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TL1000R Hagon Shock Fitting : Replacing the Rotary Damper

Finally I got round to swapping the rear shock of the TLR. A Hagon came up at the right price - I know it is not an Ohlins, but it is way way cheaper and I thought that if I really didn't like it I could always sell it on Ebay!! Here are a few pictures of the fitment. took about 2 hours from start to finish and that was taking my time!

 

Existing set up with rotary Damper

 
Old rotary Damper removed (loadsa weight!)
New Hagon Shock (ickle weight!)

Old and new side by side for comparison

 
New Hagon with Top bracket on (taken from old shock)
Rear Cushion Lever stays on so this one got all the needle bearings cleaned and greased.
Spare TLR frame showing the shock mounting points

I took the easy route to fitting, simply resting the bike on the side stand and lifting the back end up and wedging it up!

 

I loosened off all the bolts first so I didn't move the bike too much when it was up like this!

 
No shock! Don't take away the wedge 'cos it'll crash down on the hugger!!
Fitting is the reverse of dismantling - well that's what it always says in the Haynes manual!
Cleaned and greased cushion lever ready for assembly
Mmmm, looking good!
Wot no Rotary! This is way better!
Looks like something is missing though eh?

 

What's it like?

I reckon it made a huge difference. After a bit of fiddling with the preload and damping, I am going into corners (and coming out of them) a lot faster than with the rotary damper. The back end seems to be a lot more stable and gives better feedback over the bumps, meaning I can predict the damping. I could never get the rotary damper settings quite right, and it was either too hard or too soft. With this Hagon shock, I feel a lot more confident on the bike and can predict what is going to happen round the bends. Never thought I would say it, but I am converted!

Okay it is not the ubituous Ohlins, but neither is the price. You don't get all the adjustment you could ever need, but I am not a racer in any way, and for everyday use on the road, it is fine with the Preload and damping adjustment. For aorund £250 what do you expect?

The shock I fitted was the Type N shock, featuring adjustable damping with automatic rebound and compression balance. Also adjustable for spring preload with adjuster ring. Fully rebuildable, red powder coated spring and plated body. Supplied with damping adjuster key. more info at www.hagon-shocks.co.uk

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