OK, I've decided to start my mods with lowering the bike by installing the 340 rear hagon shocks and adding a 150 back tire. Anybody running this set up? Should I worry about clearance/sidestand issues? Any suggestions?
Do yourself a favor. Fender removal kit and air box removal would make things a lot cleaner. You'll be surprised how much more room you have without that semi truck air box. This isn't the best pic but it gives you an idea.
Even a short fender like the one I am using (Moto Twin-dear departed Moto-Twin) Should give you the clearance you need. I'm not sure about stock.
I love the Ikon adjustable shocks but if you are looking to lower the bike with the shocks, check with Bella Corse or newbonneville and see what they recommend. They both have good experience with our bikes and will back up what they sell.
I support the Hagon Nitros and rear tyre idea, but why do you want to lower the back? If it's for cosmetic reasons then fine, but your handling will change, IMHO for the worse. Dropping the rear means increased rake and this means slower turn in but better straight line stability. Now the Bonnie family certainly don't need more straight line stability but all the variants could all do with quicker turn in - particularly the Bonnie with its 19" front wheel. I suggest fit the stock length Hagon Nitros (On my Thrux my Nitros are 10mm longer and I've dropped the front by 20mm).
Of course this is personal and depends on the type of handling you prefer. Your proposed set up would be more suited to cruising than sporty riding.
Here's the Hagon Nitros with a 150mm Bt020 tire. I love my Nitros - they are on the firm side though as far as damping. Many spring rates available. More Track oriented which is what I like - looking for a cadillac ride - Nitros aren't for you. I second Setts comments on lowering - great for the look - poor for handling, the shorter shocks would be counter productive to adding wider tire and great handling shocks - again unless your just after a certain look. Looking for a better ride from your shock you may want to look at Ikon's or regular Hagon's.
I would like the bike lower because I'm not real tall and I'd like my wife (who isn't real tall either) to be able to ride it. I'm not an aggressive rider so I don't take turns at high speeds. Plus it looks good lowered. I think I'm going to get the 150/70/17 as suggested and start form there.
Be sure you do the corresonding adjustments to the front end as well. You may need to poke those forks up through the top yoke a bit, to offset whatever drop the rear end is handling. Not sure what those figures are, but be sure you keep your geometry right. Otherwise you'll feel like your falling off a tabe.
My nitros took a fair time to set up just right, and I must admit I had by doubts for a while. But now they are, I'm really pleased with them. They go well with the Metzeler Lasertec 140/80VB17 and the Hagon progressive springs I put in the forks.
I am also toying with the idea of the Hagons. I'm not an aggressive rider and any improvement over the stocks is good for me. I was looking at the classics, and was dead set on the black shrouded ones. They seem to have a nice retro look, but now I'm not sure if they would look as good since I've bobbed my fenders. I see they have a black body with black springs that might look better. Any pics of the Black body w/black springs?
i have lasertechs on mine and i really like them , very good on dirt roads,,,any way , i like the look of removing the air box , my questions are , are those k&ns and dose rain bother them ?
My Hagons dropped the rear 1.25 inch and I dropped the front 1/2. Now, I'm definitely not Speed Racer in the curves but I didn't notice any handling changes or problems. I did it because I'm vertically challenged also. I love the looks too!
[ This message was edited by: 5bassman on 2007-02-09 15:07 ]
I put on Hagon 2810's (black springs, black body) and changed out the front fork springs to Hagon's progressive springs this winter. I've only ridden the bike 3 times since then, but initially I am very pleased. One thing is definitely for certain, they cope with the New Hampshire potholes and early spring cracking in the road far, far better than the stock set up. I wish I had made this change years ago! I had a few questions as I went along with the install and emailed Hagon and they were prompt and thorough with their reply.
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