Rear shocks -86 SFC 1000

Hocko64

Hocko64

New member
Location
Perth WA
Gents, I have a 86 SFC 1000 #3172  - I think very original condition.
I note the rear shocks are ?Koni?s?, but all the pics from the period show Marzocchis with the reservoir?
Can anyone please advise the correct rear shocks? as one of the Koni?s is ?bleeding? and question is to repair or replace with the correct version.
Thanks Paul
 
Hi Paul,

both shocks were used on the RGS 1000 SFC. The golden Marzocchi shocks were used on the early modells. Due to them leaking rapidly and as they were a bit on the soft side (and potentially due to Uwe Witt's recommendation?!?), the factory later changed to Konis. Konis were THE aftermarket-Shocks at that time with an unbeatable price-point and a life-time warranty (399,-DM/roughly 150? at that time enduser price).

As far as I am aware, there are no repair kits for the golden Marzocchis available, as the top "nut" has the oil-seal build in and you would need to replace the whole top nut, which is not available. Or machine one with a seat for a new seal, which  is a lot of work and not really worth it.

The Konis are a bit shorter (362mm compared to 375mm on the Marzocchis) but as they are noticeably less soft, the riding hights is mostly the same as with the Marzocchis. From 20 years old memory, the Marzocchis though were more responsive and foregiving than the Konis.

That all said, the question is if you want a period riding experiance (and/or look) or a better/improved riding experiance... :D

If the later, go for YSS or Wilbers, ?hlins, Maxtons or what ever modern shocks you like and can afford. The difference is significant and if it is like with me, you start thinking about improving your fork pretty soon...
 
Terrific, that clarifies the situation - thanks. Actually I have the Koni?s fitted - they certainly look original...?
I run the Wilbers on my S10, and fair to say it?s the best performance upgrade you spend your hard earned on 👍
Who would be the best to talk with in Australia re. Suspension upgrades / rebuilds etc?
Cheers Paul
 
Ask Red if he can sort you out, else I think the iKon (successor of Koni) is located in Australia, too. They offer rebuilds for something like 120 - 150? a pair.

For new shocks, I am pretty sure some Aussi folks will commend which best to purchase. Or contact Red from Redax engineering, he for sure knows which shocks work best on our bikes and can be sourced local to you.
 
Here's a good selection of shocks from Greg at DAM Laverda in Victoria - https://damclassicracing.com.au/categories/suspension/rear-suspension.html
 
I went the top line Nitrons from DAM for my special - but am sure the non-piggy back models would be superb as well. I'm expecting them to be as good as anything out there on the market. I would NEVER use old Marzos on my bikes.
 
Hi,
I have 2 1000 SFC, one with YSS the other with ?hlins and a RGS with Konis. I just bought the YSS because the Konis were leaking- they worked fine with the SFC.
I would say, as I did several times the ?hlins ( Type Kawa 1300) are really fine but expensive, the Konis in my RGS are much more comfortable and reliable than the YSS. For normal use and also for fast driving on normal roads I would recommend Konis!
Andre
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top