Marzocchi Strada Shocks VS Ohlins SU143

[gs1150streetracer]

Hello GSR,I have a leaking set of Marzocchi Starda shocks and been thinking of having a local company rebuild them,these are on the 83 gs1100E in my Sig,I was going to buy this kit for the Shock builder

http://www.marzocchi.co.uk/moto/850193-C.html

Or break down and buy a Fancy set of Ohlins kinda like I noticed Jim(Posplayer) has done,is there that big of a noticeable differing in the two shocks?I figure the rebuild of my Marzocchi shocks would run around $400 with parts and labor or pay big for a set of Ohlins>$900 to $1300 from what Ive seen.I plan to ride the wheels off this bike in the next few years.Any input would be great.Thanks

[Nessism]

My opinion...$1000 for a set of shocks on a GS is too much. The GS chassis/fork are not sturdy enough to mandate the use of such high tech shocks unless, maybe, you are going to do a track days and want every bit of help you can get. Ikon's are about $250 and would be my first choice, followed by some Works shocks (about $450). Of course, fixing the Marzocchi's would jump to the front of the line if the price was lower, but not at $400.

[hampshirehog]

$400 to rebuild a set of Marzocchis? They're really, really easy to rebuild - easier than front forks . You could do them yourself in a couple of hours. That is unless the chrome is shot on the damper rods.

[salty_monk]

Bit optimistic on price Ed in my experience. Ikons are about $330 as z1 is out of stock and will be for some time. Quote I had for works was for $550 incl setup and the lever for easy switch between 1 up 2 up riding.

I would rebuild the Marzoc's myself... Or you can swap them for my progressives

[posplayr]

Yea, are those the shocks you got from me? I think the kit costs like $45.

http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum/showthread.php?t=140470&highlight=Marzocchi

I would think the hardest part of using the Marzocchi would be getting the spring rates correct. Yea I have $900 into my rear shocks but what the hell it is only money . Tough decision, the increase ride height is nice with the SU-145's. There is a guy over at OSS that was racing a set of 143's and claimed they were too soft. I had the same affect, but never rode them with a stiffer spring as I bumped my spring rate up on the SU-145's.

If you are going to be racing, I would spend more money for a modern rear shock. I don't race and don't know what vintage rules you might have but from what I've been able to do with my bike I would

A. get radial rubber (110/80-18 on front, 150/80-18 minimum on the rear)
B. get some frame bracing done
C. get a stiffer swingarm, underbraced if possible
D. get emulators and new fork springs in the front
E. Be on the look out for a cheap set of quality shocks, conside a modification of the rear swingarm mounts to and eye if you can find eye to eye shocks of 13.5" or longer.


check this out:

http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum/showpost.php?p=1295102&postcount=23

search for Longy; he was trying to race with some SU-143's (preload adjustable only). I have the SU-145 the full up delux spendy ones. If you can find them and get the spring rate correct they woudl work well, but they don't solve the ride height problem.

http://forum.oldskoolsuzuki.info/cgi-bin/Yabb/YaBB.pl?num=1278881469/3#3

[russr33]

I just recently put a set of Ikons on my S and have been quite happy with them. $330 through Ikon USA. Dave Gardner there will get in touch with you after you order them and get your weight and what bike your putting them on so they can be properly sprung. Their customer service is TOP NOTCH.

[Nessism]

Bit optimistic on price Ed in my experience. Ikons are about $330 as z1 is out of stock and will be for some time. Quote I had for works was for $550 incl setup and the lever for easy switch between 1 up 2 up riding.

I would rebuild the Marzoc's myself... Or you can swap them for my progressives

Okay. Guess my cheap side was coming out again regarding the Ikons, and yes again, the Works Street Tracker with ARS (fancy lever) is indeed $555, but the base model is $445. Good gear all around.

[850 Combat]

I have only had bad experiences with Koni on cars and bikes. On my Atlas, the Konis blew out within a year. On my Cortina the Koni inserts blew out in 30,000 miles.

Is IKON better?

[Mysuzyq]

I would think the hardest part of using the Marzocchi would be getting the spring rates correct.

+1, Jim is correct. I picked up a NOS set of these Marzocchis.... almost didn't buy them, after doing some research here, as many members had spoken of a somewhat stiff/ harsh ride. After bolting them on my bike, I was pretty thrilled to get 12mm static sag right away, on the lightest preload setting (I weigh 210). The ride is pretty good....taut, but not harsh at all, and the shocks compliment the front end very well. Although these are only preload adjustable, I am happy enough with them that I see no reason to spring for $700 Ohlins or whatever....really doubt the bike would handle any better.

The availability of rebuild kits at very reasonable prices, was a factor in deciding to give these a try.... esp. if you can do it yourself (there are detailed instructions online). If you must send them out, maybe get a quote from Thor Lawson to compare prices....he is a Fox Shock specialist, but rebuilds all brands...quality work, and probably much more reasonable than your local $400 shop.... esp if you supply the kit, and there is no painting/polishing involved.

[gs1150streetracer]

Yea, are those the shocks you got from me? I think the kit costs like $45.

http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum/showthread.php?t=140470&highlight=Marzocchi

I would think the hardest part of using the Marzocchi would be getting the spring rates correct. Yea I have $900 into my rear shocks but what the hell it is only money . Tough decision, the increase ride height is nice with the SU-145's. There is a guy over at OSS that was racing a set of 143's and claimed they were too soft. I had the same affect, but never rode them with a stiffer spring as I bumped my spring rate up on the SU-145's.

If you are going to be racing, I would spend more money for a modern rear shock. I don't race and don't know what vintage rules you might have but from what I've been able to do with my bike I would

A. get radial rubber (110/80-18 on front, 150/80-18 minimum on the rear)
B. get some frame bracing done
C. get a stiffer swingarm, underbraced if possible
D. get emulators and new fork springs in the front
E. Be on the look out for a cheap set of quality shocks, conside a modification of the rear swingarm mounts to and eye if you can find eye to eye shocks of 13.5" or longer.


check this out:

http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum/showpost.php?p=1295102&postcount=23

search for Longy; he was trying to race with some SU-143's (preload adjustable only). I have the SU-145 the full up delux spendy ones. If you can find them and get the spring rate correct they woudl work well, but they don't solve the ride height problem.

http://forum.oldskoolsuzuki.info/cgi...1278881469/3#3

Jim Thanks for your input,I think i will keep my Marz shocks for now,until I get more frame mods this winter early spring when i do a fast tear down for paint,thanks again.

[gs1150streetracer]

+1, Jim is correct. I picked up a NOS set of these Marzocchis.... almost didn't buy them, after doing some research here, as many members had spoken of a somewhat stiff/ harsh ride. After bolting them on my bike, I was pretty thrilled to get 12mm static sag right away, on the lightest preload setting (I weigh 210). The ride is pretty good....taut, but not harsh at all, and the shocks compliment the front end very well. Although these are only preload adjustable, I am happy enough with them that I see no reason to spring for $700 Ohlins or whatever....really doubt the bike would handle any better.

The availability of rebuild kits at very reasonable prices, was a factor in deciding to give these a try.... esp. if you can do it yourself (there are detailed instructions online). If you must send them out, maybe get a quote from Thor Lawson to compare prices....he is a Fox Shock specialist, but rebuilds all brands...quality work, and probably much more reasonable than your local $400 shop.... esp if you supply the kit, and there is no painting/polishing involved.

THANKS,way better price and this guy is a VINTAGE not some kid working on dirt bike shocks and best of all LOCAL...Great lead im on the horn with him ASAP...Thanks for your input

[landshark]

I rebuilt my Marzzochi's and it cost me about $60 for the kit, then the oil.
It is easy, just put it back the same way you pulled it out. You have two, so you can always check what you have done is correct.

[landshark]

I guess i didnt do as much as i remember, my mate did a good portion of the job!

http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum/showthread.php?t=153497&page=2

[Shin-Ken 1074]

Yeah I have just rebuilt my Marz with the genuine kit from the U.K. Total cost of kit, postage and fork oil was about US $80 and it was only a couple of hours to do the two of them. Go for the rebuild you won't be sorry when you go for a blat with the Marz running like new!!!

[Mysuzyq]

THANKS,way better price and this guy is a VINTAGE not some kid working on dirt bike shocks and best of all LOCAL...Great lead im on the horn with him ASAP...Thanks for your input

You're welcome, hope it works out. I didn't take note of your location, but that is a bonus. Let us know how it goes.