Monolever shock options

DrAlf

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Looking for shock options for the ST Pyg bitsa build. I think I'd need an R80G/S shock rather than R80ST. Is there a general consensus on the best shock for a monolever? I'm not after a YSS or Hagon - something a little fancier.

From my brief research -

  • Ohlins - very expensive and apparently a long lead time. Not a fan of the piggy back reservoir look. Previous ohlins user (1150) - very good kit.
  • Nitron - UK made, cheaper than Ohlins. Can't find any reviews or anyone using one. Is Nitron good kit?
  • Hyperpro - Dutch. Apparently very good quality. Fatter shaft (!) Cheaper than ohlins. 5 year warranty - which seems good.
  • The Shock Factory - French. Cheaper than all above.



Anyone else I should be considering? Has anyone bought one recently? Any info appreciated.

Ta:thumb
 
Shock Factory I'll recommend them very good I've got 2, 1 on a R100 GS and 1 on R1200gs Urban no problems all custom made and rebuildable.
 
I was advised recently by Denz0, that if I wasn't happy with my modified Wilbers, that he'd 'adjusted', Tractive, YSS, or Hyperpro, with Tractive being the preferred choice.

I've never heard of them before but he knows what he's doing although, I can't find one for a mono on their website. Maybe worth dropping him a PM to see if he could organise one for your requirements.
 
I was advised recently by Denz0, that if I wasn't happy with my modified Wilbers, that he'd 'adjusted', Tractive, YSS, or Hyperpro, with Tractive being the preferred choice.

I've never heard of them before but he knows what he's doing although, I can't find one for a mono on their website. Maybe worth dropping him a PM to see if he could organise one for your requirements.

Ahh yes I forgot about Wilbers. Will check out Tractive too.

Who's Denzo then?

Thanks
 
ive had ohlins and white power on paralever bikes before but now have top of the line hyperpro 461 shock (£1100 custom fit ) on my Xcountry and its superb , you can hit anything and it will stay in a straight line and not throw you off. I had top line tractive shock and cartridge forks on the 1000 Africa twin and that was like night and day but should be for the price (£2400 F&R ) absolutely brilliant .

ive also heard good things about Nitron and if it was my own money I think id lean towards those as I think they're £5/600 ish which isn't bad for a quality shock .
 
Baz at Hyperpro made a very cool R65/ 80 g/s in a grey colour with loads of cool mods im looking for it did the sibersky extreme on it I believe
 
Another vote for MShock (the shock factory). Affordable, really good quality.

I have a Richie Moore spec Wilbers on the Airhead ADV bike, but not been able to try it yet.

What did DenZ0 do to yours Tufty?
 
Baz at Hyperpro made a very cool R65/ 80 g/s in a grey colour with loads of cool mods im looking for it did the sibersky extreme on it I believe

Yep and a gold mine of info. If you want a chat I can PM his number.
 
I put new shocks on my R80 outfit this year. I asked Falcon Shocks to rebuild my original shock with a new uprated spring. I've used Falcon before and he does a great job, highly recommended.

Unfortunately his waiting time turned out to be just too long, so I ended up buying from Hagon. I have to say I'm impressed with their shock, damping control is an added bonus too. I'm traditionally not a fan of Hagon, having had shocks from them in the 90s which went off the boil after only a few months.


Val.
 
Are you using an Extended Swingarm ??

Retaining hub mounted shock location ??

I have a few options in my pruck One of those Air shocks being amongst the options

Buggered If I can remember the name of it ! Not a Nivomat it was a pupilar luxury swap for K1100LT
 
Another vote for MShock (the shock factory). Affordable, really good quality.

I have a Richie Moore spec Wilbers on the Airhead ADV bike, but not been able to try it yet.

What did DenZ0 do to yours Tufty?

Hello. He took it apart and rebuilt it completely. If I understood correctly, mine was specced with a tonne of rebound damping instead of 200kg. :eek:

So he's fixed that and done what he can with the compression damping. I still have to try out my latest setting changes, but it was instantly better when I got it back from him.

Before going to Denz0, I tried the Hyperpro route, and got through to Bas, however, despite talking to him, he never got back to me to sort it out, and sounded like he had more work than he could deal with. He's probably a much sought after resource.

I'm happy with Denz0's work and would definitely go back to him to recommend or build any further suspension I need.
 
Thanks all - a load of good info there.

Peepingtom - you have spent way too much money on suspension units! I've bought entire bikes for less than you've spent on shocks (R80G/S and XRV RD03). Thanks for the info mate.

Nin - a number for Hyperpro Baz would be great please.

DrFarkoff - thanks for the info, standard G/S/ST swingarm, shock mounted to swingarm not final drive. Not too keen on fournales after seeing the performance of the HP2 shocks. Nice idea in principle but I'd prefer a spring in there somewhere.

Thanks to everyone else. Tempted to go hyperpro and get R100R fork springs from them at the same time - seems like the easiest path.
 
Not tried them but Maxton has a good reputation too.

Stirlingmoz
 
Maxton are very good and I’ve bought a few shocks and fork inserts from them over the years, but……..they are really focussed on road and track racing and I’ve always found that their damping whilst being superb is very definitely on the firm side. I would go with a maker who does most of their work for adventure bikes. My last two shocks have been top end Wilbers ones and they’ve been excellent. I also visited their factory which is really imprseeive
 
Just make 100% sure that Maxton know exactly what you want, had them on my 1200gsa tc and fantastic out of the box so ordered a set for my 2018 model 1200 gsa basic.

Pointed out that they were totally different ftom earlier model shocls ie front top mount and the rear top and bottom mounts, the new shocks turned up and not a cat in hells chance would they fit as the front had the earlier type top mount and at the rear the mounts were again for a hex head.

Ended up having to take the bike to bits, and send the old shocks to them so they got them right second time around.

Probably just a one off glitch but worth making sure if you buy from them
 


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