those e-bay knock off shocks... update?

The 71 basketcase is back together !!!!! a couple small things and I should be able to kick it over, ( I know, I know, I've been saying that for a while now, but this time I mean it!!!!!) I pick up the newly trued/balanced/new tires wheels from my nephew next saturday.

the LAST thing I need are new shocks and I know there was a thread about those e-bay knock offs: I think Daveh bought them: any further updates?

My goal for this season is to get it on the road and the mechanicals sorted out, so for the short term ($$ is the issue here) the more reasonably priced shocks would be fine . then, later on, a corbin gunfighter seat and fancy shocks would be on the Christmas List.

thanks for your feedback

Karl

Emgo and HBJ or whatever those three-letter-initials brand are, are okay for what you pay. If you have one of those fine-tuned butts, you'll want to pay more and get better ones.

I think it's false economy to drop a hundred bucks on "cheapo" shocks. Spend a bit more and get a set that will work better and last a LOT longer.

I don't know how fine tuned it is, but it is a 260 Lb butt, so Brian, I think you're right......... I'll save my doe for the good ones: thanks

kfh

I put a set of the cheapo EMGO shocks on my 850. I had to file the eyelet bushes down, but otherwise they fit well and seem to work well.

I actually like them better than the Hagons because they're softer and I find the Hagons a bit harsh. I don't think a 260 lb. butt would like them however!

We'll see how they hold up over time. I bought them on a whim because they were cheap and I wanted to see how good (or bad) they were. So far I've been pleased with them, but I weigh a lot less than most of you and I'm not an AHRMA racer (well, not on the Norton anyway. I just ride trials).

Go slow and keep your feet on the pegs,
Debby

those ebay knock-off shocks...update

Hi 71, those shocks I bought on eBay give quite a comfortable ride, nicer than the admittedly rather old Konis I had on, which have too much compression damping for my liking. However, as with Debby, they were a bit of work to fit. No problem for me because I have a workshop and I am used to making things fit, but it would be a problem for those without such a facility. I had a word with the seller. He agreed to give me a discount for my trouble and he promised that he would talk to the manufacturer about this. In the meantime, your weight would suggest that those shocks would be too soft for you, so go with a more expensive shock (like an Ikon) and perhaps ask the supplier to match the spring rate to your weight.

thanks for the feedback

kfh

71basketcase said:

The 71 basketcase is back together !!!!! a couple small things and I should be able to kick it over, ( I know, I know, I've been saying that for a while now, but this time I mean it!!!!!) I pick up the newly trued/balanced/new tires wheels from my nephew next saturday.

the LAST thing I need are new shocks and I know there was a thread about those e-bay knock offs: I think Daveh bought them: any further updates?

My goal for this season is to get it on the road and the mechanicals sorted out, so for the short term ($$ is the issue here) the more reasonably priced shocks would be fine . then, later on, a corbin gunfighter seat and fancy shocks would be on the Christmas List.

thanks for your feedback

Karl

Click to expand...

I've bought two sets of Hagons from Dave Quinn in CT and have been very happy with both sets. Hagons are considerably more expensive than Emgo or NJB but Dave will custom build them to your weight, driving style, how much luggage you carry, pillion passenger etc. Good people to deal with. They can also mix and match stainless shrouds, black versus stainless springs etc. to customize the look.

Tobin

thansk, Tobin, do you have a website or phone #?

thanks: you know, when you compare the pricves of the hagons, it's really not that much more to get predictable quality and a shock that's custom tailored to a particular application (i.e. a gravitationally challenged gentleman

thanks, all... hagons it is!

kfh

71basketcase said:

thanks: you know, when you compare the pricves of the hagons, it's really not that much more to get predictable quality and a shock that's custom tailored to a particular application (i.e. a gravitationally challenged gentleman

thanks, all... hagons it is!

kfh

Click to expand...

I have heard a few negative comments about Hagons on one or other of the forums I participate in, but never heard any specifics. So I am not sure what to make of these comments. I have been very happy with the Hagons I fitted on my 74 Commando and on a 67 Triumph TR6C. I weigh about 210 lbs so went with one rate stiffer than stock on the springs. I am riding both sets of shocks on the lowest setting and they are firm!! However, I do not ride two-up and do not tour on them with luggage. Maggie at Dave Quinn's will ask you all the above questions to get you the right set-up.

I went with stainless bodied shocks with black springs for the Commando. I also added a stainless top shroud which is a little unusual for a Commando (they usually have completely exposed springs) but I like the look. Send me an e-mail offlist if you'd like a photo of them.

Tobin

I bought my Hagons from Dave Quinn and they were nice people to deal with.

The only options I was offered however, was standard spring or heavy spring. Hardly what I would call custom built :?

Debby

debby said:

I bought my Hagons from Dave Quinn and they were nice people to deal with.

The only options I was offered however, was standard spring or heavy spring. Hardly what I would call custom built :?

Debby

Click to expand...

Check out their website Debby. Lots of different choices now including narrow or wide bodies, stainless versus black springs, stainless and black shrouds, and springing rates. You may be right about there only being 2 spring rates but I thought there might be more than that now. Mine might be 120 lbs?? but I would need to check the invoice to make sure.