 the price of the norm.
Check out the jump we did at CD6 to confirm if they work or not!
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Gazi suspension :)
http://gazisuspension.com/products.html
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Gazi appears to have a very limited range. The only one suitable for a 72 husky would be the VMX Sport at $525 - if you consider that 'budget' ::). Well spec'ed shox though :).
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Another option is i have been offered some revalved Works shocks from the factory after we bought a few sets recently. Usually they are uncollected orders, if they are the normal body he has been offering to reweight the springs and the valves for us at no charge, ends up about $350-$400 and they are essentially new shocks to your specs, cheaper if you just want them how they were ordered and hope you wing it with the right settings. Either way they are rebuildable so you can tune em up yourself if you needed to. Works are proven shocks. Gazi i dont know that much about, but they look far and above the Pick in the Aussie market, but thats from what i have heard.
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Walter .....what's with your thread ??? No -one on THIS THREAD has said anything bad about about YOUR shocks - except for you . Are they really that bad
What ever you do, don’t buy a custom made YSS shock, they are way overpriced at $599.00 , their range is very limited, apparently they are just scooter shocks according to the experts and professors. Nobody is using them in Australia ( except beginners like Ballards or Robbie Phyllis , or myself ) Gazi used to work for YSS at one stage , so Don’t know if that is good or bad ? In one of the threads Freak head posted how bad the after sales service of YSS is, and he must know. After all, he wanted some free shocks ones and did not get any. If there are more bad stories circulating, now is the time to post them, but don’t forget, make sure they are not just hearsay.
Don’t forget to sign your post with your full name for future references..
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hi guys, ive got an rm400n that came fitted with ohlins shocks which need rebuilding. i was thinking of maybe trying some ikons also (depending on price) instead of rebuilding the ohlins, one thing i noticed was that the ohlins are 30mm longer than the stock pair i have. i spoke to to the guys at ikon and they can set up shocks with the correct spring rate to suit me, as i have no idea what is on the ohlins either(unless someone can tell me how to find out???) price of rebuild of ohlins is around $300 postage included, whereas a new set of ikons shouldnt be anymore than $500. interested in your thoughts.
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Sorry Walter freak head has Nothing to add really.
I particulary like the words you referance like Custom, Scooter, Overpriced and After Sale Service.
One you forgot to include was Warranty.
Shocker Thread to mysterioulsy disappear in 4.....3....2......1
And just to summerise your words below; you signed your post, here's your full name and details for future references.
"What ever you do, don’t buy a custom made YSS shock"
" they are way overpriced at $599.00"
"their range is very limited"
"apparently they are just scooter shocks."
"bad the after sales service of YSS is"
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G'day viewers If your after shocks why not ask the troops when your on the battle field on race day see what everyone's got to say. I have YSS on my DT1 and I don't have much time on it but as far as service goes they are really good and YSS addvertise on OZVMX :) jimson
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Madpugs, go with the Ohlins, rebuilding them will be worth it in the long run and be a lot better than the Ikons, especially on a RM400.
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thanks for that, appreciate the response
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Madplugs, go with the Ohlins, rebuilding them will be worth it in the long run and be a lot better than the Ikons, especially on a RM400.
Husky72 asked for shox for a '72 Husky. The shox requirements for a '72 Husky and a LTR RM400 are like chalk and cheese.
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Husky72 asked for shox for a '72 Husky. The shox requirements for a '72 Husky and a LTR RM400 are like chalk and cheese.
Yes i know, I was replying to Madpugs, not Husk72. But yes the Ikons wouldnt be too bad for the 72 husky.
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I'm sorry, did I open a wound??
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outa interest what length should rm 400 shock be eye to eye
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396mm :)
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Madpugs, go with the Ohlins, rebuilding them will be worth it in the long run and be a lot better than the Ikons, especially on a RM400.
I agree with Leith here. Either get them shortened and rebuilt or swapthem with someone who has the correct length.
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396mm :)
mm? that must be for a "C" Bill just under 16" "N" &"T " are a bit over 16" aren't they???
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396mm :)
mm? that must be for a "C" Bill just under 16" "N" &"T " are a bit over 16" aren't they???
Actually I think you are right Bill , my app chart says that C N T are the same for 250 &400 15.75 but the 125s N T are 16.25 ??
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I have YSS shocks and fork valves on 2 of my bikes and have had no problems and they have transformed the bikes, and I would have to say you buy best suspension you can afford at the time. When the suspension works right it inspires confidence, you only have to be off work for a couple of weeks that $ 500 bucks you might of saved won't seem like much.
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confirm 396mm 1979-1980 rm 250-400
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Walter .....what's with your thread ??? No -one on THIS THREAD has said anything bad about about YOUR shocks - except for you . Are they really that bad
What ever you do, don’t buy a custom made YSS shock, they are way overpriced at $599.00 , their range is very limited, apparently they are just scooter shocks according to the experts and professors. Nobody is using them in Australia ( except beginners like Ballards or Robbie Phyllis , or myself ) Gazi used to work for YSS at one stage , so Don’t know if that is good or bad ? In one of the threads Freak head posted how bad the after sales service of YSS is, and he must know. After all, he wanted some free shocks ones and did not get any. If there are more bad stories circulating, now is the time to post them, but don’t forget, make sure they are not just hearsay.
Don’t forget to sign your post with your full name for future references..
I'm sorry, did I open a wound??
Must have EML. :)
MYstery Shock Post removal happens on queue, ( well at 10pm) so my 3...2...1. was a little out,
Anyway back to the thread. Fix those ohlins as if there the GOld Can one's there probally worth $1k at least and real top shelf. Re: the other budgets shock question, there are infinate options for you to consider, all of the above have there merits, but its YOUR choice and its your Purse strings. THing about what you want them to achieve on the bike and let that be your guide, if you know what yopu want as an outcome, even a cheap second hand set, just to keep the frame off the ground is perfectly Sound. YOu do what you like its your money and dont be thinking you have to spend up, just for a pair of shocks.
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Walter, what I can't understand is that you post away as one does, then you delete them .
It seems to happen on a regular basis .
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never deleted a post in my life and for my 2 cents worth you simply can't go past the bestest shocks ever made..TS185 shocks!!..25 bucks a pair at most wreckers ;D sorry..back to my corner now :P :-X
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Walter, what I can't understand is that you post away as one does, then you delete them .
It seems to happen on a regular basis .
Carefull Stu you could be stiring up a Hornets nest ;) :-X
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never deleted a post in my life and for my 2 cents worth you simply can't go past the bestest shocks ever made..TS185 shocks!!..25 bucks a pair at most wreckers ;D sorry..back to my corner now :P :-X
ah, at last a nice price :P the poor thread starter will probably never return. :(
cheers
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OK i got this email from the Guy at the works Factory who has been doing us some trick deals on shocks lately.
"I can build you a Vintage MX build which would be 14.0 long, with 3.75 inch travel at the shaft. This would keep you within the 4 inch wheel travel limit for pre 75 or whatever travel or E2E you want really.
If I can make it with the welded steel bodies, I can offer a better discount again of 30% on your price, since we discontinued welding them and started screwing eye/body assemblies together like the ones you already have. We still have a few on hand for the length required for your shocks.
One thing I would change on the current build is to put floating pistons internally so that you could run them upside down, and use a slightly shorter spring stack to clear the chains.
If you want a single progressive rate spring I can build that shock for 455.00, discount it to 320.00
If you want a dual rate spring set I can build that for 500.00 and discount it to 380.00
another option to consider, since you are racing them, would be adding the threaded spring pre-load option. This would allow you to set rider sag, or add spring tension to prevent bottoming. This is a 50.00 option.
Though this might give you a feel for what you can get good shocks for these days, still way under the $600 mark.
Its all just information.............. do with it what you like.
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And from this info comes decissions and from those decissions comes sales and so the free market works.
This is a very good forum.
Perhaps they should try it in Canberra!
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Try Northwest Maico RM400 Ohlins piggybacks $730 us + shipping NEW :-* :-*
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Hi Paul , 13.4" with 4" shock travel Classic Ohlins for 73 Maico.
$540+ $52 shipping+ 25 paypal = 617USD
Evolution Vintage Öhlins
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Hi Paul , 13.4" with 4" shock travel Classic Ohlins for 73 Maico.
$540+ $52 shipping+ 25 paypal = 617USD
Evolution Vintage Öhlins
$A663.280 AUD and declining ;) (I think)
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While I can't argue the pros and cons of the various names listed so far, I will observe that the range today seems very good. I used to buy various things like Boges and Konis back in the old days and they were OK and reasonably priced. But nothing special. Then I tried S+Ws which seemed better. When I got into VMX, I bought some budget US shocks for about $3-400 from memory. They were terrible and broke very quickly. I tried them again later and wasn't any more impressed. Meanwhile, I'd bought some Technoflex shocks for my RM400N. I don't recall but they were quite expensive, maybe up around $700-1000. But they were brilliant. I now have YSS shocks on my RM125M and their PD valves in the forks and the overall effect is just great. Personally, I'd happily buy them for any pre 78 bike I owned. From the sounds of things, to some extent you get what you pay for.
Sure, some second hand TS185 shocks are probably fine. I've seen guys beat the field on some poxy old bike with leaking stock shocks. But for me, I like the feeling that quality shocks give me. It makes my excruciatingly slow progress around the track much more pleasurable.
So for between $500 and $700, it looks like you have quite a range of excellent quality shocks to choose from. That sounds pretty good to me. From my experience though, I wouldn't buy no-name $150 shocks. I just don't think they offer the comfort, control or longevity of something a little better.
But that's just me...
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I was beginning to wonder if I had started this post,cause I was getting the feelin' it was madplugs thread! ::)
When I said "budget",I should've put my price down on here.What I can afford,is in the $500 range.
Also should've put down that its a 125.
Anyways,thanks for all your replies guys,specially Freaky and Wasp.Everyones replies really eased the confusion I was going through with where I had to start. ;D
Sorry Wasp didn't know you were YSS.I should've looked at the threads in here a bit harder.
Doc,considering your advice.
Although I own DTs,you reckon my 76 DT175 shocks would be a goer on the Husky? ;)
Lastly,thanks to Graeme,thats exactly the feedback I needed. Can't buy info like that. :D
Oh,and I reckon if ever I get an RM400,I'll know which shock to buy,and also the length it should be. ;) ;)
Cheers,Mark.
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Ohlins, YSS and Gazi are all great units, much better than what we had to put up with back in the day. However I may be wrong but I don't think Husk72 was referring to $600 plus shocks when he used the word budget in his original post.
If a real low budget is called for then forget the fancy stuff. eBay or the Swapmeet are the perfect place to find shocks that will not only work well but fit the budget. My first pick is the original cast bodied, finned Works Performance Shocks from the '70s. These shocks can often be found for less than $100 and are easily rebuildable. The best kept secret about them is that they are absolutely identical to the current model $600 version internally. Identical. I bought a couple of second hand sets from Vintage Iron back in the early 90's and I put a kit through them and they've performed admirably over the last 16 years. I only replaced them with a snazzy set of YSS a year or two ago and as I've now moved the YSS over to my B&S TM400, the Works Shocks are going back on the Maico. They only need an oil change and they're good for another 16 years. (http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2005-8/1062154/WorksPerformanceShocks.jpg)
Another bargain still found on eBay are Arnacos. Arnacos were way ahead of their time. While not being gas charged, they were among the first to use same valving and design as Ohlins and others picked up on a decade later. They have a 6 way external dampening adjustment and way more preload adjustment than anything before or since. They work really well, with a modern feel but have a problem keeping seals alive. Not that it's much of a problem. Seal kits are being made again in the USA. NOS Arnacos, still in the box still come up on eBay every now and again. I have 4 sets including the set that Walter set up for me on my Hindall Ducati and I just bought a new in box set 12.5'' long for my Benelli flat tracker for $65 on the Swapmeet. You can usually get 'em for around the $150 mark.
(http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2005-8/1062154/ArnacoShocks.jpg)
(http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2005-8/1062154/arnaco%201.jpg)
Another shock from the pre '75 era that have a modern feel are Curnutts. George Curnutt handmade shocks for desert racers in the '60s and expanded to full time production in the early '70s. I believe the motorcycle side of the company was bought out by Works Performance in the 70's but they're still in operation doing mountain bike shocks. My DT1 from Hell uses Curnutts and they work a treat. I've never pulled them apart but I've been told that they're almost identical to Works Performance inside. I've also been told that Works stocks a rebuild kit for them which would indicate that there are similarities. Curnutts often come up for around $50-$100.
(http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2005-8/1062154/curnutt.jpg)
Marzocci piggyback, Koni (especially the finned alloy bodied version or fitted with aftermarket Poppy bodies) and early Fox spring shocks which work well but are a step below the three brands I mention. Whatever you buy you'll have to put a seal kit and oil change into them, even the NOS Arnacos. For the Joe Average pre '75 racer the above shocks are more than capable against the big dollar modern items and.....they look just right for the period, something the late model shocks fall down on.
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I second Mark's opinion on Arnacos. I bought a few sets from the U.S. a couple of years ago for under $50.00 a set!
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http://cgi.ebay.com.au/XR75-HONDA-XR-VMX-ELSINORE-REAR-SHOCKS_W0QQitemZ250526989449QQcmdZViewItemQQptZAU_Motorcycle_Parts_Accessories?hash=item3a54927c89
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Another on ebay maybe worth a punt.
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/PE400-back-shocks_W0QQitemZ170402314194QQcmdZViewItemQQptZAU_Motorcycle_Parts_Accessories?hash=item27acc4f7d2#ht_500wt_1182
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I don't know what they are but they aren't standard pe400.
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Fantastic post Mark. ;D.
Awesome pictures.
I reckon those shocks would never go on a bike that I owned,I'd want to keep them in their boxes,too beautiful to put into working order.
Thanks again.
Cheers,Mark.