replacement shocks

Hi everyone,

I am taking delivery of an 82 KZ750e in the next week or so, and the shocks are shot. I was wondering what kind you guys prefer... I know this is a really subjective question, but I'm just trying to get some ideas of what works and what doesnt. I'm not racing, just a combination of city/highway riding with the occasional twisties in Ohio where the street repairs are usually lacking. I'm 220 lbs. Keep in mind I'm a student working part time, but I'm not looking to use the chinese ebay ones that people dog on in the other forums.

I love my Hagon shocks. I've had them for 7 years (about 12,000 miles) and they still look and work like they are new (picture below). Mine are #4 in the last picture near bottom of link. davequinnmotorcycles.com/cgi-bin/webc.cg...GON_TWIN_SHOCKS.html If you contact Dave Quinn (see link) he will answer any questions and set the shocks up for your specific weight, riding style, etc. Ed

I put Hagons on mine...they put them together custom based on rider's weight, riding style, 1 up/ 2 up, &c....Fit & finish excellent, but if I had it to do over, I would have them "soften them up"...I am on the lowest spring setting, and sorta feels like a hardtail...I hear that they lean towards the racy (firm, bordering on rigid) end of the range.

Thanks guys for the replies... I'm definitely looking for something a little more on the comfy side but not squishy... I've got a funky back from years of my EMS career.

runmikeyrun wrote: Thanks guys for the replies... I'm definitely looking for something a little more on the comfy side but not squishy... I've got a funky back from years of my EMS career.

Tell Dave Quinn what you're looking for in terms of softness and he will set them up for you with springs that meet your needs. Ed

Grumpy Ole Artist wrote: I put Hagons on mine...they put them together custom based on rider's weight, riding style, 1 up/ 2 up, &c....Fit & finish excellent, but if I had it to do over, I would have them "soften them up"...I am on the lowest spring setting, and sorta feels like a hardtail...I hear that they lean towards the racy (firm, bordering on rigid) end of the range.

I'm sure you can have the spring rate changed. When I bought mine Dave selected the springs based on my requirements, so I know he has a variety of different spring options. Ed

I think I WILL send mine to him, (this winter, of course, LOL!) for a little "softening"! Just can't stand not riding when weather permits!

I got Hagon's from the California distributor. I couldn't be happier with the service and product. In my opinion, they offer the best bang for the buck and have staff that value their customers.

Sounds like Hagons are the preferred item here. What about progressives? I can get a good price on them at work.

I found that Progressives ended up being more expensive. A set of springs and dampers started at $250 versus the $199 for the Hagon option. This was my first time purchasing shocks so I can only compare pricing.

runmikeyrun wrote: Thanks guys for the replies... I'm definitely looking for something a little more on the comfy side but not squishy... I've got a funky back from years of my EMS career.

I went with Progressive (brand) gas filled shocks and they are a lot easier on my back. You can get different spring weights depending on your weight.

The Hagons sure look close to stock in design and finish. I opted for Works Performance Steel Trackers. My springs are in black but you can get chrome. Mine were not less than Hagon and yes they custom make each shock for their customers too. I am at work and have had my PC replaced, lost all saved bike pics or I would post one for you.
I Say: If you are on a budget get the Hagons. If you want more performance then Progressive or Works Performance.