New shocks - upgrade?

Motocod · Post by **Motocod** » Fri Oct 03, 2014 2:11 pm

Hi Folks,

Just returned from 10 days riding around France and Spain with pillion and luggage. The bike was great - we really bonded, and I must admit that any thoughts I had of changing have been banished! However, it did highlight that the standard suspension just isn't giving me as much confidence as I'd like, particularly with a full load on board. So I'm thinking about upgrading at both ends.

So far as I am aware, Ohlins are the only people doing front shocks - is this the case?

And so far as rear shocks go I currently see the following:

Ohlins
Nitron
Wilbers
Hagon

Does anyone know of any others?

For the rear at least I want separate compression and rebound damping, and I want (need) a remote preload adjuster for when luggage/pillion are added. I don't mind paying a bit more for quality. I'll be looking to get springs matched to rider weight, although appreciate that some compromise may be made when it comes to adding luggage and pillion in to that equation.

Who do you recommend, and what are your findings with the different brands?

Thanks in advance!

Nik

Motocod · Post by **Motocod** » Fri Oct 03, 2014 3:04 pm

Just got a reply from Nitron - they do a front shock now - just under £400. So for that plus a posh version of the rear including remote preload adjuster you're looking at around £1200 to do both ends. Which is kind of what I was expecting, albeit rather a lot of money.

I guess I could justify this to myself by being way way cheaper than buying a new bike...

Nik

Blackal · Post by **Blackal** » Fri Oct 03, 2014 3:18 pm

Hadn't realised that Nitron were those sort of prices.

I have Wilbers on a Boxercup bought many years ago, but thought they were around £750 at the time.

Revs racing are the agents in UK.

There's a stickied thread in tech section to read.

Al

andy griff · Post by **andy griff** » Fri Oct 03, 2014 3:32 pm

Nik,

Pleased that you had a great trip.

I had Maxton on the first 1100S that I had. They were excellent and came with a lifetime rebuild guarantee. Maxton make shocks for lots of racers and, dare i say it, seem to be higher quality than Nitron.
Last time I looked a pair was £1000 or just over, and that seems better value given the fantastic after sales and also that they will build the shocks to your weight and riding style.
Also, although the Maxton spring is usually purple they did mine to Mandarin for a few quid extra
Keep us updated

http://www.maxtonsuspension.co.uk/files/enquiries.htm

Motocod · Post by **Motocod** » Fri Oct 03, 2014 3:37 pm

Only just noticed the Sticky, what an idiot!!!

Thanks for the link Andy - I did wonder about Maxton. Interestingly, I'd heard that their customer service was a bit old school! I've had a Nitron before and it was really nicely made. Again, they match the spring to your weight.

Mitch1100 · Post by **Mitch1100** » Fri Oct 03, 2014 10:46 pm

Wilbers have front and rear shocks, both my bikes have rear remote Hydraulic preload, and high and low speed compression damping adjustments.

Blackal · Post by **Blackal** » Sat Oct 04, 2014 6:31 am

I had another read of the stickied thread, and it's not as informative as I thought/remembered.

One thing it did highlight - was the differing heights between the different models - especially the BCR versions.

If you are going for straight replacement - it could still be worthwhile removing each shock (not a dificult task) and measuring the free-length.

I must admit to hearing very good things about Maxton, and if it means anything - they are British (I think).

Personally - I would only consider Ohlins if I got them S/H at a good price.

Al

andy griff · Post by **andy griff** » Sat Oct 04, 2014 10:49 am

Indeed, British. Maxton are from Cheshire, supply lots of TT bikes and that is a test of a shock !

Corvus · Post by **Corvus** » Sat Oct 04, 2014 12:02 pm

andy griff wrote:Indeed, British. Maxton are from Cheshire, supply lots of TT bikes and that is a test of a shock !

I've spoken to a couple of guys at the various tea stops hereabouts, just yer average road riders like me, and they were very happy with both the end result and service provided by maxton.