Which Shocks?

[1olbull]

Pete,
I'm curious how you kept from dragging metal around the twisties chasing B-Kings!? I tried a fellow on a new 1000 ninja in Arkansas and there was no way I could hang with him in the twisties because of dragging on the pavement preventing the bike from leaning enough to compensate for more speed.

For the money I feel the Hagons are a fine shock. I just should have gone with a length a little tall than stock.
I don't using only spacers in the fork tubes compressing stock springs will cut it.
I have found a good pro suspension shop and intend to have my forks rebuilt with new progressive wound springs and valves that are tuned to my weight.
Best Regards,
1olbull

 

[barbagris]

Did not realize my "buns of steel" would be quite a sensation. Combined weight of me and the missus is around 260lb.

260lbs - That's almost what me and the missus weigh (NOW) - we've been on diets.

You mentioned progressive- There are a lot of guys who've HAD TO take advantage of their warranty. Just something to be aware of. You might see this as an advantage in the US.

Hagons are widely favoured - but I have a soft spot for any shocks that can control HEAVY shaft drive bevel boxes. Fournales have been controlling Guzzi tails for decades and I've a mate who builds and classic-races track Guzzis who swears by GAZI. And this after using Ohlins and loads of other stuff.

Wilbers are good but expensive. Maxton are thoroughbred shocks - made to measure and there can be a bit of a wait.

If you're not inseam challenged - go slightly over length. You wont regret it.

 

[TxRIIIRider]

I run a pair of Triumph Comfort shocks that I purchased on Ebay many miles ago. They were cheap enough that I thought I would give them a chance. Let me say they are a blessing, and I do not understand why Triumph doesn't just put these shocks on. The spring rate is softer and there is more damping than the stockers as well. I way about 200 lbs.. and run them on the #3 pre-load setting. For me it's a good compromise between being able to soak up highway bumps, but still stiff enough to have fun in the curves. For really agressive riding, pre-load could probably be bumped up, but 3 is where I leave them. Notice in the picture.. Comfort shock on the bike, Stock shock in my hand. They look very similar, but the spring on the comfort shock is thinner with more coils. That is how you tell them apart. Despite similar looks, the Comfort shocks are far superior to the stock pogo sticks...

 

[jake shaw]

I run a pair of Triumph Comfort shocks that I purchased on Ebay many miles ago. They were cheap enough that I thought I would give them a chance. Let me say they are a blessing, and I do not understand why Triumph doesn't just put these shocks on. The spring rate is softer and there is more damping than the stockers as well. I way about 200 lbs.. and run them on the #3 pre-load setting. For me it's a good compromise between being able to soak up highway bumps, but still stiff enough to have fun in the curves. For really agressive riding, pre-load could probably be bumped up, but 3 is where I leave them. Notice in the picture.. Comfort shock on the bike, Stock shock in my hand. They look very similar, but the spring on the comfort shock is thinner with more coils. That is how you tell them apart. Despite similar looks, the Comfort shocks are far superior to the stock pogo sticks...

 

[jake shaw]

Thanks for the replies. I screwed up on the combined weight. It should have been 360Lb's. So I guess I am a fat bastard after all.

 

[Tripps]

I put the Hagon Nitros on last year, one of the best mods I have done to the bike, really first rate, transformed the bike. I also added Progressive front springs, they are a little better than stock, but I am not happy with them. Thinking of going with emulators or cartridges.

 

[Pete]

Pete,
I'm curious how you kept from dragging metal around the twisties chasing B-Kings!? I tried a fellow on a new 1000 ninja in Arkansas and there was no way I could hang with him in the twisties because of dragging on the pavement preventing the bike from leaning enough to compensate for more speed.

For the money I feel the Hagons are a fine shock. I just should have gone with a length a little tall than stock.
I don't using only spacers in the fork tubes compressing stock springs will cut it.
I have found a good pro suspension shop and intend to have my forks rebuilt with new progressive wound springs and valves that are tuned to my weight.
Best Regards,
1olbull

I ground metal and a fair amount of rubber but found it better to run hard in third gear and hang off the bike.
I agree with keeping away from spacers for the forks and I'll be looking at replacing the springs.
Thanks for your thoughts on Hagons, I'll look them up.

 

[albertaduke]

I'm very interested in this topic, I just spent the morning following a couple of mates on rice burners (suzuki B Kings) through the local hills.
My bike dives under brakes and slides like a slippery seal in the tight hard corners while I'm trying to keep up.
I've spoken to the local Triumph dealer and they suggest a T Bird preload spacer set for the front and Gazi shocks for the rear at a cost of $890 aus.
I've also looked at wilbur shocks at a cost of $1400 aus and I'm waiting on a quote for ohlins shocks through the local suspension specialists.
As usual it comes down to how much you want to spend to get the performance that matches your riding style.

I installed wilbergs front and back in 2010 and noticed at the bad bruckenau meetin germany 45 out 80 R3 had wilbergs these fellows obviously knew something so I also switched so far so slipping no sliding very little diving yet absorbs roughnes in the road fairly well

 

[CanberraR3]

I run a pair of Triumph Comfort shocks

There's a set up there now. I'd love to give them a try. Seller doesn't ship to Aus so, if I decide to go for them, I might be looking for one of you guys to help me out. Must say, though, that I'm pretty happy with the stock Roadster shocks my good mate Ponters didn't need any more. You guys that hate them should try some stockies from an '09 with 60,000kms on them. Roadster shocks were a BIG improvement.

 

[1olbull]

There's a set up there now. I'd love to give them a try. Seller doesn't ship to Aus so, if I decide to go for them, I might be looking for one of you guys to help me out. Must say, though, that I'm pretty happy with the stock Roadster shocks my good mate Ponters didn't need any more. You guys that hate them should try some stockies from an '09 with 60,000kms on them. Roadster shocks were a BIG improvement.

I feel for you, Mate, and understand. I have the stock shocks I removed from my motor after two weeks. Just like brand new and would be willing to part with them for cheap???