Calling anyone who has replaced their rear shocks with either NJB, Girlings, or Hagon as opposed to the cheaper ones (Wassel) that are sold by the generic spares dealers.
Can you confirm that there is a marked difference to the old/cheaper versions? Was it worth the extra cost?
I await with interest.
Chris
I have used the cheaper ones on three of my bikes, they all seem alright but then my days of wearing out the footrest rubbers are long gone.
Ive fitted Wassells for years with no problems, Had a pair of early NJB on a AJS Stormer that blew.
Bit like anything, you pays your money, most of my rebuilds were customers bikes and as usual done on a budget. £50 or £100, same as batteries £35 for one that lasts a year or if lucky two, or £60 that last 5 years, its hard getting that extra £25 out of a customer.
And Im not only talking British bikes, also replacement on Japanese bikes, many modern riders choose to buy used from ebay, so whats the difference?
Hi,
I suppose it will depend on riding style and mileage to get a good comparison. If kit jusy for the correct look for a potentially low mileage bike then go cheap. I have Hagons on both A65s.
One has done many thousands of miles load up and it only now that the springs are getting a bit soft. The other A65 has not done the same mileage but I expect the shocks to perform well for many more years and miles.
Dave.
hagons are the best if you want handling
Hagons for my A10. Proved their worth to me over many years plus they have a durable finish including stainless spring shrouds.
Thanks Chaps,
I'm looking for more comfort as opposed to longevity. On my latest acquisition, my next project, an ex BSA Press Office Thunderbolt, it has some non standard shocks of unknown make.
These have a built in ride adjustment lever but are soft and springy so the damping has probably gone west. Plus they are 14" between centres (instead of 13.4" std) and coupled with the 400X18 rear tyre, it rocks from side to side when on the centrestand.
I'll push the boat out and give Hagons a try on the A50 and see what the difference is.
Chris
Hi Chris,
What make are the shocks? It looks like they may be serviceable ones and perhaps have adjustable damping indicated by the nut at the top.
Dave.
With the built in preload lever and the nut at the top end, these look like MZ shocks. With a pair of these, one preload lever will have an "L" on top, the other an "R". They are probably rebuildable (I can't remember for sure) but if that's what they are, they are made for a light bike; about 292 lbs for the 250cc Supa 5. These shocks are probably fine on the original bike, though the preload was famously a choice between "too hard" and "much too hard". :)
Going back to the original question, I've had the same pair of Hagons on one of my bikes for quite a few years with no problems, solo or with lots of luggage.
On the A65 they are very soft so that would figure.
When you fitted your Hagons did you notice a marked difference in the ride/comfort quality compared to your previous shocks?
Chris
The previous shocks were knackered, so I did detect an improvement! While that bike, a Yamaha XJ750, has been off the road for the last 20 months, I've just found a photo of the bike from January 2010 with those same Hagon shocks; they do last well. I've been quite happy with them all that time.