Bonneville America Forums Forums Technical Forums Performance Mods Hagon 2810 - 11.5 inch Road Test

I just did a road test on Hagon's 2810 on my 2003 America. I am lowering it down and tricking it out, will keep you in the loop on progress.

Just wanted to give a first blush on performance after my road test.

First, I selected the 11.5 inch to lower the bike, have not yet lowered the front so I expect that will make the ride even better. The ride was spot on comparable, if not slightly better than Progressive's 418 (which was discontinued and replaced with the 430 series).

The 2810 has a rebound dampening dial which is essential with any brand of shock upgrade as this is what makes any shock excel over stock or simple piston shocks.

The 2810 allows for cosmetic differences in spring color (stainless or black) A shroud in either stainless or black, full covering or partial covering of the spring. Mine pictured below are black top and spring.

The ride.

I have a course that I use when I test shocks that I do write up's on. A specific stretch and route with bumps that will make your back hurt if you hit the bumps sitting on the seat. The route also has a very hard turn with bumps that allow me to test the wallowing potential of the shocks.

Disclaimer here, though I try to be as objective as possible, it is a subjective assessment, but done to give you as an objective assessment as possible given the nature of a ride on a bike is still a rather personal experience.

On the harshest bumps the 2810 performed brilliantly. The harshest painful bumps were taken with no discomfort and the shock did as it should do. Great control and suppression of the shock of the bump.

On the curve test, wallowing was markedly minimized, no question, an improvement.

Bottoming out because of the lower shock height? None. Did notice that driving onto my bike lift, it was closer to the frame as expected, but no contact.

What I like about Hagon? They build the shocks for you, your style and weight. They are not off the shelf shocks but custom tuned to you.

Hope this helps.

eddy

Thanks Eddy, your product tests & reviews are always appreciated.

Good on ya Eddy.

I'm considering changing the shocks but I'd need heavy duty, because of my weight.
[nice way of saying I'm FAT!]

Good review Eddy. I am very happy with my Hagons.

Info for Aussies thinking about buying Hagons:
the Aussie importer has stopped responding to phone calls and emails (a mate has been trying to buy some). He's a one man band so I don't know what's happening there.
Even when he was taking calls he did some strange product mix ups with many of us. Most who dealt with him had to get their product swapped 2 or 3 times. That was also my experience.

All that to say: You will probably be better ordering them from Eddy. Plus they will probably be cheaper even including shipping.

Thanks Richard.

I would get them from Eddy.

Can't beat his service.

Just got to get the bucks together now.

have never publicly acknowledged the fine service Eddy gave us a few months ago supplying a brilliant set of custom made Hagon 2810's specific for Mon's weight on her America & she is very happy with their performance...he went to great lengths to make sure everything was right, including freighting to us here in sunny QLD Australia for a very good price...highly recommended, tnx very much Eddy..!!

Eddy, we have similar observations regarding these shocks. I'd add this: when I first got my set they were under sprung, once I contacted Hagon they replaced the springs to suit my weight and all it cost me was shipping one way. Had I known I could have custom spec'd them when ordering I would have avoided the cost but then I wouldn't have known how great their customer service is.

Guys, my pleasure...and I mean I take great pleasure in doing product testing, it is fun and something I want to do to help folks make tough choices.

As for Hagon, and it is important to note, the importer that I use and work with are not average importers, this is not just business, they really understand the suspension business and this is what they do. The owner is a former World Champion in track racing and KNOWS suspension. So the shocks I get for you may be better cared for than from other sources in terms of set up I don't know what others do but I have hears some are less detailed in set up.

eddy

are these the ones you have listed for the thunderbird? Nothing on your site says SM or AM ? i might want to try a set of those puppies.

so is this the start of your low rider project eddy? Did you settle on which seat you are going with?

I'll need to list them for the America and Speedy today, sorry just completed the tests and I wait till I test them before I list them when ever possible. Just my thing.

And yes Mag, this is the lowing project. I got the Low Profile Distressed leather seat coming now that I know how they feel and once I do my test on my bike, will list them on my site as well too.

eddy

just ordered a set, can't wait to "see" them.... winter time here now darn it!!!

Eddy, I am considering the Hagon 2810's I was going to send you an e-mail from your site but figured I might as well ask here so others can chime in too. My first question is did you test the slim line or standard springs? I've looked at the comparison pics on the Hagon site but wanted an opinion on how the slim line look on a bike compared the standard spring and is there any differences except aesthetics. Question 2 is I do some 2-up riding and wanted to know if lowering would be a bad idea. I was only thinking about going to the 11.5's. Thanks

Hey Eddy, is these a set of instructions for these things? Mine came with none. If not, could you let me know which way is which on the shocks and on the rebound?

Thanks

Larry, a man who reads instructions????

I take it the effort at the Midwest Rally wasn't quite spot on? Let me know if it needs more attention.

Here you go:

Hagon 2810 Fitting Instructions

I enjoy mine whether riding solo or two up with luggage they have a great range of adjustment. I bought mine from a dealer down east that specializes in Hagons for older models, he guided me through the order process and have been pleased.

Slimline springs are same as the Standard as spring goes, the slimline were made for bikes with closer distance from bike to frame to the bike, and look better IMHO.

eddy

Thanks Eddy! I'll contact you soon to place an order.

Rode over to a town in Quebec yesterday to view a camper and on way home took a twisty paved back road with the typical frost heaves. I dialed down the dampening one notch and it was like a cushion ride. The speed wasn't too fast as it was narrow through a forest and a route to a golf course. (gotta watch out for someone trying to make a T off time) The more I play with the Hagons the more I like them.