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Posted by aclone
- January 22, 2012, 16:10:04 PMThanks for the update I will be changing mine over this summer.
Mark
Posted by 45 Bravo
- January 20, 2012, 17:08:53 PMHi, well, I am 2000+ miles into my new shocks by Hagen from the UK.
The BEST money I have ever spent (other than buying my Drifter.)
When riding solo (300+Lbs) i use them on the lightest notch, when my daughter is riding with me, she is 21 and (add about another 120 lbs), I move it to the second notch, and when my wife and I are riding (I won't go there on that weight) i move it to the 3rd notch.
It tracks smooth with no bad tendencies (unless i have it on the stiffest setting and then ride solo without adjusting it) then there is a little hop on bumps and stiff, but all in all, they are a great replacement.
They are easily adjustable with the included wrench, and takes about 30 seconds total.
We have hit a few hard bumps, a couple have bottomed out, and they are still ticking.
Pros:• Half the price of Progressive
• Custom built to your weight specifications
• Easily adjustable without special pumps
• Nitrogen filled
• Unlimited mileage warranty
Cons:
• Not adjustable by an air pump
• Not made in the USA
• Requires a wrench (included) to adjust the pre-load
• Non adjustable dampening
All in all, if you need to carry more than stock shocks can, and you don't mind non adjustable dampening, look in to them.
45 Bravo
Posted by 45 Bravo
- October 07, 2011, 10:24:55 AMWell, they are heavy duty, that is for sure.
I ordered the 13 inch shocks so they are the same length as the stock shocks.
when we set it on the ground, the bike didn't sag any.
when i sat on it, it settled about 1/4 - 1/2 inch.
The shocks are on their softest settings.
The ride is good, but firm, maybe they will soften a little after some use.
With the wife on they settle about 1/2 inch farther, maybe.
The ride 2 up is softer than solo, and we never bottomed out, so looks like we got it right.
There is a rubber spacer on the shock shaft that shows the max the shock has traveled up the shaft, and will also act as a extra buffer IF you were to bottom out. it is still half way up the shaft where it was when we got it.
I would suggest them so far to anyone who is in need of something heavier than the stock shocks offer,
or want something tailored to their exact weight requirements,
or don't want to pay progressive's price for their shocks.
Custom shocks for $320 shipped, with time from order to your door less than 7 days.
You can't beat that.
Pictures to come, and updates if things change with them.
45 Bravo
Posted by 45 Bravo
- October 06, 2011, 15:38:09 PMWell, I paid for them on the 30th with paypal, (friday am) and they arrived this morning 8:30 am via DHL from the UK. FAST SHIPPING.
they look good, black with chrome springs, I will post pictures.
I am putting them on this evening, and will let you know what i think.
Later.
45 Bravo
Posted by waltervl
- September 30, 2011, 02:50:41 AMPersonally no experience with Hagon Shocks, but from my surroundings and internet forums in Europe I only hear good feedback.
Posted by aclone
- September 29, 2011, 19:14:32 PMLooks cool , let me know how they work!
Posted by 45 Bravo
- September 29, 2011, 09:32:44 AMHi, after several conversations with Progressive Suspensions, (they are the only US company that makes shocks that i can find) there are other companies that re-brand progressive shocks and sell them under their name & model numbers.
I could never get them to actually say how much the load rating on their HD 440 shocks are, and if they find out what model of cycle you have, they will not sell you shocks that are not a "direct replacement" for your cycle, they will sell shorter ones but not longer ones. And they will only say, "for loads more than 240 lbs."
After much searching, and a lot of reading I found a company in England (on ebay they are called bits4motorbikes.) They sell Hagon shocks. My Honda 1976 cb750f had a set of these on it when I bought it used, and they carried me & the wife 2up with no problem.
They will build you a custom set of shocks to your weight & length specifications for a very reasonable cost.
For them to build me a custom set with progressive rate springs, for a 99' 1500 Drifter, 13.5 inches long and designed to carry 40 stones weight (560Lbs.) for the affordable price of $319.74 shipped to my door, with an unlimited mileage, 2 year warranty.
I will let you know how they do.
Has anyone else here had any experience with this brand before?
here is the ebay link for the drifter shocks http://www.ebay.com/itm/Kawasaki-VN1500-Drifter-1988-Pair-motorbike-shocks-/260846224352?pt=UK_Motorcycle_Parts&hash=item3cbba583e0
45 Bravo
Posted by 45 Bravo
- September 21, 2011, 17:35:06 PMcool, thanks for the input. that is the magical numbers that match us.
but we take short trips, and never carry packs or extra clothes.
she can't ride for hours and hours. even with the good corbin seat
Ian
Posted by aclone
- September 21, 2011, 16:27:29 PMMy wife and I and full bags just under 500# . But because the tour pack and top bag are behind the rear wheel the stress on the rear of the bike is more like 550# I was having problems with the front end floating but have solved that.
Mark
Posted by 45 Bravo
- September 21, 2011, 15:34:09 PMMark, if you don't mind my asking, what is fully loaded weight?
Posted by aclone
- September 21, 2011, 14:07:53 PMI have been looking and so far I can't find a 14" shock that will fit a Drifter of any brand. Chief is correct about the drive line the drifter was not designed to carry a lot of weight, but my wife and I have put about 6000 mile on ours fully loaded with no problems.
Mark
Posted by 45 Bravo
- September 21, 2011, 12:49:15 PMok, i am 330 (down from 385 last january), the wife is 200+, i ride daily, we LIKE to ride together several times a week (just an evening cruise).
So the 13.5 inch 440hd is the way to go you think?
I wonder if anyone on here has a set for sale because the ride was too stiff.
of course, there would not be a warranty with the used ones.
Ian
Posted by chief
- September 21, 2011, 12:10:50 PMBe aware you may be putting additional stresses on the drive line if you change it too much. Additionally, with the 440 HD you get the combo of a heavy duty spring. You don't ride totally loaded all the time, so you may be able to live with the occasional fender bump that you might get with the 440 heavy duty (different from reg 440). I have a pad and fender bib on the fender where mine used to hit.
Posted by 45 Bravo
- September 20, 2011, 19:58:06 PMThanks for the input. That leads to my next question. would 13.5 or more help the issue, and what is the max i can go?
13.5? 14?
Thanks again.
Ian
Posted by aclone
- September 20, 2011, 13:54:17 PMI have the 440 hd 13" shocks full load with the wife and gear is almost 500 lbs And I do still bottom out once in a while. I don't mind bottoming out its the damage it does to the fender I dont like. I'm going to add a 1 spacer to the shock. but you may want to get the 13.5" shocks.
Mark