Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > 4 wheels > Equipping the Overland Vehicle
Equipping the Overland Vehicle Vehicle accessories - Making your home away from home comfortable, safe and reliable.
Photo by Daniel Rintz, Himba children, Namibia

The only impossible journey
is the one
you never begin

Photo by Daniel Rintz,
Himba children, Namibia



Overlanders Handbook - everything you need to know, available NOW!

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 15 May 2008
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: england
Posts: 7
Koni shocks for london to cape town (western Route)

i have a Landrover Disco 300tdi, 95 year.. just starting the prep for it..

im think about fitting Koni shocks to it with a 2'' coil spring raise..

can i have any oppinons on this, good or bad..

or on the other hand should i just fork out a bit more and go for OME's?
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 15 May 2008
Banned
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Monaco
Posts: 336
I have a Disco V8 with OMEs.

In Angola I was happy to have the reinforced and raised suspension, because we were on some bad minor roads with deep river crossings. Even the main road is badly potholed south of Lobito.

If you stay on the main roads from Europe to Cameroun you don't really need a reinforced suspension.

But if you don't mind the time and money, I'd go for it, for added safety from Cameroun southwards.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 16 May 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Scotland
Posts: 775
Hi,

there are different types of Koni and OME shocks, so you need to be more specific what you want to achieve and can afford. Generally, it is reasonable to treat shocks as disposable items, so I wouldn't spend too much. And don't forget to take at least one spare each side.
__________________
----------------
Roman (UK)
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 17 May 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Denmark
Posts: 80
sorry but I disagree on this, filters and tires are also disposable items yet you wouldn't save money on them, would you?
A good shock absorber is essential for a smooth and safe ride, I'd rather put 4 good OME's instead of 4+2 spare no names...
__________________
Mario T. - southing
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 17 May 2008
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: england
Posts: 7
well i suppose what im asking is are the koni's good for the job, or should i just spend a little extra and go for the OME, as they have a better reputation..?
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 17 May 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Manchester, UK
Posts: 456
Koni make good shocks, but it depends what you want your upgrade to do?

The standard suspension on a Discovery is very good 'as is' and designed to cope with the roads and tracks you will encounter. Of course, there's a whole industry of outfitters and accessory sellers who will tell you different, but hardly any of them have driven to Cape Town and they all have mortgages to pay!

A 2" lift will have wear implications for other components (prop shafts, steering etc.) and it's easy to spend thousands and end up with a vehicle that handles like pigs fighting in jelly and which is less reliable than the vanilla original. Experts do it all the time.

It's possible to improve on the suspension, but like Roman says, it helps to be specific about what you want to achieve. Unless you are planning to overload the car, or go racing, you might be better staying with genuine LR equipment. Maybe with higher-rated LR springs. A genuine LR shock is what, £25? Excellent value.
__________________
Pictures, Mauritania 2011
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 17 May 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Netherlands
Posts: 476
OME or Koni

the Koni Heavy Tracks and Heavy Track Raids are currently the best you can get. The OME is no more than a brand labled shock. OME has no factory. Koni is one of the few remaining independend shock absorber factories in the world.

I have Heavy Tracks under my Toyota and did 60.000 km in Africa with them, a lot of it on the worst roads thinkable. They are still very good!

With respect to the factory mounted LR shocks, try to do about 200 km of heavily corrugated road and they are gone! I have seen it happen several times, all the time original LR shocks! Completely broken off or overheating problems.


Cheers,

Noel
exploreafrica.web-log.nl
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 17 May 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Kent, Uk
Posts: 391
Koni or OME

Hi Robin

as Roman said it depends what you require the shocks to do - then you have to choose a shock and make that will suit your need.

IMHO a OME would be better than most other makes on the market, particularly LR OEM fit. On the other hand the Koni Heavy Tracks or similarwould be THE shock of choice - if it suits the need.

Also make sure that your springs and bump stops ure up to the job.
__________________
ChrisC
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 18 May 2008
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: england
Posts: 7
well as the shocks have never been changed on the car since new, which is like 13 years now, i feel that if im going to do this kind of trip i want to know that they havent been battered in the past too much (which i dont after only owning the motor for a few months). Im sure the LR standards would be adequate, epscially if they are fairly new, but if im going to go through the long process of changing all the shocks, i may as well upgrade to the best i can get, i would prefer to spend a litle extra money now, which could save me having to change one or more half way down...

basically i want shocks and springs that will stand up to the kind of roads i will encounter on that western route, as was pointed out the roads untill cameroon would not be as bad as the ones south of there, but i suppose after then the shocks could potencially take a bit of a bashing, and i want to prepared for this.

obviously im no expert on this, and have not been to africa on africa roads, so just looking for peoples opinion on both the shocks mentioned, and/or the best kind of set-up for that kind of trip, from people who have some kind of experience in this..

thats guys so far though..
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 21 May 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Manchester, UK
Posts: 456
The Konis should work well. Or if you prefer to spend less but still improve on the originals then you could look at Monroe Adv gas shocks, also good. Swapping them is a quick and easy DIY job.

If the springs look sound and don't sag, leave them where they are and take a spare or two. If you are carrying a lot of weight you could think about moving the rears to the front and installing higher-rated LR springs at the back.

Don't bother with the 2" lift. Unless you adapt other parts of the car (steering, brake lines, suspension) you risk reliability and handling issues on a long trip.

Happy prepping!
__________________
Pictures, Mauritania 2011
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 21 May 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Ghana
Posts: 289
It is also worth bearing in mind that the Konis are adjustable (although you have to remove the lower mounting - not a big deal) and can be rebuilt, which I think very few other manufacturers can offer.

Gil
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 21 May 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: france
Posts: 50
After months of watching this forum we have just fitted OME shocks to our Discovery and i have to say, we have made the right choice

Baltic ice road challenge
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 22 May 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: UK
Posts: 479
Having done trans africa, round aus, etc and run OMEs for 8+ years after a couple of years on standard LR shocks, I'm extremely happy with them and would recommend them. I can't offer an opinion on how they compare with Koni as, given I am happy with the OMEs, I've not seen the need to try others.

However I also partially agree with the disposable argument and the stock standard argument. If you fit aftermarket shocks they will make the vehicle handle better - providing you pick the right weight ratings etc for what you want to do. However you could go with your existing 13 year old ones and a couple of no name spares and you would still get through. Its easy to spend 000s on kitting up the truck and it will make it more reliable, more capable but if you don't want to spend the money, the standard truck will get through. - good excuse to spend money on toys though.
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 22 May 2008
Pumbaa's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: On our bicycles, probably pushing up a hill!
Posts: 435
Not sure about Koni (they do have a good reputation here in Oz) because I never used them.

I have however used OME nitro shocks in a dual cab Hilux doing 25,000km around Oz on some bad roads. Didn't have any problem with them.

I did however decide on Tough Dog big bore adjustable shocks and heavy duty springs for our upcoming trip with the Troopy. I took about 4 months to decide on what I wanted after reading a lot (probably too much) about all the brands and getting feedback from users...
__________________
Jacques & Mandy with Pumbaa II
www.seeyouwhenwegetthere.com
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 22 May 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Denmark
Posts: 80
Quote:
Originally Posted by Toby2 View Post
However you could go with your existing 13 year old ones and a couple of no name spares and you would still get through...
I still disagree...

see what happened to this loaded Land Rover with poor suspension

this guys learned the lesson the hard way and the first thing they did on their second trip was to fit a set of OME...
__________________
Mario T. - southing
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
London To Cape Town pjl1toyota Travellers Seeking Travellers 48 16 Oct 2009 12:14
London -> Cape Town (Eastern route) - End 2007 Bossies Travellers Seeking Travellers 22 7 May 2007 11:53
london to Cape Town 2WD..possible? dovechaka sub-Saharan Africa 2 17 Aug 2006 19:35
London to Cape Town on a XT Bigmac Travellers Seeking Travellers 5 8 Feb 2002 00:48
london to cape town london le cap Equipment Reviews 0 23 Jan 2002 00:34

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 21:45.