Rear Suspension Upgrade.

I am looking to upgrade these filthy rear suspension shocks, to either IKON (7610-1534) or Bitubo (H0072WME02V2). I lean a bit towards the Bitubo model, not only for cosmetic reasons but because I can have them in full black color (Dark Edition) without getting ripped-off. Both models are in the same price range, but I ain't one to sacrifice performance over looks, so if anyone has fitted either model to their bike and can spare a review it would be great!

I have unfortunately no experience with either of these. But I can tell that a bunch of us are using TEC shocks (cheapest option out there pretty much) and are quite happy with them.

I put 50k miles on my TEC shocks before the seals blew on them (thanks Ireland/Northern Ireland)
Again never had any experience with either of those brands.

Louloudito wrote:I am looking to upgrade these filthy rear suspension shocks, to either IKON (7610-1534) or Bitubo (H0072WME02V2). I lean a bit towards the Bitubo model, not only for cosmetic reasons but because I can have them in full black color (Dark Edition) without getting ripped-off. Both models are in the same price range, but I ain't one to sacrifice performance over looks, so if anyone has fitted either model to their bike and can spare a review it would be great!

I looked at both too. Not in a position to blow three ton plus on suspension at the moment but I'm going to get the all black bitubo for sure. Do it!

Hey all! Thanks for your replies! I am well aware of TEC shocks and possibly every suspension made for this bike. TEC are super low priced and from what I've seen in other posts do the job more than fairly good, but I wanted to push the bike's limits to the max as far as the suspension is concerned and that's why I concluded to the models of IKON and Bitubo!

You'll be beyond the edge of the tyres and footpegs before you reach the limit for suspension. That been said have you considered the fully adjustable YSS shocks?

Are the YSS rebuildable?

As far as I'm aware they are but I'm not 100% sure. There are a few different models available if you check on their catalog.

Louloudito wrote: TEC are super low priced and from what I've seen in other posts do the job more than fairly good...

TECs are good (albeit a bit stiff for my taste) - but they have not been adequately chromed, meaning they tend to rust. It bothers my OCD. But hey, what can be expected at that price? If only they didn't rust I'd pay double. Rust is no friend of mine!

Aren't the adjustable YSSes too tall?

Never heard of IKON or Bitubo. Maybe it's about time to get out from under my favourite rock...

ikon= koni

stormbringer wrote:
Aren't the adjustable YSSes too tall?

IIRC someone on here bought some 380mm from evilBay sold as 'compatible'. 

The YSS fitment guide only states the correct 350mm

For all I know Bitubo makes 3 different lengths (standard size, +30mm, -45mm). I too wouldn't want to buy something and have it getting rusty after a year and with blown seals, that's why I wanted to go for a quality shock.

Just talked to a local suspension expert and asked for his opinion. He said that being a relatively old bike, it makes sense to him, to go for the IKON as they are also old tech and have proven robust through time with the Bitubo being a bit too sophisticated for this bike. Not the answer I hoped for (I guess I have already made up my mind :p ) but I'll get a couple more opinions.

ikon and bitubo are good, i have ikon.

just pay atention to the size, there are different lengths for them. i think the standard size for bitubo is a bit different than oem.

Thanks for the reply! I have asked some more people for opinions (outside of this forum) and it seems like IKON is the way to go. Nobody vouched for Bitubo - even though it seems really good both aesthetically and manufacturing-wise.

I've got the Bitubo's and i'm very pleased with it!!
Much better than original