ebay rear shocks?

New Thai Gazi shocks a triumph for retro bikes

A BIKE is only as good as its suspension and many manufacturers use cheap springs and shocks to keep prices competitive.

While the first thing most new owners change is the muffler, the biggest improvement they can make to their bike is to swap the standard shocks for aftermarket units that can cost as much as $1200 each.

A Brisbane partnership has developed twin-shock units that cost less but perform better than standard shocks.

Motorcycle industry veterans Allan Hall and Paul Bushell have formed Motocomponents to sell Thai-made Gazi shocks to the world.

"We discovered Gazi shocks about six years ago. The owner wanted to expand and we've spent the past few years researching, testing and developing them for a worldwide market," Bushell says.

He said most Asian shocks looked good, but did not perform well.

"Australia has harsh roads and we need tougher and better quality springs that last longer and perform better."

So they re-engineered the shocks with higher grade aluminium, a thicker 15mm shaft, a progressive spring, quality shims and valves, and high-grade Japanese synthetic oil.

"We use Japanese synthetic oil for long life and lower servicing. I can't tell you what sort; it's a trade secret," Bushell said.

Hall said their shock filled the gap between $500 Ikons and $1200 Ohlins.

"We have kept the cost down by making a quality shock that also can be used on a lot of bikes, not tailor-made for a bike like Ohlins do," he said.

"Ohlins make a gorgeous shock, but we're not out to have a go at them. We saw the need for a high-quality product at a realistic price."

Their shocks suit most twin-shock applications, particularly new and old Triumphs, modern retro-styled road bikes, light road and trail bikes and vintage motocrossers.

"We only do twin shocks and have no desire to do a single shock at the moment because most single shock units are reliable and good quality," Hall said.

The Gazis have been track, trail and road tested as well as bench tested on a suspension dyno at up to 75 degrees.

Hall said their shocks were not up to professional race standards, but were suitable for track days and included an interchangeable extra set of longer eyes to sharpen up the steering for the track.

The shock is also designed so it can be rebuilt by a suspension expert.

They come with a full set of different size bushes to fit most bikes, so you can keep the shocks when you sell the bike and fit them on your next purchase.

After more than 100,000km of real-world testing Hall and Bushell are happy with the results.

"It's been a long hard road but I think we've got it right. We didn't want to put it on the market until it was just right," Hall said.

However, they continue to test and develop for the next model which will have different spring rates to suit more bikes.

GregZ wrote: ................... Stock shocks never again

G-tron wrote: What do you make of these?

(RedWing Shocks....)