Maxton v Hagon v Nitron

[silentRVF]

Hey guys,
Just wondering how the bottom level Hagon, Nitron and Maxton models compare to each other for an NC35.

My shock is just the standard one and it makes loud croaking noises, exaggerates every single bump in the road and is soft and lazy around corners. It really does need replacing so I'm checking out my options..

Are these brands all pretty similar or is there one which is considered better? My bike is primarily a road bike, with most of the roads I ride on being quite bumpy, and I will be doing 3 or 4 track days next year.

Should I just go with the one that has the most options for adjustment?

Are there any other brands that are the same price or cheaper? The only other options I know of are the CBR/GSXR shock (but would require harder spring so not feasible) and getting a late model NC30 shock rebuilt (which will end up costing me as much as a Hagon or 2nd hand Maxton) so I'm thinking getting an aftermarket shock from overseas is the cheapest and most sensible option for me.

Cheers
PS: Let me know if you have a shock for sale that may help me out :)

[Cammo]

The only other options I know of are the CBR/GSXR shock (but would require harder spring so not feasible)

Yes the spring rate of these is not quite as high as the standard nc30/35 spring, but there are plenty of peeps that use the standard spring on these shocks with success (even race using them!).

If you really wanted to you could probably get a harder spring put on the cbr/gixxer shocks. I don't think you'd need to though.

Maybe ask some peeps that use these shocks what they think.


Aftermarket shocks are pricey, you'll never get the best out of them on the road IMO. Different story if you do lots of track days or race.

[silentRVF]

Yes the spring rate of these is not quite as high as the standard nc30/35 spring, but there are plenty of peeps that use the standard spring on these shocks with success (even race using them!).

If you really wanted to you could probably get a harder spring put on the cbr/gixxer shocks. I don't think you'd need to though.

Hey Cammo. I should have mentioned that they also require the battery to be moved or for the battery box to be modified (by the time I get someone to do all this it's going to wind up costing the same as an aftermarket shock which will fit straight in..)

[CMSMJ1]

creaking?

Get the linkages apart and grease them up. That will help!

Hagon shocks are budget shocks and will be fit and forget

Maxton and Nitron - for me, I'd have to get the all singing, all dancing ones to have a fiddle with and I suspect for your needs they are way over the top.

Hows about getting a later VFR shock, getting it rebuilt and there you go.

I race on one, think Cammo does too...

[thunderace]

I've just picked up a Hornet 600 Showa rear shock off a friend for £20 to fit on my NC24, it looks brand new. It's only done 6000 miles with a lightweight lady on and it's a direct fit, raising the rear end (by my guesstimation so far as it's not fitted yet) by about 15mm max. It's only got preload adjustment but that's plenty for road riding.

[silentRVF]

Maxton and Nitron - for me, I'd have to get the all singing, all dancing ones to have a fiddle with and I suspect for your needs they are way over the top.

Hows about getting a later VFR shock, getting it rebuilt and there you go.

I race on one, think Cammo does too...

Hmm well the VFR shock would cost about $50-100 and I was quoted $350 to get it rebuilt with Race Tech internals and then another $150 to fit it. Which is a little bit more than a Hagon will cost me.

Would the rebuilt NC30 shock be better than a Hagon on the street? How about the bottom of the range Maxton and Nitrons?

Hmm I wonder if it would work out much cheaper to get one rebuilt in the UK and get it sent over Any recommendations of places in the UK (or anywhere else) that may be able to help me out with this?

I've just picked up a Hornet 600 Showa rear shock off a friend for £20 to fit on my NC24, it looks brand new. It's only done 6000 miles with a lightweight lady on and it's a direct fit, raising the rear end (by my guesstimation so far as it's not fitted yet) by about 15mm max. It's only got preload adjustment but that's plenty for road riding.

Hmm just had a quick look and it looks like it will fit straight in. Very cheap too. Will do some research on this. Let me know how yours goes when you install it.
Probably not going to be as good as the rebuilt NC30 shock or aftermarket one but alot cheaper..

Cheers

[CMSMJ1]

I am meaning to just get the shock refreshed mate - new oil and seals. Don't revalve or fuck about. You can get a refresh for £75 here in the UK..bargain.

[Trinirides]

Deleted photo.

[Drunkn Munky]

I wouldnt dismiss the rs250 shock, i had one properly rebuilt and setup (£150 i think it was) and i got be honest i cant tell the difference between that and the flashy WP's and maxtons that ive had. If i were shaving 10th's off my laptimes then yes i can see the point but for street/trackday riding you gota be bloody quick to make use of a £700 shock. A second hand rs/cbr/gsxr shock may cost the extra to be rebuilt and setup for your use but if you ask me buying a £400 2nd hand maxton is a waste of money if you dont get it rebuilt/setup aswell so if you want it to work right you've always got that rebuild/setup cost whatever you buy.

flashy shocks do look ace tho and i guess thats why i have one

I liked the rs shock so much i had some proper top mounts made so you didnt have to butcher the shock mount eye, may even have one left but can get more made.

[superlite]

Jonno, it might be worth contacting James at Zenodamper. He used to frequent 400GB a bit, but I haven't heard from him lately. He knows his 400s and he's located in Sydney.

I seem to recall a refresh of an NC30 shock was about $180. He can fully trick it out too with compression and valve and spring it to your weight, etc. He may even have some NC30 shocks in stock? Worth a chat. Check out his website:

http://www.zenodamper.com.au/