Help me decide on a new shock

[1KPerDay]

I've finally scraped up the dough for a better shock for the ZZR1200.
 
I don't think I'm really smart enough to need high- and low-speed compression damping; what I really want is more rebound control and proper preload (stiffer spring). Some have told me that "emulsion" shocks are inferior to "reservoir" shocks where the gas and oil are kept separate; others say it's no big deal.
 
I don't THINK I need remote preload ajust, but I can see how it might come in handy. I usually just get a bike where I like it and leave it for 20K miles.
 
I'm not even sure I'm smart enough to tell the difference between too much preload and too much compression damping.
 
So what do you think? I want a quality shock, rebuildable, with proper preload and rebound damping capability, for as cheap as possible. I'm willing to go up to about $700 but not much more, and less would be better as it would allow me the funds to get a superbrace and perhaps stiffer fork springs.
 
http://www.davequinnmotorcycles.com/cgi-bin/webc/HAGON_MONOSHOCKS.html
 
http://www.le-suspension.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=22&products_id=31&osCsid=838ac3228163cd21e1c8847706d6806c
 
http://www.le-suspension.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=22&products_id=38&osCsid=838ac3228163cd21e1c8847706d6806c
 
http://www.wilbersusa.com/wilbers/images/Products/Shocks/thumbs/Image2.html

[ol Rocket]

I'd go with the Dave Quinn stuff.  Personally, you gotta trust a name like Quinn.  It evokes impressions of strength, intellegence, dependability and fine grooming.

Quinn...ya, that's the ticket.

[r2t2]

This is the shock that's on my Blackbird... http://www.traxxion.com/store/detail.asp?product_id=SPORT
I don't really need all the fancy adjustments (that I usually screw up anyway) and even though it's an emulsion shock (Oh my!!!), it can be upgraded down the road.

I've heard that some people have used Hagon (a U.K. mfg) recently as another less expensive alternative, but I don't have any real info on them.

[jude]

I likes my Wilbers.  High quality, great service, nifty price.  Can't go wrong, IMO.

[Stingray]

I've got a Penske 2 way from Lindemann on my SV, no complaints, other than maybe the ugly (removable) cheap conduit Lindemann put around the stainless remote hose. No big deal, I replaced it with clear tubing.

[garry]

Do you alternate between solo day rides and loaded down trips (with a pillion and/or lots of luggage)? If you do, then remote preload is WONDERFUL. Lets you set the correct sag with no fuss when carrying extra weight.
 
Are the roads in your area bumpy? Lots of sharp edged hits that launch you out of the seat? If so, then you want both high and low speed compression damping. You can adjust the high-speed compression so that the shock doesn't hydro-lock on the sharp hits, yet still retain good feel with firm low-speed compression damping.
 
You set preload to achieve a desireable amount of "sag" in the suspension (usually about 1.25 - 1.50 inches). This is not a "feel", but pure physics. You're trying to keep the geometry right, not lose a bunch of ground clearance, and have the suspension working in its optimal range (the middle). Changing preload does NOT make things "stiffer" or "softer". All it does is change how much your suspension sags. Easy to set correctly with the help of a friend (or optimally) two.

[PhilBiker]

I've finally scraped up the dough for a better shock for the ZZR1200.

Hey what ya doin' with the old shock?  I've heard a rumor that it will fit on my GPZ which is basically running on a spring in the back.

[1KPerDay]

Hey what ya doin' with the old shock? I've heard a rumor that it will fit on my GPZ which is basically running on a spring in the back.

I haven't heard that rumor... I know the 94-97 ZX-9R shock will fit the GPz if you cut a small hole in the battery box to clear the top banjo bolt. (and find a place to mount the reservoir). You can sometimes find them on eBay for $30 bucks.

[Stingray]

I'm no expert on suspensions, but from what I've experienced with 2 way and 3 way Penske's is that the valving pretty much controls the high and low speed compression damping curve and the user adjustments just allow you to fine tune it within a small range in that preset curve. There's no way that adjusting the high speed damping (with the external adjustment) when going from smooth roads to potholed roads is going to compensate significantly for the sharp bumps. That said, it's still better to have that small amount of adjustment available than not have it, as garry pointed out. Just don't expect too much.

If you ride on bumpy roads a lot, mention that when you order the shock and have the shock (valving and spring rate) set up accordingly.  Lindemann is good about that, and will set it up any way you want.

[1KPerDay]

There's no way that adjusting the high speed damping (with the external adjustment) when going from smooth roads to potholed roads is going to compensate significantly for the sharp bumps. That said, it's still better to have that small amount of adjustment available than not have it, as garry pointed out. Just don't expect too much.

Yeah... that's pretty much what I was thinking. I'm just not sure it's worth the extra $200-$300. To ME.
 
I usually ride solo, sometimes with bags, but typically not loaded down. I don't have time to do much touring lately, so my riding is pretty much confined to ~300-700-mile Saturdays. The roads I ride are typically pretty well maintained, but there are exceptions.

[Fudge]

This is the shock that's on my Blackbird... http://www.traxxion.com/store/detail.asp?product_id=SPORT
I don't really need all the fancy adjustments (that I usually screw up anyway) and even though it's an emulsion shock (Oh my!!!), it can be upgraded down the road.
 
I've heard that some people have used Hagon (a U.K. mfg) recently as another less expensive alternative, but I don't have any real info on them.

Ja, I have one of these on my FJ.  The shock is great and the boys at Traxxion know their shite.  I would suggest contacting them for a custom setup shock.

[HexHead]

Well, nobody else has said it yet but spend a bit more and go with Ohlins. You won't be sorry.

[1KPerDay]

Well, nobody else has said it yet but spend a bit more and go with Ohlins. You won't be sorry.

I've heard several people say they were sorry... and I've also heard some mfgs say that Ohlins is pretty cheap stuff in the lower- and midrange. Dunno if it's true, but paying for the brand name is pretty far down on my list right now. I'm sure their 2K race stuff is good kit, but that ain't happening for me right now.

[Mr.Awesome]

1K, let us know what you decide on and how you like it. I'm planning on changing the shock on my GPz this winter as well and sounds like we have similar riding styles. 25 clicks on the penske shock sounds a little intimidating. I have a hard enough time with the few adjustments I have on the stock shock.

[Stingray]

I've heard several people say they were sorry... and I've also heard some mfgs say that Ohlins is pretty cheap stuff in the lower- and midrange. Dunno if it's true, but paying for the brand name is pretty far down on my list right now. I'm sure their 2K race stuff is good kit, but that ain't happening for me right now.

From what I hear from the racers in the know, it's true.  The Ohlins that you buy for the average street bike is not even close to the same shock as the good ones that the racers pay the big bucks for.

And unless things have changed recently, the thing about Penske is that you can order it with the spring and valving that you need, whereas with the street bike Ohlins' you get the spring and valving that comes with the shock for your specific bike, and then usually have to change it afterwards to what fits your needs (and usually have to pay extra to do this).

[sharkattack]

A buddy of mine has a fully adjustable Elka that he loves.  Have you thought about them?  Anyone else here have an Elka?

[Lawn Dart]

Ohlins. give a call to www.kyleusa.com
 
They hooked me up real good. Don't have to get hi/low speed damping - for any street applications I seriously doubt one could ride fast enough to truly appreciate it.

[stromgal]

I'm very happy with the quality and build of the Wilbers. Made to your weight and riding style specs, and the price is better than some of the competition because they're trying to break into the American market. And it's rebuildable.

[1KPerDay]

A buddy of mine has a fully adjustable Elka that he loves. Have you thought about them? Anyone else here have an Elka?

They don't make one for my bike. And I just found out that neither does Hagon, so disregard that link above.
 
I think I'm going with Wilbers... someone on the GPz list is trying to set up a group buy. If Hans says it's okay to buy a shock for a bike other than the GPz as part of the buy, I'm getting one. The price is very attractive and I hear almost all good about them.

[cbrrash]

I have a wilbers setup and like it, don't forget about the front though. you can get a set of springs reasonable and change the fluid to make a world of difference up front also. I put springs in last year and this year am putting in race teach gold valves. if you buy the wilbers buy it before Jan 1 their prices are going up significantly after that. good luck