Newley SPRUNG
(Source: MOTORRADFAHRER / February 2007)

After 70,000 kilometres the decision became inevitable. Either increased strength training for the legs or riding a motorcycle with grip… After taking a look at the actual prices for OEM shocks it became clear that only shocks from independent suppliers were affordable. Not only that those alternatives often are better priced, in many cases those retrofitted shocks are even superior to the original ones in many ways. Our first test candidate was a set of Hagon Road stereo dampers. The first thing that meets the eye is that the Hagon shocks are slimmer that than the original Showa parts. Additionally the shocks’ basis is only adjustable in three steps. For a quick installation it is advisable to prepare the upper mounting lugs with silicon-spray. During the following test rides for us the middle preload adjustment was the best choice of solo-touring. Here the shocks produced few vibrations – although with two-up when turned to the hardest preload.

The competitors in direct comparison (from up to below): Showa-original with 70,000 km on its back, Hagon Road (199 Euro) and Wilbers Eco-Line Type 530 Road Stereo (499 Euro).

The second aspirant, the type 530 Road Stereo from Wilbers Eco-line, is already optimized when taken out of the box. Ex-factory adjusted referring to the riders’ weight, the field of operation and the vehicle, those shocks perfectly fit to the motorcycle as proven during the first test ride. Road bumps disappear potholes lose a lot of their intensity.
The difference towards the Hagon dampers is obvious right from the start. Wilbers Eco-line shocks only leave a small disturbance because the adjustment of their preload is a bit complicated over a spanner tool and counter nuts.

The tested ’alternative’ shock absorbers clearly have their advantages… Advantages for Hagon are its very favourable price and the simple handling. The more sophisticated Wilbers shocks offer a custom made assembly, personal basic-set-up, a perceptible increase in riding fun, security and comfort as well as 5 years guarantee.

The differences :
Shock	Preload	length*	price/set
Showa-original	fivefold	345 mm	676 Euro
Hagon Road	threefold	350 mm	199 Euro
Wilbers Eco-Line Type 530 Road St.	continiously	352 mm	499 Euro
*measured from middle eye to middle eye.