YSS vs Ikon

[tlangman4]

Hi All -

The shocks on my ‘78 R100/7 are shot, and I’m struggling to decide on replacements. These days I would prefer a softer ride as I don’t pound the corners as I used to do it, and my back would appreciate it as well. I’ve read a number of comments on these pages regarding rear shock selections and there doesn't seem to be a lot of difference in the in the two listed above, would others agree? Others like Ohlins etc., may offer an upgrade, but will be outside the budget.

I’m leaning towards the YSS. However, I recall when they first came to the market and were considered low quality. At that time Ikon was considered the far better option. Maybe I have it backwards..?

Thanks for any feedback you may have!

Tom

 

[20774]

Tom -

The Ikon's are the follow-on to the older Koni's...they even kept the same letters? In my view, Ikon's are a good, decent shock with some of the usual adjustability as in spring rate and damping. However, the YSS shocks (I believe Ted Porter offers them) are fully customizable by those that offer them. Typically, they will get info from you on riding style, your physical size, the roads, how you load the bike, etc., and then build the shock to those parameters. Tom Cutter at Rubber Chicken Racing does the same thing. His website doesn't say what shocks he offers but looks like it's a range of products. The YSS etal shocks will I'm sure be slightly more expensive but maybe the customization makes up for that.

I've got a set of Koni's (1298 I believe) on my /7 with many many miles. I'm still happy with them...not sure I'd know when they were shot!!

 

[6322]

I just ordered a pair of Ikons for the leading link on my hack. Very similar to the Konis that came on it. $500 including shipping. Definitely worth consideration and the folks there, Roger in particular, were great to deal with. I’ve also dealt with Ted Porter when purchasing a set of Wilbers for my R1100RS. Also a good investment and very good to work with. Good luck with your decision.

 

[justabill]

I put an Ikon on my 91 RT. 2K miles or so since then and I have no complaints other than the color. YSS seems to offer several color options if that matters.

 

[ccolwell]

I was happy with Ikons on my R90S. YSS is likely better but the benefit/cost ratio probably depends on how fast you ride and the quality of the roads you ride on.

 

[stevenrankin]

I suppose if I were more of a fine tuned rider who could differentiate the difference between some of the custom built shocks versus Ikons, I would have spent the money to buy a set.

LOL, or maybe it is just I didn't have the money to buy the better custom shocks?

Ikons have been serving me well for a while now. St.