Suitable replacement rear shock absorbers for New Yorks and Excaliburs

Excaliburs, New Yorks
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julianharty
Posts: 478
Joined: 15 May 2016 16:34
Location: High Wycombe
Location: High Wycombe Area (Bucks)

Suitable replacement rear shock absorbers for New Yorks and Excaliburs

Post by julianharty »

In case anyone else ever needs this information apart from me, I can recommend a pair of YSS eco line classic shocks. The model I bought is the RE302-320T-05S-88 and they're a mid-range quality and more finely adjustable than the originals. They're also slightly lighter (no I didn't weigh them to get the exact difference).

They were listed as suitable for the BMW R 45 S 1979 YSS Shock Absorber Adjustable Twin Shock and a very reasonable £165 including delivery. The price was lower than competing sellers and the seller now lists them for £224.99. I suspect I got them at an old price.

They're a direct fit and a few mm shorter at 320mm than the original marzocchi shocks that seem to be around 325mm between the eyes. When I searched for replacement shock absorbers I found most listings were for significantly longer shocks e.g. 360mm, I can't see how these longer lengths would fit the bike (mine's a hybrid Excalibur (square) framed 501 New York which has identical rear shocks to my 501 New York rolling chassis).

The spring rate for the RE302-320T-05S-88 is a tad softer than the estimated spring rate of the Marzocchi shocks. The suspension specialist, mentioned again below, estimated the rate of the originals at 130lbs/inch.

The ride quality seems far smoother than the Marzocchi's which had sprung a leak in the seal of the damper.

PS: I did try to get the seals replaced by a specialist small suspension company but they declined as they didn't have a source for the replacement seals. I've kept the Marzocchi's in case I can find a way to replace the seals and refurbish them. Nonetheless, I think the YSS shocks will serve me and the bike well for years to come.
Steve Brown
Posts: 1390
Joined: 12 Nov 2007 23:44
Location: Leicestershire

Re: Suitable replacement rear shock absorbers for New Yorks and Excaliburs

Post by Steve Brown »

YSS do good shocks-I've used them on a few bikes now and been pleased with the results. The comfort thing is nice and I suppose a sign of much more up to date damping than the Marzochis.
All donations to the rest home for old Camels, Leicestershire.
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