Bonneville America Forums Forums Technical Forums Performance Mods Hagon Question

Hey, Gents (and Ladies) --

I'm trying to figure out what shocks I should get for my '03 Speedmaster. I'd like to get a set of the Hagon Black-Black shrouded shocks, but I'm not sure what length and spring rate I need

I weigh about 250lbs with gear, and I ride solo 99% of the time. The current (stock) shocks are a bit... oogie, and the ****** end of the bike tracks strangely when cornering somteimes. I'm wondering if I'm too heavy for the stock springs, and if so, which springs I should get, and what length.

Suggestions? I just contacted Bellacorse with these same quesions, but I'd like to hear what the Gurus have to say.

EDIT: The Bellacorse site is here: http://www.bellacorse.com/bcc012.htm

--Jaeger

Progressive 412's will work well if you are on a budget. I'm 250 in my bithday suit and when I changed out the front and rear springs with progressive components I could immediately feel the difference. I even saved some money(Progressives are cheaper than Hagons).

I had problems with the Hagon Classic shocks. Even with the heavier spring rate, I still touched down my rear exhaust pipe tips when riding two-up (Hagons set at the firmest of three settings). I found the Hagons to not be much better than the factory shocks for comfort. I'm now testing a pair of Progressive 440 shocks. The quality of the Progressive shocks is a big improvement versus the hagons and the ride is much more supple. BC gave me a refund on the Hagon's, less 25% but the lesson cost me about $80. I'd go for a more expensive shock.

I've had Hagons on my BA for about 7 months. I weigh 200 and the wife is 125. My Hagons are one size above stock which effectively raised the rear of the bike only 1/4 inch. However, SSjones is correct. With all of their alleged infinite adjustability, I haven't been able to find a comfortable setting that is that much better than the stockers . The nice thing about the Hagons is their stainless finish. Somewhat disappointed...you'd think $500 shocks would perform better than just looking good.

jaegar, i had the same slop in my rear end until i put on the progressive lowering shocks. i'm 260 and run them on "3" solo and "5" with the wife. that's with the lowering shocks and i do bang a little at 2 up. the progressives that are the same size would be the ticket (imho) if you don't want to lower the rear.

or why not buy ikons and fill us in about them

Frank

I bought the Progressive 412 shocks in heavy duty. Although I wanted the black shocks, the place I ordered them from said they didn't come in that color. I weigh about 220 and my wife is around 135. The shocks have really smoothed out the ride with her onboard, and are a big upgrade over the stockers. Solo I have it set on 1, and the bike tracks better than new now when you hit a bump in a turn. With my wife on the bike I've only tried to set it on 2, and that seems to be good enough for just a nice smooth curise. If were were doing some aggressive riding, I'd move it up a notch to 3 and see if that worked. I've only had them on a week, so I'm still getting a feel for them. I have done about 300 miles though since the weather has been fantastic, but I'm down with a nasty cold so I'm houseboud the last couple of days.

If you start thinking about buying the heavy duty Progressive 412s(part # 412-4252C), I recommend buying them from Phat Performance Parts. They cost $198.95 and come with free 2 day Fedex shipping. Over at MAW Online, they charge $235.95 for the same shocks plus shipping and handling.

Quote:

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I weigh about 250lbs with gear, and I ride solo 99% of the time. The current (stock) shocks are a bit... oogie, and the ****** end of the bike tracks strangely when cornering somteimes. I'm wondering if I'm too heavy for the stock springs

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I wonder if you might have a different problem. I'm 265 starkers and mine seem fine, set to #3.

Hrm. Ok, folks. Next time I go out I'm gonna crank the stockers up a couple of pegs and see how she likes that.

For what it's worth: The sensation I get sometimes is that I'll turn a corner... and then the tail will come around behind me, almost as an afterthought. Maybe I'm just too used to riding my old SV, but... is this typical?

--Jaeger

j, i had the same exact experience with the stock shocks. i thought the swingarm was sloppy. once i put the progressives on, no more sloppy rear (ewwwwww!!)!!

I would describe that feeling as "mushy". Even with the stock shocks on the stiffest setting they sometimes felt "mushy". I like my Progressives more better.