Rear shock upgrade

[Drifter2406]

I have been looking at the Nitro Stainless Steel Shocks from Hagon, good price and I've used Hagon in the past, has anyone used these on their 1200 Vmax and if so what did you think of them or is there a better alternative for similar money? Thanks in advance for any info.

 

[Fire-medic]

Alf Hagon, what a story he has! If those are gas-charged and stainless steel, and for a 600 lb bike, that should work.

The usual USA replacement is Progressive Suspension (P.S.) 412 series shocks which are < $300 and price dependent on finishes. Search online for these. Star Rider Performance has them for $345.

The better P.S. shock is the 444, and Star Rider Performance has them for just under $800

https://starriderperformance.com/444-series-shocks-85-07-all/

From the above link:
Progressive's 444 Series Shocks are the ultimate suspension upgrade for your 1985-2007 Yamaha Vmax.

444 Series Shocks feature a proprietary patented Frequency Sensing Technology (FST) that has the unique ability to dynamically adjust damping as you ride; what this means is whether you’re hitting the small or big bumps in the road, the shock distributes oil through ports accordingly to soak up the hit making for an ultimately comfortable ride. A top mount threaded preload adjuster allows for fine-tuning with a simple twist of the cap. 444 Series shocks are available in 3 configurations: Standard Weight, Heavy-duty (250+ lbs.) and Super Heavy Duty (Touring Models only - 350+ lbs.).

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There is also the P.S. 430 series, at around $600. See the Star Rider Performance website for info on those or P.S. directly.

There are other suppliers, like Penske and Ohlins, but you are talking $$$$.

Race-Tech sells these, $1,500!

https://racetech.com/

They have fork tubes, fork cartridge emulators, fork rebuild pieces, and much more.

 

[Traumahawk]

Not on point but I do have 444s on my 07. It is a night a day difference.

 

[Drifter2406]

Thanks for the reply and the info, I will have a look.

 

[VMAXXIMUM]

I also run 444’s however my track bike has had the suspension set up professionally by computrack Boston ( now retired and Very well respected in my neck of the woods) and let’s just say he was less than enthusiastic regarding the 444’s and progressive suspension in general. For my budget and use they’re great but if money is less of a concern there are much better options.

 

[for_gdw]

Are there other options and what length is people preference, standard is 13", but I have seen a lot going for 11.5"
I am in uk and not a lot for Vmas advertised, I assume the 444 (Harley fit) will work?

 

[82ndCowboy]

I just put a set of Progressive 444's on my '06.
Only been on test ride. And it has about 1/2" less sag. But they seem to be a huge improvement.
I went with the 444-4020B in 13" Black.
I love the clean sleek look.
You won't be able to order them from progressive. But if you known someone that can order by part number you can get a set.

 

[for_gdw]

I just put a set of Progressive 444's on my '06.
Only been on test ride. And it has about 1/2" less sag. But they seem to be a huge improvement.
I went with the 444-4020B in 13" Black.
I love the clean sleek look.
You won't be able to order them from progressive. But if you known someone that can order by part number you can get a set.

I just put a set of Progressive 444's on my '06.
Only been on test ride. And it has about 1/2" less sag. But they seem to be a huge improvement.
I went with the 444-4020B in 13" Black.
I love the clean sleek look.
You won't be able to order them from progressive. But if you known someone that can order by part number you can get a set.

I looked on there website and only offered ine model for vmax and now xhoices if length, seems a little strange, but thanks for full info

 

[82ndCowboy]

I looked on there website and only offered ine model for vmax and now xhoices if length, seems a little strange, but thanks for full info

Yeah like most corporations, they embrace the liability card ********. And will only let you order what they have speced out and made for the vmax. And because they don't get enough volume they aren't specing them out anymore. And are only selling what they have in stock.
If you go to thier website and find the tech info for thier shocks you can download the spec sheet for thier shocks. And go through the list and pick out the part number that matches what you want.
There are 2 other 13" shocks that are a close match but have different spring rates.Post in thread 'Progressive Shocks Dilemma Need suspension Guru's!' https://www.vmaxforum.net/threads/progressive-shocks-dilemma-need-suspension-gurus.54257/post-543287