[Max_NYC]

I have read almost all the threads about the suspensions, and yet I still cannot make up my mind!

I'm now approching my deadline to order some new rear shocks. It's February and I want to be able to ride again soon!

I run Works dual-rate in the front and Works Street Tracker in the rear but in Bonneville lenght. Good setup but I want to run Thruxton lenght shocks in the rear because I'm also getting NH rearsets and a Thruxon Gel seat (wanted a seat cowl) and I'm 6'3'' tall so I need maximum seat height as possible for my Bonnie.

What should I do?? Thruxton lenght Works Street Tracker? Ikon performance shocks(7614)? Or Hagon Nitro's??????

Can somebody decide for me please!!!!???????????

 

[test-reg]

I only have experience with the Ikon and Works, both are very good shocks. I like the Ikons better because you can change the dampening.. The Nitro's have more adjustment! If I was doing all over I would go with the Nitro's..

 

[HiVel]

I have been messing around with my Nitro shocks-they have the 20 kg spring and are 340mm. They are listed as 08 05 CJ Nitro Black. I have issues with their operation-
specifically the compression damping-it was stronger than the rebound damping upon disassembly and they are very difficult to get to move at all. They stick in certain positions! Very sturdy with thick rods etc. but they do not work smoothly and have way too much compression damping IMHO. Black stuff (like rubber disintegrating is coming out of the body around where the shaft enters. They were purchased brand new from Dave Quinn and have less than 1,000 miles on them. I put the stock shocks back on and have a better ride and better handling too! A waste of money to me. I would get the Works Performance shocks if I had it to do over again or maybe the Ohlins. I cleaned them and adjusted the rebound damping plus adjusted (loosened) the spring adjusters which were wound down over half their travel. Now I will put them back on and adjust the spring preload and damping to see if I can make them work better. I do not think with all that compression damping they will work much better than they did-like a buckboard ride! I think I will send them back to DQ and ask for a refund. I am not a happy camper at all. These shocks are just not right.
and would not reccommend them to anyone for any purpose at this point.

 

[rodburner]

HiVel,interesting observations.I bought another set of springs [18kg,$160] and still had the same findings you did.I went back to my stock shocks and have been quite satisfied with the ride and handling ever since. I do have the Ikon fork springs though..

 

[Whitehurst]

How about Progressive 418's...

 

[test-reg]

I'll stay away from the Nitro's, thanks for posting your findings...

 

[bonnieblackinfl]

Personally I would pick up a set of Kawi ZZR1200 stock shocks, I run them and they're great. Made by KYB, they are piggy backs w/ 4 settings for compression and 3 for rebound. They are the same length or a little longer than the Thrux shocks. They can be found on ebay for around $225. I know you didn't consider them but they are another alternative.

Greg

 

[RedBird]

Since you asked...I wouldn't even consider anything but Works. :-D

Larry

 

[Max_NYC]

On 2007-02-03 21:41, RedBird wrote:
Since you asked...I wouldn't even consider anything but Works. :-D

Larry

Correct me if I'm wrong, but the Works have less adjustability, no? (just the pre-load)

[ This message was edited by: Max_NYC on 2007-02-04 14:58 ]

 

[RedBird]

Max,

My Works Street Trackers have a threaded pre-load adjustment for sitting the correct ride height. The dual spring system called Adjustable Rate Suspension (ARS) allows me to change the load carrying capacity of the shocks (simply by moving a lever) without changing the pre-load. Frankly, I haven't felt the need to have any other adjustments. They made so much difference on my T-100, that I haven't even changed the stock front springs, yet; and I have 18000+ miles on bonnie--the Works dual rate spring kit for that is still sitting in my workshop. :-D

Larry

 

[Max_NYC]

On 2007-02-04 21:01, RedBird wrote:
Max,

My Works Street Trackers have a threaded pre-load adjustment for sitting the correct ride height. The dual spring system called Adjustable Rate Suspension (ARS) allows me to change the load carrying capacity of the shocks (simply by moving a lever) without changing the pre-load. Frankly, I haven't felt the need to have any other adjustments. They made so much difference on my T-100, that I haven't even changed the stock front springs, yet; and I have 18000+ miles on bonnie--the Works dual rate spring kit for that is still sitting in my workshop. :-D

Larry

Hey Larry do you know how much cost those Street Trackers w the ARS option?
Actually I just got a quote from Works... $595 for 14.5in Street Trackers w ARS... So that's $250 more than the Ikon's 7614... I'm not sure the Works are really worth the extra cash, especially since I intend to get a sportbike in a near future. So unless someone really bashes the Ikon's for a good reason, I think I'm gonna go with them.

Max

[ This message was edited by: Max_NYC on 2007-02-05 11:44 ]

 

[Olderyoungster]

If I had to do it all over again, I'da just called Works Performance and placed an order for MY weight and MY riding style, and have 'em whip me up both front & rear suspension components. Going with the Thruxton length shocks for the rear.

If I had the money..... Ohlins piggy-backs for the rear, and maybe that Honda conversion w/gold valves up front.

In a word, JUST DO IT!

 

[Max_NYC]

On 2007-02-05 10:41, Olderyoungster wrote:
If I had to do it all over again, I'da just called Works Performance and placed an order for MY weight and MY riding style, and have 'em whip me up both front & rear suspension components. Going with the Thruxton length shocks for the rear.

If I had the money..... Ohlins piggy-backs for the rear, and maybe that Honda conversion w/gold valves up front.

In a word, JUST DO IT!

Yes but the Works are a little expensive for me

 

[FattRat]

Fine..... with suspension, NEVER has it been more true that "you get what you paid for". In this area, it is not in your best interest to be cheap.

I guess you could buy some Thruxton shocks that somebody has replaced with good components ('cause HE wasn't cheap), and discuss with a suspension guru what weight fluid you could replace the SERIOUSLY under-damp'ed factory fluid with.
- then -
you could spend as much as you would for good suspension components, on riding lessons from somebody as reputable as CLASS or other such schools.

I know somebody who has been riding his FZ1 with it's overly-soft factory suspension for 70,000 miles now. He is an unbelievably smoooooth and accomplished rider..... and FAST! I rode his bike, and was scared with the wallowing of the rear end, and his front end dive upon braking (I paid $900 to lower, revalve, and replace springs on my FZ1). The ONLY reasonable explanation, is 'rider skill'. My suspension has not made me a better rider, but it's less likely to telegraph my bad habits to the road.

Long story made short, 35 years of 22,000 miles a year of riding street bikes...... and I need to learn how to ride someday. Good suspension components are nothing more than a Band Aid to cover or make up for poor riding habits. I really need to attend some riding schools.......
Maybe then, I would be able to ride well enough to fully appreciate my expensive "Band Aids".

You get what you pay for, and nothing beats rider skill.

 

[Max_NYC]

You get what you pay for, and nothing beats rider skill.

All right FattRat, "nothing beats rider skill", we all agree on that, I think. Let's all ride stock Bonneville's, then. (I mean, only the accomplished riders)

Sorry to be cheap, btw.

But wait, what do I do now? Stop being cheap (I just have to decide that, you know) and buy expensive suspensions or not do any mod at all and only focus on improving my rider skills (which are certainly very bad as you seem to suggest)? :???:

FattRat !?? :hammer: :hammer: :hammer:

Is it ok if I do both?

[ This message was edited by: Max_NYC on 2007-02-05 15:02 ]

 

[FattRat]

No.....
I suggest you continue to belabor the same question over and over again for ANOTHER month or two. One woulda thought by now, given all the feedback you're been afforded, that you could decide for yourself.
:wink:

 

[RaceDweeb]

What should I do?? Thruxton lenght Works Street Tracker? Ikon performance shocks(7614)? Or Hagon Nitro's??????

I have experience with (and sell) all three. They're all good and significantly better than stock. Compare features, looks and price. Prioritize and decide. Curvy roads await. :-D

 

[Max_NYC]

On 2007-02-05 15:47, FattRat wrote:
No.....
I suggest you continue to belabor the same question over and over again for ANOTHER month or two. One woulda thought by now, given all the feedback you're been afforded, that you could decide for yourself.
:wink:

Abulia: n. - Loss or impairment of the ability to make decisions or act independently.

Want to play scrabble instead of answering over and over again the same question (over and over again)?

:-D

FattRat, don't forget that you have no obligation to answer my redundant questions.

[ This message was edited by: Max_NYC on 2007-02-05 16:11 ]

 

[RedBird]

I believe there is a lot of truth in what Pat is saying. The best rider I know who has raced all his life and also rides the street told me that the only thing the bonneville or Thrux needs suspension wise is a good set of Works shocks (Thrux length) on the back. When he was riding a Thrux on the street, he never changed the stock front setup.

Larry

 

[Maccaoz]

G'day Pat.
What the????????????????
Macca. :roll: