TOPIC:

After a pretty extensive rebuild of a '78 KZ1000 LTD last winter, I have been able to get it out and riding it a fair bit. Really pleased with it (it is essentially standard) so far. As a bonus, we have found that my wife enjoys it on the back as well (she hasn't always said this about other bikes I've had, so this is a good thing!).
During the rebuild, I stripped, flushed, and rebuilt the forks (well, cleaned them inside and out in the wash tank, and replaced the seals/wipers and fork oil. As a start. Taper rollers in the neck, renewed all 4 needle bearings in the swingarm, new tires/tubes, etc.
Yesterday found me on a short section of dirt road. I am not afraid of them at all. Actually kinda look for hem as they can be interesting. But the potholes really upset the 40 year old Boge Muhlholland shocks, so I am thinking of replacing them.

My question is : what are other members using for a GOOD quality shock? I see links for Progressive and IKON (have had them both). Never tried Hagons but can't seem to find a dealer. Ohlins and Race Tech & some others may be more $$ and probably more than I need.

I can see myself going to cartridge emulators at some point, but the back end really posted me a couple times on a couple of kind of minor potholes.

Suggestions?

www.yss.co.th/applist.php

Im using YSS shocks. Different models to suit different pockets. Im using the cheaper, basic model. No complaints (On a 81 CSR1000)

I've had Hagon shocks on my KZ650 or quite a few years and they stiil work great. Here's a link to a place in the USA that sells them. Ed

www.dimecitycycles.com/hagon-shocks-moto...shock-absorbers.html

YSS shocks are excellent

Used ZRX KYB shocks
I bought a low mileage set of these for my 83 1100 shafty and have been pretty happy with them.

Those ZRX shocks are great but man they are getting pricy and cannot be rebuilt.

The KYB shocks from the ZRX 1100 and the 1200 can be rebuilt. Places like Daugherty Motorsprts will not only rebuild them, but can do custom valving and springs.

www.zrxoa.org/forums/showthread.php?128816-1100-Shock-Reservice

Bought a pair of Hagons a couple of riding seasons back, to replace the aged OEM shocks. They are okay, and better than the OEM. However, after riding on them for a while now I find them sufficient for use in town, but when the bike is ridden at a spirited pace in the country on bumpy roads, they tend to blow through their compression damping too easily. Although they came with adjustable rebound that I have set to its maximum, the rebound damping is insufficient for the spring rate that was tailored to my weight and riding style. Probably could use a revalve, but that's not on the top of my list, so I ride with what I got.

Appreciate all the replies, especially the comments on the ZRX and Hagons. I will look into all of the suggestions.

After reading a previous reply I thought I should mention that I have had the pair of Hagon shocks on my KZ650 for 12 years (18,000 miles) and they still work like new. One thing to consider is that Hagon offers quite a few different shock options, so some may perform better or last longer than others. The ones I have are "Hagon Custom shocks Classic I - Application Type CC1 (Standard Spring)." They are shown in the link below. Ed

www.hagonshocksusa.com/HagShocks.htm