Bonneville America Forums Forums Technical Forums Accessories Rear shocks

In the market for new rear shocks. Leaning toward the Progressive 412's because i've seen so much written about them. However, I figured i would be doing myself a disservice if I didn't ping you folks about IKON's or Hagon's.

How do the 3 compare?

I put a set of Hagon shocks on Wendy's bike and we have both been very happy with them. I like that they make them to your spec. and they ride nice.

I have the 412 on my bike and think they are a ton better then the factory shocks.

I had lowered 412s... much better than stock and if I wasn't so fat the ride would have been great.
I recently upgraded to stock height 440s and WOW!

Dont forget to do the fork springs too!

I have the bottom line Hagons.They ride so much better than stock.I have been thinking of up grading to the nitrogen shocks.I believe that's what they are called.They are there top of line shock.They are rebuildable and have multiple settings.The catch is they are I believe $550.The one's I have now I believe cost me around $194.I got I believe around 25,000 miles on them.I would have to look it up to be exact.They still are better than the stock shocks even though they are worn with mileage.One friend describe the stock shocks as "spring holders".I would say he hit it on the nose.These bikes ride very well with good shocks.

412s and progressive fronts, very happy with the difference over stock, it's like having a new bike all over again. The stock shocks are Bloody useless and anything is a big improvement. But really happy with the progressive..

I have the Progressive 412HD's (standard length) & Progressive front springs (standard length) on my 07SM bagger. IMO that is the best suspension value upgrade for the money.

My Progressive fork springs took a "set" & I'm about to go to longer spacers. Other than that its all good.

You pay more money for a reason and the Hagon Nitros are no exception. They have top of the line components including larger piston rods ie 12mm standard to 18mm

Hagons also provide the shocks designed for your weight which in my case they gave me 20kg rated springs and over 18 months I've worked out the 26kg springs are what provide my "riding on a cloud" setup.

Also, take notice of the suggestions to change your front springs to progressive type. Hagon can also provide these at a cheap price and in my case, I found the aftermarket advice and availability as good as it gets.

Here's a couple of pics for you. Good luck with your choice but remember, if you buy cheap, expect cheap in return. It's simple and in my experience, just the way it is.

Hey Z:
Did you keep the 'lowered' shocks? What length did/do you have (11.5" 11"?) Any difference in handling?

I am looking to lower my America an inch or so.

Thanks

Well, here's what I wish I could find out there in "Aftermarketland".



A pair of those black and chrome covered shocks like the one on the far right here, but that have not only a preload function, but also a rebound adjustment so I can dial them in.

You see, the reason I'm NOT interested in these particular Hagon shocks is because everybody I've talked to who have purchased these shocks were NOT very impressed with their performance. However, it seems Progressive and ShockWorks don't offer this particular look that I'm after here, which is the covered shock look that all pre-1969 swingarm Triumphs had.

I have the ones on the left on my Honda CB 750 and they are great, they cost around the £110.00 mark. Honda wanted to replace the original shocks £450.00, I had a feeling they wanted me to buy a newer bike...

I can't remember for sure but the ones I put on Wendy's bike that I like were either the far left or 2nd from the left. We are very happy with them, got them from Bella Corse.

Yeah Ian. That pic I posted here was from BellaCorse's website, but like I said, I've heard from a few sources around here that those Hagons do not provide much of an improvement in the rebound aspect over the stock shocks.

And, the major problem with the stock units are their lack of rebound compliance, which of course causes the "pogoing effect" on the rear end right after you've hit a road surface irregularity, which is especially disconcerting if that pogoing starts while you're really leaning the bike over on some twisty stretch of road somewhere.

(and I like to lean this puppy over on those twisties as often as I can, because THAT'S what I feel is REALLY fun about motorcycles, ya know)

i just got 10.5 inch hagon shocks for my sporty
the good thing about these against progresive shocks is that if they leak or rust you can rebuild them completly
and at half the price of the yank ones i think i'll keep my money in europe
oh you can also get different type of spring rates and are adjustable in preload and damping

So Melvin, then you're saying that the Hagons you have on your Sporty have rebound adjustment? And they DON'T "pogo" at all?

Which one of those pictured above do you have, then?

You see, the problem I'll probably still have here is that the covered shocks that I'd really like won't have all the features(like that rebound adjustment) that your uncovered ones have.

I have the hagon nitros fitted and I've done about 4000 miles, I can only say they are brilliant and I'm a real heavy weight.

Are they covered, or do you know if they can come covered, Doug?

(and you're also saying they don't "pogo" and the rebound damping is a nice slow return to ride height after compression, right Doug?!)

no idea Dwight about the covers but even a pogo stick struggles to rebound with me on it, I have heavy weight springs and the rebound at max.

I have the nitros as stated numerous times by now but I think members who do choose these be aware that in my case the distributor gave me the wrong springs for my weight.

Now being a bit green about suspension 18 months ago, I just assumed Hagon would have had a reference manual stating accurate data on what springs have been tested for various bikes and rider weights etc.

Well, initially he gave me a set of springs 2 levels below what I found to be the nicest ride ie 20kg rating v 26kg.

Now I can't express enough the grief this caused and in particular, when travelling on some of the back country "roads" of Aus back then, and given I was still rehabilitating from pretty major back surgery, I even had to change our intended route whilst I figured out what the blo#dy you know what was going on. I also won't bore you and mention scraped pipes or ordering a 17" clearview screen instead of a 20 incher.

So for anyone interested, if you are 90kg (approx 200lbs) or there abouts like I am, then I've found the 26kg rated springs were the most suitable if you only want to wind down the pre-load 7 or 8 turns compared to 30 (almost off the dial) with the 23kg springs.

I guess this goes to show how soft the 20kg lightweights were in comparison and what a pothole can do for the stick (spine) that holds us up.

In saying all this, I've certainly learnt the hard way about this stuff and in particular, even how important preload settings are if you want a nice cushy ride.

Hi Stacka,

I have read some of your posts about your Hagon Nitro shocks. I have an '09 America and am investigating which shocks would be best for me.

Would you buy the Nitro's again or would you consider another brand like the Ikons. I have determined that the cheaper range of Hagon, Progressive and (possibly) Ikons are only marginally better than stock and so ruled them out.

So this means a significant investment of AU$800 upwards and that deserves a bit of research. So far it seems to be between the Hagon Nitro, the Ikon 7614 or the Progressive 440.

Thanks

I want a long-lasting quality product at fair value. I weigh 85 kilos and ride somewhat aggressively - mostly solo - no back injuries.

Not sure how you worked out that Icon`s were a cheap shockie , i don't think you have priced them in Aus
And as far as how they Handel , they are a lot better that stock shock`s, mine Handel`s great with them , combined with Progressive frount spring`s you wont go wrong
Buy AUS , it help`s you neighbour`s

Hi Boof. You're right my previous post was written too hastily. Ikon's ain't cheap - Perhaps I should have said entry level instead. I don't know anything about the Ikon's - I couldn't find much about them in this forum. They don't seem to have as much adjustment options as other comparably priced shocks. Does their quality and/or performance justify their 2 x the price? I was thinking of going to Nitro's or 440's because their prices were on a par to the Ikons.

Gidday Richard, would I go for different type of rear shock. The answer to that is NO.

In saying that I do believe it would be best to also invest in progressive front springs from hagon too cos they are only another $180AUD or so.

I can't comment on other brands either cos I haven't ridden my bike with them. All I can do is compare Hagon Nitros with the original pieces of junk and as you know it's chalk and cheese.

I did look seriously at all other brands including Ikons but just couldn't go past the nitros. It was dissapointing I had to work out the spring rating for them but all the other advice has been excellent and easilly forthcoming.

So, in the end it will be up to you and your own judgment but if you can find some good well researched comment that believes Ikons are worth it, then you could also go for them but I couldn't find enough info to go that way.

In these tough times though, a bit of Aus loyalty won't be seen by me as being poor judgement. Good luck

I believe you ended up with the 26kg springs. What do you weigh? What length Nitro did you get?

I got the standard length nitros which I think are 12" but I'm not entirely sure. I just know they are the same length as stock.

I weigh 92kg which allows me to have my pre-load set at between 5 and 7 turns from 0 using the 26kg springs, leaving me another 25 turns or so for luggage or when riding two up.

In other words it has left me with plenty of pre-load adjustment for more weight.

If you are 85kg then you might have to ask the Hagon rep Darrell Groat (Moose) because you probably will need the 23kg springs instead I reckon, with the pre-load adjusted half way down or so.

You may want to mention me (he will remember who I am ie, John from Canberra cos I have been a bit finicky with getting the suspension RIGHT) to help you determine which springs are best for your type of riding. It's not a problem if you need to change cos he's done it for me twice now.

Anyway, I just know I like a good floating type ride that sorts out any bumps nice and easy so I can just concentrate on riding.

I put progresive 812s on Nanci's,Icon 7610s on mine and the difference from stock on either is like nite and day.I'm partial to the Icons because they have more settings, I would not say either are inexpensive, but not being able to rebuild them I may look at hagons next time.

I have the 440s on my bike, well actually they are in their box now. I am sending them back for warranty service as they both leaked all the fluid out. They will be repaired/replaced for free.
This has been an issue with some other folks too, my friend had the exact same issue with his 440s on his HD.
They are great shocks, as long as they don't leak.
Good thing I kept the stockers eeh?
By the way, putting the stockers back on was eyeopening as the ride is far worse then even leaky 440s. HUGE difference.

My 440's are leaking as well and need to be sent in. Put the stockers back on and you are correct Dinqua. It is like night and day.

Wendy's Hagons still going strong.

Hi Guys and staffo...
I,m running 440s on rear with the lighter springs (i weigh 82 kgs)Bit pricey but absolutely brilliant with the progressives up front and 10 synthetic fork oil..The shocks were fitted from new and the bike(07 speedy)has now done 23,000kms and the vast majority of it has been on country roads and some of them unsealed,They are performing as good as ever with no leaks or problems of any kind.Bit pricey i thought but after the work they,ve done I consider it money well spent.I too have a lower back problem and have ridden up to 1400kms (900 miles) in a day and got off and walked around exploring whatever place i,ve been in so that speaks for itself....cheers, Tadpole