Need Rear Shock Recommendation

[JakeF]

So with my brother-in-laws help I finally got the R90S running. The engine is strong, and the transmission is good. Time to replace the rear shocks which are toast. I want to stay as true to original (or close to it) as possible and have seen some ICON shocks on eBay for $370.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/IKON-SUSPENSIO ... 1438.l2649

Any suggestions out there on what to get. Brand, model #, etc?

[schrader7032]

I don't find the ebay model 1708 on Ikon's website. Here's what's recommended for the R90S:

https://www.ikonsuspensionusa.com/produ ... -r90s-bmw/

IIRC the Ikon number "1298" is what the Koni part number used to be. I've had a pair of Koni's on my bike for quite a long time. I suppose they're no longer working well but I can't really tell.

I've contemplated replacing them with the YSS shock as offered by Tom Cutter at Rubber Chicken Racing. He will take specifics about you, the bike, and how you plan to ride, and build a shock that works within those parameters. From notes I have, Tom might suggest a couple of YSS models that range from $200-300 that work better than Ikons. As of yet, I've not decided to pull the trigger.

[wolds]

Went with ikons on my S and they work well. Only issue I have is that ikon is using a larger diameter spring and there is very little clearance between the spring and aluminum cover which is a replica of the stock one which tends to induce a squeak. Not noticeable when riding but with the engine off you might get an occasional squeak.

[JakeF]

Did you get them together or buy the covers separately? I think I am going to get the IKONs without the covers.

[JakeF]

Thanks for the feedback. I see the IKON model you referenced from the same seller for $395. Since the bike is new to me I will probably go with the IKON since it has several adjustment settings that I can try out to my liking.

[skychs]

I need to do the same thing. Front and rear. IMHO the front is worse than the rear. Whats a good combination spring/fluid for the R90S? Progressive springs?

The rear already had aftermarket Progressive shocks. Installed around 12K miles ago in 1998. 19 years old. To me its stiff as a board.

[MikeL46]

I have progressive springs, SJ BMW bottoming springs and run Mobil 1 5W20 oil. Since the forks never get hot the oil is really 5W and lubricates much better than fork oil - no stiction! I've run the same oil in many BMW's and would never think of using any other oil.

I have 155,000 miles on my R90S and would never describe the ride as stiff or harsh.

Mike

[wolds]

purchased as a set. I called ikon about the issue and they told me to make sure that the covers weren't out of round and that they were centered on the springs which they were. they suggested that I spray a little dry lube up under the cover if the issue persists.

[skychs]

wolds ......
Keep us posted on how you like the new ikon's.

Mike ......
Thanks for the advice on the springs and oil. When I go into the front end I will certainly give it a try. I doubt the Progressive front spring in the bike is shot. It just needs to be serviced.

[MikeL46]

Make sure the fork legs are parallel. When the springs are out install the axle and slide the fork sliders up and down. They should move freely with no binding. If it isn't free, it will only get worse with weight and spring loads.

Mike