Shock absorber choices GT380

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sportston
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Shock absorber choices GT380

Post by sportston »

Would anyone have any experience with these shocks? Any idea what sort of quality they are?
Image
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/SUZUKI-GT380 ... SwFSxaFbWx

I am torn between these two choices. I know Hagon are good and of adequate quality but they don't look as cool.
Image
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Twin-Rear-Sh ... SwDkVZ6Irq
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jabcb
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Re: Shock absorber choices GT380

Post by jabcb »

Cool vs. performance … decisions, decisions, decisions.

We used JBS shocks on the GT250 cafe build. The ones we got are 310mm & actually marketed for a little Honda CB. The rider (not me) is reasonably happy with them.

We had originally tried 320mm shocks but they were a smidgen too long for the GT250 & were too stiff for the rider’s weight. So we put those shocks on the GT380 build. Those shocks are from CL Moto. CL Moto is a small local shop that starts with cheap Asian shocks & modifies them to work better.

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sportston
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Re: Shock absorber choices GT380

Post by sportston »

jabcb wrote:Cool vs. performance … decisions, decisions, decisions.

We used JBS shocks on the GT250 cafe build. The ones we got are 310mm & actually marketed for a little Honda CB. The rider (not me) is reasonably happy with them.

We had originally tried 320mm shocks but they were a smidgen too long for the GT250 & were too stiff for the rider’s weight. So we put those shocks on the GT380 build. Those shocks are from CL Moto. CL Moto is a small local shop that starts with cheap Asian shocks & modifies them to work better.
Hmmm. It gives me food for thought. Thank you. $300 for a set from CL Moto is a bit rich for me. But I'm still not much further down the line at deciding between JBS and Hagon yet.
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jabcb
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Re: Shock absorber choices GT380

Post by jabcb »

Asked the GT250 rider about those JBS shocks today. He said that they are “alright”. Also asked if he had bottomed them out, and he said no.
BAS (Bike Acquisition Syndrome) - too many bikes but have room for more

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Evans Ward
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Re: Shock absorber choices GT380

Post by Evans Ward »

If it helps, I've run Hagon shocks on my Kawasaki H2 750 and really like them. Don't know anytihng about the other brand you are considering though.....
1976 Suzuki GT750 (Maui Blue), 1972 Kawasaki H2 750 Mach IV (Candytone Blue), 1984 Yamaha RZ350 (KRR- Yellow/ Black).
sportston
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Re: Shock absorber choices GT380

Post by sportston »

Thanks for your input. I am kinda thinking Hagon has the proven track record so far. They look boring, but I've never heard of anyone saying they are rubbish.
sportston
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Re: Shock absorber choices GT380

Post by sportston »

After careful consideration I am thinking the best choice might be neither of the above.
I am thinking of plumping for a set of gas shocks from YSS. Cheaper than a set of Hagons and known for quality.
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https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Suzuki-GT-38 ... Sw7wxaoqub
sportston
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Re: Shock absorber choices GT380

Post by sportston »

A nice shiny set of YSS shocks arrived today. I am very impressed by the quality of engineering. They have polyurethane bushes instead of rubber. A much better item than I expected. Obviously Thailand has great engineering manufacturers in addition to beautiful women (I have to say that last bit, being married to a wonderful Thai woman)
ksluna
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Re: Shock absorber choices GT380

Post by ksluna »

Those look great. I don't have my GT380 yet, but would love to hear a comparison on ride quality between these and Hagons
sportston
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Re: Shock absorber choices GT380

Post by sportston »

ksluna wrote:Those look great. I don't have my GT380 yet, but would love to hear a comparison on ride quality between these and Hagons
That I could not give, but I will let you know how they feel when I get the bike on the road. These cost the same as a set of Hagons but look much nicer, are gas filled instead of oil and appear to have more preload adjustment available. They actually look better than in the picture and I noticed one or two improvements over those pictured.
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Re: Shock absorber choices GT380

Post by Zunspec4 »

They certainly look the business, sportston very nice :up: . Looking forward to your report on how they perform.

Cheers Geoff
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