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Hagon Shocks

  • Thread starter Thread starter jona
  • Start date Start date
The biggest factor is that some riders seem to think you need a hard ride to go fast, probably a left over thought from the days of flexible frames, crap suspension, and crappier tires.
 
tkent02 said:
The biggest factor is that some riders seem to think you need a hard ride to go fast, probably a left over thought from the days of flexible frames, crap suspension, and crappier tires.
Click to expand...

That is a great point!

On several old bikes that I upgraded the suspension (and brakes) I was amazed to find out how comfy they were for long trips and still made it seem like I had a newer bike, in the corners.
 
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gsgeezer said:
Maybe this will help. It gives you most of the info you might want.

When I upgrade the suspension on bikes, especially old bikes that I've removed forty pounds of gee-gaws on, I take the bike to a scale and weigh it.

I know my weight, plus gear. And you have to decide how much time you spend slabbing at 55 mph, or going fast through the twisties.
Also, how much time you will have a passenger (pillion) or more gear and bags.

If your front and rear aren't balanced or you have chassis related problems that is going to make it hard to judge whether the rear shocks are working with you instead of against you. I have good tires that are the right size for the bike, and that seems to improve the feedback from the suspension, as well.

Most people, in the past, when I've asked about replacing the rear shocks on old bikes just tell me to get Ohlins, otherwise anything else will be a compromise.

http://www.suspensionshop.org/tech_suspension_setup.php
Click to expand...

Mmm, Ohlins...

But even they are a compromise.

As GS people seem to be, well, frugal, a bunch many look for the least bad compromise for the lowest price.

The only data point I don't have for the progressives with the HD spring is mileage. But many other GSR people relay that they last at least as long as anything else in the price range.

The progressives appear to be the price vs performance standard the rest can be measured against.
 
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We spent considerable time going through the springs for each model and reworked many of the 'base' Hagon setups after a lengthy dialog with the Hagon folks. The issue with the Hagon shock setup for some bikes was they had multiple models using the same shocks, but yet just one spring setup - and there's a big difference in the springs needed some of the bikes - especially when the weight of the bikes can vary so much. We ended up going down two full spring rates on some of the bikes!

Quinn was supposed to be the USA distributor - but he made no attempt to be a distributor - and numerous customers complained about him - to the point Hagon USA was setup to service the USA. Hagon USA is staffed by people working for Hagon.
 
Update. I got the shocks yesterday evening, I'm installing them today. Once I get a few rides on them I'll give an update.
 
Just got done with a 80m ride. Ruidoso to Hondo on hwy 70 [smooth rode], then back hwy 380 [washboard/paved rode], springs set at soft, a tad stiff, but to my liking. Damping set at 1, a little pogo effect, reset damping to 5. I'll redo the ride again to see what that does. A little cool at 55F, no heated gear. Weight riding, 210lb, 5lb tank bag. Just slab riding, no hard cornering, yet.
 
I checked the package, "spring weight for 75-100kg rider". I just called Dave Quinn to ask about spring rate, he is closed until 1/2/14. I am at the upper range of that, 210lb riding weight, and as stated I found them a tad stiff, but to my liking. So I guess someone much less than that may want to drop down on the spring rate. I increased the damping to 5 from 1, will likely be riding again 12/30 & 31. Will report on damping changes.
 
Update.Did the same ride today with damping set at 5, too stiff. Half way through the ride I turned the damping down to 3, just right. Shock #2810. Front springs
progressive set #2 preload, damping set at 2.
 
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Update

Update

Just got off the phone with Dave Quinn. He told me the standard damping rate for the clevis style shock is equal to the 6 setting on the adj. shock:eek: That would have been too much for me. So IMHO, the 2810 with the adj. damping is the only way to go. I never have a passenger, and only use saddle bags for about 20% of my total miles. Hope this helps someone make a choice.
 
So if you don't buy the 2810 but the standard the damping will probably be just right as it is the same as the middle position from the 2810.
 
To Toni1959, I think you miss understood me. The standard damping would be about twice as much then I would want; way too stiff.
 
So the 2810 is worth every penny?The only thing that I don't like them is the way they have to be fitted.It looks like some plonker fitted them the wrong way around.
 
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