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Author Topic: Hagon Shocks  (Read 1889 times)

Offline Rob Valdez 79 R65

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Hagon Shocks
« on: January 11, 2007, 01:49:40 PM »
Last year I bought Hagon shocks to replace my old, original units.
I like them fine, and for the model I chose, I only paid $188US for them last spring.
Melena followed suit later on last year.
This is the U.S. distributor: http://www.davequinnmotorcycles.com/

As far as I know, Dave Quinn is not a large operation, and I believe it was Dave I spoke to on the phone when I ordered them.

The reason for this thread is to warn any potential buyers of a small glitch with the shocks.  I can't remember, but I think Melena experienced the same problem as I did.
That problem is that the steel bushing on the lower mounts is approximately 1-2mm thicker (wider) than that of the original shocks, and on the left side of the swingarm, where it fits into a 'U' bracket, it is too large.  
This really is not much of a problem, as a flat file and 30 minutes of your time will have it installed easily.
Well, I just got off the phone with Dave Quinn, and he told me the 'standard' for BMW's (inc. R65s) is 24mm.  Before I called, I went out and measured my old shock, and it measured 23mm, which explains why I had to remove some material.
Dave said that when he receives the shocks from the manufacturer, there is no bushing installed, so if you have a set of calipers, you can measure your old ones (or the 'U' channel) and he can install a narrower one before he ships them out to you.

Offline NC Steve

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Re: Hagon Shocks
« Reply #1 on: January 11, 2007, 02:49:44 PM »
Excellent. Thanks much for the info, Rob.
BTW, did you go with the "Standard shocks, black springs"? Got a pic you could post?

Thanks again. [smiley=thumbsup.gif]
'16 Triumph T100 Bonneville
'19 Royal Enfield Himalayan
82 R65-Blue II, 84 R65-Britta, 84 R65-Ol' Blue, 88 K75C, 99 R1100R
00 Guzzi Jackal, 89 Mille GT, 03 Cal Stone
07 Honda ST1300

Melena

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Re: Hagon Shocks
« Reply #2 on: January 11, 2007, 10:53:54 PM »
Rob,
You remember right.  I did have that problem too, but I was prepared for it because of your posts about it.  I had my rotary tool and ground it down a bit faster than it would have been by hand.  But you've got an even better answer now.  

I love my Hagon shocks.  They are soooooooo much better than the old original ones.  I only put them on in September, so I  haven't done much riding on them yet.  But what a difference!!!   [smiley=laugh.gif]   I didn't get the stock shocks though as he didn't have them in stock.  So I ordered the next shorter size which actually worked out better for me as it helped get my heels on the ground and now I can flat foot it.  It wasn't that much of a difference either, so no other changes  had to be made on the bike.  

I love my bike.  It's not that hard to make it fit your own needs without compromising the ride.  

Offline NC Steve

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Re: Hagon Shocks
« Reply #3 on: January 13, 2007, 10:49:48 AM »
So Melena, sounds like another "yes" vote for Hagons, right? [smiley=thumbsup.gif]
I'd be very much interested to hear from other R65 owners about any suspension changes that you've made to your bikes, either front or rear.
I know that the mechanic who got my '84 up 'n' running mentioned that the front suspenders seemed awfully stiff to him, although he admitted his experience is primarily with older, larger and more softly-sprung bikes. He suggested I might want to take a peek inside the fork tubes some day, as he suspected the PO was either a big ol' boy who put in extra-heavy duty springs, or added spacers to firm things up and keep the front end from bottoming out.
Haven't done that yet, been too busy just riding the thing, especially with the mild weather we've had this winter!  ;)
'16 Triumph T100 Bonneville
'19 Royal Enfield Himalayan
82 R65-Blue II, 84 R65-Britta, 84 R65-Ol' Blue, 88 K75C, 99 R1100R
00 Guzzi Jackal, 89 Mille GT, 03 Cal Stone
07 Honda ST1300

Jon_P

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Re: Hagon Shocks
« Reply #4 on: January 13, 2007, 11:53:46 AM »
i havent ridden mine with the new shocks on it but i have ridden with these shocks on another bike. they are nice. what kind are they? i dont now. they are made in china so they are a knock off of some other brand. have to see if i can find a name for them. you can see what i used in my thread on winter slavage build.

as far as front end goes i may mmake some changes there also after i ride it. i do likr to have the front rather stiff so i may change to a progressive spring or like siad above install some spacers to firm it up.
« Last Edit: January 13, 2007, 11:55:08 AM by Jon_P »

Offline MrRiden

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Re: Hagon Shocks
« Reply #5 on: January 14, 2007, 12:13:28 PM »
Ahh, the Hagons. I got a set from Dave Quinn due in part to having used them on my Triumphs over the years and for their price point. I didn't experience any issues with mounting them on my '82 LS and have been satisfied with the ride. I would like to reduce the front end dive on this bike so am interested in other folks mods to that end.
rich
"We can't stop here. This is bat country".

Offline Rob Valdez 79 R65

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Re: Hagon Shocks
« Reply #6 on: January 14, 2007, 01:25:00 PM »
To quote Duane Ausherman from a recent Boxerworks thread:

"I do not like solving the "diving problem" with spacers. Better to find a stronger spring, slightly thicker fork oil or change the valving. Each change will change something else that you may not expect, or want."
« Last Edit: January 14, 2007, 01:25:44 PM by Rob_Valdez_79_R65 »

Offline Rob Valdez 79 R65

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Re: Hagon Shocks
« Reply #7 on: May 04, 2007, 03:19:47 AM »
Quote
Excellent. Thanks much for the info, Rob.
BTW, did you go with the "Standard shocks, black springs"? Got a pic you could post?

Thanks again. [smiley=thumbsup.gif]

better late than never?

I just found these:


kliky on da piky®

A second picture

Sorry about the blur on the second one.  I made that one a link so as not to take away from the beauty of the first.