Best value twin shock?

[Curtis]

A...Is it possible to get a twin shock rear end to work ok or do you just deal with average suspension? (RM400)
B...What is the best value for money option for twin shocks price and performance in mind? I cant justify spending a thousand bucks on shocks..preferably half that would be nice. ...

[Ted]

Yes it’s possible. I assume it’s a race bike. But you’ll get nothing for $500. Around $2,000 will get you a dyno tuned set of Ohlins. Throwing $500 at a pair of shocks is a total waste of money if you want to race it

[Wasp]

A set of Hi-Low speed shocks will get you close to a linkage bike . I have built many of them . For the likes of Burt , Ballards etc, people that appreciate the difference .You will get what you are paying for . Usually posts like that , trigger a wind  up by the usual suspects , that are on financial  kick backs or rewards ..... .Here is the link to the High -Low shocks . When you buy direct you are not paying money towards  big commissions or kickbacks and you end up with a price for a set of top shocks that  is well below 2K .  Made to order for rider weight , color scheme , lenght  and other applications .  https://store.suspensionshop.org/suzuki/mx/1970-1979.html

[Ted]

Financial kickbacks and rewards you say. Where do I apply?

[Jumbo J]

Sean at SOS in Penrith does an entry level custom made Koni style shock for around $600 pr.
Nick at Technik also in Penrith, and Steve at Suspension Improvements in Brissy.  you should give these guys a call  Curtis . 

[Gippslander]

have got shocks from YSS - he asked me questions to make sure the bike was correct for the year, about my riding ability, my weight and even the ride height but first telling me what standard was. for $1200 the shocks were very close to correct when delivered and have done a lot of races without fault and no leaks at all.

[Ted]

Take your RM 400? shocks to Sean at SOS and have them rebuilt. Best bang for your buck. This advice comes from the best suspension guy in the business.

[Momus]

^This

[80-85 husky]

the ITC huskies were close to the best stock twin rear you could buy at the time and with some damping changes are pretty good. (all other bikes were single shock by then )

[John Orchard]

the ITC husrkies were close to the best stock twin rear you could buy at the time and with some damping changes are pretty good. (all other bikes were single shock by then )


[d/quote]

Agreed

[Toolboy]

On my 79 RM400 i fitted Works Performance Shocks...just happened to be the long lost days of the Aus dollar being higher than USA,,,so yes a $500 pair of shocks can work,,,,i was so impressed with the feel of the rear end i have fitted to my RM370 and TM400 Tim

[Tomas]

Did shocks on my 79 RM125 myself. Only cost me around $130 in parts+materials. Now i have a set of rebuildable shocks with basic adjustment(Suzuki style )and easy to get parts for. Used ohlins seal heads and and 12mm hardchromed CrMo shafts. Someone mentioned Ohlins shocks for thousand plus dollars. Only adjustments you get is changing air pressure and spring preload. 

[LWC82PE]

Its interesting reading a few articles from back in the day where they changed the oil and pressure in the last of the suzuki KYB's (79-80) usually by fitting aftermarket reservoirs, and they said it made a noticeable positive improvement. The stock oil was pretty bad and changing that alone made a difference. The damping rates still may not suit everyone so if you can fix that, fit better seal heads and floating pistons (stock ones are prone to sticking and jaming), you may end up with a fairly decent set of shocks. You get large shafts, 36mm bodied De-Carbon shocks that are the correct length and stroke. I dont think you can get any of that for under $500 in a new shock. i have known people to have RAD rebuild the stock KYB's and they were very happy with them.

[Curtis]

Thanks everybody, I will be investigating all options...and saving a few more bucks

[Kenneth S (222)]

On my 79 RM400 i fitted Works Performance Shocks...just happened to be the long lost days of the Aus dollar being higher than USA,,,so yes a $500 pair of shocks can work,,,,i was so impressed with the feel of the rear end i have fitted to my RM370 and TM400 Tim

Agreed. The Works Performance Shocks are excellent feeling shocks.