Rear shocks 81 175x

[moxie]

Hello all,
New to the forum so I’ll apologize up front I’m looking for guidance in regards to the rear shocks on my 81 PE175x. My left shock bushings are pretty much gone and finding any replacement hardware has been impossible . I’m toying with the idea of replacing both with a suitable pair of newer aftermarket shocks. I prefer original, but that’s a pip dream. Can any one suggest a brand that would be a good alternative. If not, I may just fabricate bushings. Thank you.

[Admin]

The problem with shocks is good ones are expensive.
I've been fortunate to find some vintage Öhlin or Works shocks and have them rebuilt but the cost is not much better than buying new.
You should make/find new bushings for your old shocks, just because it is what we do for our old bikes but there is no harm
in keeping those for the bike show when you want to display your restoration but have some better shocks for every day riding.
I don't use these but I have always been tempted and if I wasn't using rebuilt vintage shocks, these would be a likely first choice.
www.noleenj6.com/noleen-vintage-shocks
They should be able to fix you up with the right springs, etc for you.
I have used Progressive shocks and they were good/OK but I wore them out rather quickly, still useable but not rebuildable so
I would spend a little more and get the better, rebuildable shock which also will probably NOT wear out as quickly ;-)
There is nothing more important than investing in good suspension, everything else is dependent on it.
I do have a small metal lathe and have made my own bushings but have been rather lazy lately, if you find a small lathe at a yard sale or
flea market for a good price, grab it and learn the basics ;-)

[ESR80PE]

If you want just new bearings any bearing shop will have them. they are just a spherical bearing 10 x 19 #GE10

If you are pretty mechanically skilled and willing to do some careful reading of manuals and correct procedures then rebuilding a set of older Ohlins is very possible.

I always see suitable used ones on ebay for sale, but it takes a little bit of knowledge t pick the post suitable ones that need the least amount of conversion and swapping of parts to make them suit able for PE's. I have guided probably 10 or 12 different PE owners through the process of getting Ohlins onto PE's throughout the years.

Its just not worth it going for cheaper type shocks. They dont last, usually cant be rebuilt or adjusted and don't perform that well.

[moxie]

Thank you for the info... after some research Indeed GE 10 spherical bearings were the fix... bearings installed good as new!! Thank you again!!!

[ESR80PE]

Sadly they are prone to bending shafts unless they are completely rebuild with some mkodifications. Just recently i made further steps towards rebuilding the 80/81 shocks. I will get there eventually.