76 R90/6 - rear suspension inquiry

hi all, 76 R90/6, 28K miles. third owner. still has the stock springs on the rear, previous owner put progressive springs on the front forks.

was thinking about giving myself a suspension upgrade this year and wanted to weigh in what a good cost-effective improvement would be. i usually ride solo (my girlfriend wants to ride with me more but it never really happens all too often), typically with one bag carried on my back. multiple camping trips per year where i've strapped gear to the rear rack and a bag strapped down across the back part of my seat. i did pick up period-correct krauser racks and panniers over the winter that i plan on slapping on and using this coming riding season for camping adventures (however adventurous they may be, given the circumstances). mostly city riding but get out for longer trips around NY often.

what brand should i consider? used vs brand new? thanks for any feedback all.

The general shock in the day was to go to Konis...but they went out of business and were taken over by Ikon. Other names come to mind...Ohlins, Works, etc.

Might want to consider checking with either Tom Cutter @ Rubber Chicken Racing Garage or Ted Porter @ The Beemershop. They represent lines of shocks that they will customize your for style of riding...not really that much more expensive.

20774 said:

The general shock in the day was to go to Konis...but they went out of business and were taken over by Ikon. Other names come to mind...Ohlins, Works, etc.

Might want to consider checking with either Tom Cutter @ Rubber Chicken Racing Garage or Ted Porter @ The Beemershop. They represent lines of shocks that they will customize your for style of riding...not really that much more expensive.

Click to expand...

All good suggestions. Koni shocks were legendary in their day and Ikon has kept that flame alive. Here's a link to what they offer for your bike: https://www.ikonshocksusa.com/collections/bmw/products/7610-1298

Don't forget about Hagons. Good shocks at a great price.

R100RS - Went with IKON's.

I went with IKON's on my '77 R100RS. It, too, had the original factory shocks on it when I got the bike in 2000.

They've worked very well for me. Also have Progressive springs up front.

I also went with Ikons and Progressive up front. ‘76 R90/6

what's the general consensus on ordering new ones vs used ones?

I can't see trying some used ones...kind of a roll of the dice. New would be the way to go.

You've already got used ones ...

so these would be them right? seems like a little better price.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/IKON-Suspension-Rear-Shocks-BMW-R50-R60-R75-R90-6-R90S/293517740356?hash=item4457054944:g:tF4AAOSwu~Rec6ho

The ebay site doesn't give a whole lot of info about the shocks. The -1298 part number seems right from what I can remember for the Konis. Ikon has a "basix" shock on their website for less than $300 but it says there's no adjustable damping...the ebay site doesn't mention that one way or the other. Ikon has a "dial-a-ride" shock for a little over $400 which does have adjustable rebound damping. Here's Ikon's page for the -1298 shock...$420:

https://www.ikonshocksusa.com/products/7610-1298

IKON's acquired. went with those -1298 ones. thanks for the input everyone!

thanks again for the input everyone. went with the IKON's and after a couple rides could not be happier.