Shocks - Brand and length.

[tonup69]

As expected, those old worn out original Marzocchi shocks on my 3.5 are spitting fluid all over the exhaust and just not doing much to improve riding. I measured them on the bike and they look like 12 3/4 length eye to eye. Does that sound right? If so, it may be hard to find shocks that small. I have been looking around for some different options. If I could afford it, I would buy replacement Ikon shocks (they list Morini 3 1/2 as one of the models they have shocks for) - those are around $360. Of course, many people buy Works Performance (around $600). I really think that is overkill. I have used NJB shocks quite a few times on off-road bikes and I really like them (and the price), but am unsure. Another option that may look correct would be Sebac (Italian made) shocks. I saw some on eBay recently, but did not act fast enough.

Any ideas? Comments? Brands? Lengths to share?

Cheers,

LTR

[Sam Stoney]

Personally having raced on both, I think NJB is a a better shock than Works regardless of price. But the Works look very nice, don't they?

[tonup69]

Stoney,
I have to agree (at least in the dirt). I've raced NJBs on my B50MX and my Bultaco Pursang - I use Works on my TR5T. I don't think the Works are really any better than the dual spring NJBs on the B50. You may have convinced me of what I already know. So, you have raced on some of Norman's roadrace shocks? How did you dial them in - i.e. did you get springs according to your weight and the bikes or did you just tell him what they were going to be put on?

Cheers,

LTR

[moriniuk]

Just to throw another manufacturer in there. I used alloy Falcon Shocks on my 350 road race bike and thought they looked and performed great. I had to do a little bit of filing on the top mounting lugs on the frame to accomodate them though.

[MarkB]

And another name: Hagon. Substantially cheaper than Ikon and they seem to be pretty much the standard replacement item for 3 1/2s in the UK. The blue Hagon logo stickers peel off very easily.

[EVguru]

I measured them on the bike and they look like 12 3/4 length eye to eye. Does that sound right?

Standard length on the 350 is 300mm (very early Stradas may have been 280mm). NLM supply 'race' spec Hagons which are 310mm and RealMart has gone out to 320mm in the persuit of faster steering on the track http://www.realclassic.co.uk/morini350rebuild.html

You can get very marginal on the centre stand with longer rear suspension units.

Hagons are modern versions of the Girlings and seem to work just fine. The original Marzocchis are rebuildable and could be re-valved to suit if you have someone local who knows what they're doing.

[mgelder]

What he just said.

With 320mm shocks mine is a little wobbly on the centre stand. With narrower, lower profile tyres it'd probably be okay, and I think it's a price worth paying for a more modern feel to the steering. 310mm would be fine.

The *big* advantage of Hagons is that they will spring and damp a set of shocks to your weight and requirements. You could put the highest spec Ohlins units on there, but if they're not fitted with springs that suit your weight you'd be wasting your money.

On a light bike like the Morini I think this is probably more important than the brand of shock absorber.

I've found Koni Dial-a-Rides and the replacement Ikons to be better made than Hagons, but much more expensive. I had a Guzzi with Marzocchi remote reservoir shocks about 25 years ago and I found them over-damped and a bit rubbish, even back in the days when we all thought stiff equalled good handling; I replaced them with Dial-a-Rides.

[Sam Stoney]

How did you dial them in - i.e. did you get springs according to your weight and the bikes or did you just tell him what they were going to be put on?
LTR

As far as the race bike, they were pretty close, but I think I ended up making different spacers. Incredibly good shock for the money, but finish isn't great. Hagons look nicer, but I think are internally similar, and cost a bit more here in the US.

I'd trust him to get it close, but ideally you'd measure what you have and work off of that. Shoot for something near zero static sag, ie the bike suspension should be uncompressed when no rider is on it, but start compressing when you put any load on the seat. From that position, a good starting point is to aim for 25-30% of total suspension travel. If your current springs don't travel that far, you want softer, and vice versa. If you check your current shocks like this you can then ask him for a spring a bit stiffer, of softer than what you have.

All that said, I'm going to be buying shocks for my 3 1/2 later this spring and I'll probably just start with whatever he recommends. He knows more about this stuff than I do.

Sam

[tonup69]

For those interested, I just ordered 300mm gas charged shocks from NJB with exposed chrome springs set to my weight specifications for 87£ plus 35£ shipping. I am sure I will like them since I have NJBs on four other bikes, but thanks to the forum I am getting the correct length! I am running modern profile tires, so I would like to get the shorter - more center stand friendly - shocks.

Cheers,

LTR

[tonup69]

The finished product thanks to Norman at NJB. Very nice shocks, as usual with NJB shocks. They fit easily and the center stand still works fine.

[Brett]

Hi,

I just finished rebuilding my Marzocchi shocks, I had the springs re-chromed and the alloy polished and I purchased a new set of rubbers for them from a place in Melbourne, Australia website: http://bevelrubber.com.au/cart/index.ph ... cPath=4_62

They came up nice and the products were a great fit.

Cheers

Brett

[72degrees]

I use 350 Marzocchis on my 2C (Sebac OEM). A bit over sprung and a bit long but I like the 'racing' feel they give. Centre stand wobble cured by welding pads of steel on the bottom on the stang legs.

[unreal]

Quick question for Brett, who plated your spring and how much?
I've been quote silly money to do them...

Si

[Brett]

Hi Si,

If your in Australia, which is where I am located it was chap called Glenn Gleeson in Bundarra, NSW, he has done a bit of work for me. Pricing wise he is very reasonable, you mail the item/s to him and he mails them back COD when finished.

The plating of the springs and the kick start lever and polishing the alloy shocks was $120AUD.

If you want his details PM me and I will send them.

Cheers

Brett