Rear Shocks-Will the Hagon Nitro shocks fit?

[Orange Guzzi]

I am in the process of replacing the shocks on my Aluminium.  My first choice of shock is the Hagon Nitro.  I was told by Hagon the Nitro shock will not fit correctly due to a clearance issue with the right shock bottom eye and spring area coming in contact with the gear box. 

Has anyone installed the Nitro shock on their bike and are there problems with clearance?

All other choices are either progressive rate springs or extremely expensive.  2nd choice is going to be the Ikon 7614 shock.  It is a triple rate spring. Third choice will be the Gazi shock.

 

[Ambogal]

Don't know anything about the Nitro shocks but I always get my shocks from Dave Quinn at
www.davequinnmotorc ycles.com    In my opinion, he knows everything there is to know about Hagon shocks and what will and won't work.   I don't know if you called him or not but if he says something won't work.....it won't work.   Always been a great guy to deal with and  so very knowledgeable.

If you're set on getting those shocks and you haven't talked to Dave, do yourself a favor and
contact him.  He is very familiar with Guzzis.

[Orange Guzzi]

Dave said they will fit and has sold them to other Guzzi owners.  My concern was the clearance between the lower portion of the right spring and the bevel drive gear box. 

[mickyvee]

 ;-T I fitted a pair of Nitro's to my Superglide Sport. You're gonna love 'em!

[190 Octane]

I have a pair of Hagon Nitros on my Titanium, same bike different color.

[Orange Guzzi]

Here comes the fun part, I have talked to two different sources for Hagon shocks.  I have been given two different types of information. 

One person said the Nitro shocks will not fit because the spring hits the bevel drive gear box and if I did attempt to use the shock, I should use a heavier spring than I thought would work.

One person told me they had sold many pair of Nitro shocks.  When I question the bevel drive clearance issue, they said there is not an issue. Later in the conversation the person said "they were not sure (remember this person told me how they sold lots of shocks for Moto Guzzi's) on thespring rate to use and probably need to go with a lighter spring, send picture of the bike and I will send and e-mail to the factory to confirm."  This same company said they did not know what size eye bushing is required.  They made me feel like they had never sold a pair of these shocks before.  The confidence level of this person came across to me as very low and they had very little experience with Hagon and Moto Guzzi. 

So I am coming to the experts, not opinions, but experience.  For those of you that have Hagon shocks on your Moto Guzzi, what shock model, length, spring rate and bike do you have?

[Triple Jim]

I bought Hagon shocks from Dave Quinn for my H2, and agree with his knowledge and straightforwardness .  He offers two free spring exchanges.  You probably have to pay the shipping.  I got the plain twin shock type, and they were right around $200 for the pair.  I've been very happy with them for several years now.  Even those inexpensive ones are available in three different damping rates and many eye-to-eye lengths and spring rates, so I doubt if I have any reason to get more expensive shocks.

[Orange Guzzi]

I bought Hagon shocks from Dave Quinn for my H2, and agree with his knowledge and straightforwardness .  He offers two free spring exchanges.  You probably have to pay the shipping.  I got the plain twin shock type, and they were right around $200 for the pair.  I've been very happy with them for several years now.  Even those inexpensive ones are available in three different damping rates and many eye-to-eye lengths and spring rates, so I doubt if I have any reason to get more expensive shocks.

What is a H2.  I have never heard of that Moto Guzzi model.  Are the plain twin shocks the same as the Nitro?

[Dick]

H2 is a Kawasaki 750 two stroke triple. :)

By the looks of the Nitros, it would appear that there would be some interference. I know Works Performance had special length/offset interchangeable eyes for applications like this. Maybe Hagon does also ? Find what the diameter is of the Nitro and compare to what you have. Now flip what you have over and try mounting with the piston shaft down, see if you have clearance. Might give you a better idea whether or not they will fit? Good luck.

[Triple Jim]

My understanding is that the Nitro shocks are rebuildable, and about twice the price of the non-rebuildable plain twin shocks.

www.davequinnmotorcycles.com

[Orange Guzzi]

H2 is a Kawasaki 750 two stroke triple. :)

By the looks of the Nitros, it would appear that there would be some interference. I know Works Performance had special length/offset interchangeable eyes for applications like this. Maybe Hagon does also ? Find what the diameter is of the Nitro and compare to what you have. Now flip what you have over and try mounting with the piston shaft down, see if you have clearance. Might give you a better idea whether or not they will fit? Good luck.

The dimensions I was given via the phone, are extremely close to being a problem with the bevel drive.  The Progressive (which are not made by or look like Hagon Nitros) shocks I have installed now have the eyes offset to one side that allow clearance with the bevel drive.  The Nitro shocks do not have right height adjustment or interchangeable eyes and the eyes are centered on the shock.
I was told by Hagon that the shocks should be mounted with the shaft down to prevent the gas charge from leaking out the piston shaft seal. 

I am not going to spend big bucks, phone calls and time on guessing, I want the facts from someone that has actually installed these shocks on a long swingarm Moto Guzzi Tonti frame bike.

[Orange Guzzi]

;-T I fitted a pair of Nitro's to my Superglide Sport. You're gonna love 'em!

What is a SuperGlide Sport?

[mickyvee]

What is a SuperGlide Sport?

 ;-T It was a sporty version of a 1450 Twin Cam Dyna. It was equipped with triple discs, fully adjustable suspension, a tacho, and useful extra ground clearance. It was available from '99 to '04. Bloody good bike!

[ogsurf]

Didn't 190 Octane say in his above post that he put them on his Titanium?
It is the same bike except for color. Obviously according to him it will work.

[Orange Guzzi]

Didn't 190 Octane say in his above post that he put them on his Titanium?
It is the same bike except for color. Obviously according to him it will work.

We exchanged some information via e-mail.  I will contact Dave tomorrow and finalize the order.  When you get 2 opposite opinions, its best to continue to search for the correct answer and be patient.  I want to feel confident in my choice considering the amount of logistics it takes to get the shocks in my hand and the cost. Now Mother Nature, melt the snow and give us a couple of good rains to clean the roads. 

[Joliet Jim]

I just got an email response from them today regarding my Cali stone and they recommended the nitros with a slightly heavier spring. A little too rich for my blood and my roads aren't nearly as good as yours. I think I'll split the difference and buy ikons or just get another set of HD air shocks.

[Orange Guzzi]

I just got an email response from them today regarding my Cali stone and they recommended the nitros with a slightly heavier spring. A little too rich for my blood and my roads aren't nearly as good as yours. I think I'll split the difference and buy ikons or just get another set of HD air shocks.

So, you got the use a heavier spring answer?  What spring rate did they recommend? The person that recommended the heavier spring also told me the Nitro would not fit a Tonti framed Guzzi.  That is where I got confused with their answer, "use heavier springs, but the shock will not fit". 

[Terry Reedy]

anyone have a part# for the progressive shocks for the Aluminum/Titanium

[bigbikerrick]

I just got an email response from them today regarding my Cali stone and they recommended the nitros with a slightly heavier spring. A little too rich for my blood and my roads aren't nearly as good as yours. I think I'll split the difference and buy ikons or just get another set of HD air shocks.

I have the HD  FLH air shocks on my aluminum. They even fit under the "ducks head" these bikes have covering the upper mount. they require a bit of fettling to get the bushings right. I used an assortment of  progressive suspension bushings I had in the shop drawer from other installs. I like these ( showas) because I can vary the air pressure, from solo bike use to the heavier requirement when I install my sidecar. They are also available cheap, and have a pretty decent ride.
Rick.

[racasey]

Here comes the fun part, I have talked to two different sources for Hagon shocks.  I have been given two different types of information.  

One person said the Nitro shocks will not fit because the spring hits the bevel drive gear box and if I did attempt to use the shock, I should use a heavier spring than I thought would work.

One person told me they had sold many pair of Nitro shocks.  When I question the bevel drive clearance issue, they said there is not an issue. Later in the conversation the person said "they were not sure (remember this person told me how they sold lots of shocks for Moto Guzzi's) on thespring rate to use and probably need to go with a lighter spring, send picture of the bike and I will send and e-mail to the factory to confirm."  This same company said they did not know what size eye bushing is required.  They made me feel like they had never sold a pair of these shocks before.  The confidence level of this person came across to me as very low and they had very little experience with Hagon and Moto Guzzi.  

So I am coming to the experts, not opinions, but experience.  For those of you that have Hagon shocks on your Moto Guzzi, what shock model, length, spring rate and bike do you have?

The first sentance in the above quote speaks of an issue that is not that funny.  

Dave Quinn has been the sole representative of Hagon shocks in the USA for almost 25 years.  Dave has built a nice business based upon hard work, excellent application support, knowledge, and superb customer service. This was not sufficient for some greedy corporate types in the UK, and Hagon set up a sales operation on the west coast to compete with Dave, their long time sole USA distributor.

I have purchased shocks from Dave Quinn for many years.  I have no business or personal interests in Hagon or Mr. Quinn's business, I'm simply a loyal and satisfied customer.

As a man who believes in fair play, I will continue to buy Hagon shocks, but only from the "little guy", Dave Quinn.

Ciao,
Dick Casey

[salsaman1964]

In my opinion the hagon nitros are very heavy. Have you considered a pair of shocks from the Shock factory. They are reasonably priced, very high quality and don't weigh a ton.
I have put a pair on my lemans special and they are excellent. There are no clearance issues to worry about The link is
www.shock-factory.co.uk
The chap that runs the company is very decent and will take time to discuss bespoke requirements.
Regards Tony