I want to get new rear shock for my RVF. I have about £400 budget to spend so was thinking of either a Nitron or a Maxton. Any advice or pointers?

Hagon or HyperPro? Hagon would be about 2/3 your budget and HyperPro near the top end.

Hagon are a waste of money on NC's.

Stay away of the Hagon for NC. Heard few stories about the handling hence were sold for a lot less than they paid initially. Not very satisfied riders. With your budget I'd go for Hyperpro. For street use just go for one without external reservoir like a genuine stock. It's good enough. However, if for track use then get one with a lot more adjustability but unsure if you can get that for that budget. I am ordering at Hyperpro HQ soon as they're just half an hour from me. Their services and advice is very good. Made to your specs. I already use their front suspensions.

Calling Steve (vfrman), maybe you can assist in this question I have...?

There is an Italian brand named MUPO Suspension and they produce and sell a rear shock unit A02HON029. They are located in Modena, Italy. In their catalogo 2013 the offer a variety of suspensions, springs, units, etc.
Even japanse webike sell these MUPO's in Japan. Have you heard any experiences from Italian riders about their products?

Personally id go for a Maxton or Nitron both in your budget and good shocks for the money. Its a shame that the prices of the Nitron shocks have gone up so much in the last 3 years when the components havent changed or improved at all, still a good deal if you ask me but not the bargain that they used to be.

What about the BMW shocks people are testing out?

I am a rear shock virgin so reading with interest.

The Novice wrote:What about the BMW shocks people are testing out?

I am a rear shock virgin so reading with interest.

Theres a massive thread regarding the BMW shock which pretty much details everything about it. Its basically a cheap replacement option that will work reasonably well but to well really well needs money spent on it.

Also depends on whether or not you like modifying parts to fit the bike!

Here's a question... are there any piggyback type shocks where this arrangement doesn't need bits of the frame filed, or the battery box removed?

The BMW shock just needs the top mount modding slightly doesnt it? no need to hack the frame or battery box. The problem with this and any other modern piggy back shock you might be able to shoehorn in is that there all designed and valved to work with a 600lbs spring or thereabouts, due to the NC's suspension linkage you need about a 800lbs spring. Put a 800lbs spring on a shock designed for a 600lbs and you have a pogo stick for shock, your need to either revalve the shock or change the linkage.