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Ikon Shock Ride Report

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    #1

    Ikon Shock Ride Report

    For those that were interested in the Ikon shocks I bought, I finally got a ride in so I can comment on them. First, I got a custom build that was 25mm longer than the stock length to raise the back for extra clearance (especially vital if/when I swap to 17" rims and radials) and to speed up the steering a bit. I also chose a higher rate spring than the basic unit.

    Turns out the spring rate is a bit TOO high for me (175lb, no riding gear on), as I get about 2mm static sag and 17mm laden sag. The difference between the two sag numbers is about right, so I may just need less preload, but it is already on the lightest setting for preload... :? Anyway, the rebound damping adjustment has very noticeable changes between settings, with #1 not even close, #2 almost enough and #3 just about perfect. I never tried #4, as #3 felt right after some bounce tests.

    I have only one peeve about them (not bad, eh? ) - they did not build a left/right body set and this means that one rebound adjuster is on the outside as mounted on the bike and the other is on the inside. It is a PITA to move the inside facing adjuster and requires a screwdriver or pocket knife to make it work. That would be it so far.

    Now to the ride. Given the high spring rate I was a bit worried about things, but they proved to be very well controlled and provide a nice plush ride with solid control. One rate softer springing would be perfect for me and would provide a great combination of ride quality and control. Given the spring rate, I have no complaints at all and they are actually significantly better than the OEM shock on my ZX-9. I prefer the ride firm over soft, so they should be fine after a bit of use. This was after riding some nasty pot-holed broken pavement on the shakedown ride, too.

    So, I give them a 3 1/2 out of 4 overall, with 4 of 4 for quality, fit and performance. The only blemish is the left/right body issue. Without that, they would get a solid 4 of 4, especially for the price. For about $120USD more than Progressives you get adjustable rebound damping, a selection of spring rates and a rebuildable damper assembly. Worth it to me.


    Mark


    Mark
    Tags: None
    #2
    Are these rebuildable?
    Currently bikeless
    '81 GS 1100EX - "Peace, by superior fire power."
    '06 FZ1000 - "What we are dealing with here, is a COMPLETE lack of respect for the law."

    I ride, therefore I am.... constantly buying new tires.

    "Tell me what kind of an accident you are going to have, and I will tell you which helmet to wear." - Harry Hurt

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      #3
      Are these rebuildable?
      Yup, 100%. That's one of the big advantages for me. I can simply keep changing oil and seals rather than buying new shocks every few years...


      Mark

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        #4
        The piston in the shock is free to rotate. Take the top mount nut off and turn the top of the shock 180 degrees. Reinstall and give them a 4 out of 4 rating.

        You may have to put a bar in the mount hole if there is too much spring preload to turn it.

        I just checked my Koni 7610's to make sure. They are the shocks that the IKON's are patterned after.

        Comment

          #5
          My thoughts exactly, gtsg01: rotate the shockie so that both damping adjusters face to the outside. I've got Ikons on my Kat1100 and they're excellent. Of course we'd all love a set of Kyabas or Ohlins or whatever, but most of us realistically can't afford that, so Ikons are just the ticket.

          10/10 from me!

          Mike.

          Comment

            #6
            The piston in the shock is free to rotate. Take the top mount nut off and turn the top of the shock 180 degrees. Reinstall and give them a 4 out of 4 rating.
            Well, DUH!

            I can't believe I didn't think of that when I installed them.... :roll:


            Mark

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              #7
              I can't believe I didn't think of that when I installed them....
              That's OK, Mark... the obvious escapes us all from time to time! At least now you'll be able to give the Ikons full marks!

              Mike.

              Comment

                #8
                I like the Fournales on the GS, but they are rather pricey..glad I bought them years ago when such minor things did not seem important!

                Comment

                  #9
                  The Fournales... haven't seen much of them here in Australia, although I did know a bloke with an old Ducati 900 who reckoned they were great. Certainly gave a cleaner look without the springs, but getting the 180psi or whatever the pressure was into them certainly presented a challenge. Not really a problem these days with those cheap little compressors you can buy in K-mart though.

                  Comment

                    #10
                    Originally posted by gtsg01
                    I just checked my Koni 7610's to make sure. They are the shocks that the IKON's are patterned after.
                    Ikon's are Koni's, the Australian importer bought out the motorcycle division of Koni shocks, unfortunately Koni wanted to continue making car shocks so they had to change the name.
                    Dink

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                      #11
                      Give them a little time to break in too. My springs softened up after about 3 months of commuting to work. Maybe a thousand miles or so. I had to go up a notch on the preload at that time. In the year and a half that I've had them since, they have been flawless. I really couldn't be happier for the price I paid....

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