Bitubo rear shocks
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2017
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From: England
Bitubo rear shocks
I have been looking at various shocks and Bitubo look very good and have a range of springs, linear and progressive, that can be selected depending on rider weight.
The ones I would like to try is HD026WME03, which are 290mm so just a little longer than stock for my bike, a 2017 XL1200T.
I have contacted Bitubo and they are helpful right up to the point where I asked which spring should I choose for my weight and all they would tell me is the standard spring is D210A08503 for total weight (rider plus passenger) of 130 - 160 Kg or 286 - 352 lbs.
That is way too much for me and would like a spring for around 85 Kg or 187 lbs to which they still recommend the standard spring but if I want a softer spring I should contact a dealer.
The standard spring is progressive 3.6 - 4.1 Kg/mm. Here is the available springs -
At around Ł50 for springs and Ł350 to start with I would like to get a handle on this before I start playing / paying. Only being a short **** having more travel which is usually the best route is not really an option. I also have saddlebags and I have read somewhere that fitting lowing blocks will not work as the shocks then don't follow the line of the recess in the bags.
I would really appreciate it if anyone has any insight into this please?
The ones I would like to try is HD026WME03, which are 290mm so just a little longer than stock for my bike, a 2017 XL1200T.
I have contacted Bitubo and they are helpful right up to the point where I asked which spring should I choose for my weight and all they would tell me is the standard spring is D210A08503 for total weight (rider plus passenger) of 130 - 160 Kg or 286 - 352 lbs.
That is way too much for me and would like a spring for around 85 Kg or 187 lbs to which they still recommend the standard spring but if I want a softer spring I should contact a dealer.
The standard spring is progressive 3.6 - 4.1 Kg/mm. Here is the available springs -
At around Ł50 for springs and Ł350 to start with I would like to get a handle on this before I start playing / paying. Only being a short **** having more travel which is usually the best route is not really an option. I also have saddlebags and I have read somewhere that fitting lowing blocks will not work as the shocks then don't follow the line of the recess in the bags.
I would really appreciate it if anyone has any insight into this please?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2020
Posts: 8,158
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From: central NC
Talk to DK Customs. Thats where I bought mine and theyve been very responsive to email on other product inquiries as well.
support@dkcustomproducts.com
support@dkcustomproducts.com
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 12,258
Likes: 4,947
From: England
I did think of DK Customs but wasn't sure based on probably not the first place I would look to order if they would give me the spring part number I should get. I will drop them a line, thanks guys.
I have Progressive 430s at present and ought to try the tie wrap test to see where they compress to. I was reading an article that suggests the switch from soft to hard rate on the spring is too sharp and so when going over small bumps the shocks are good but when going over a large bump / pothole they are too hard.
I put together a trike and the shocks that I got for that use what we use for preload to set the ride height. I guess that is equivalent to sag but then they have a damper adjustment to give the actual firmness required. Set soft they are all bouncy and set too hard they are rock hard.
I have Progressive 430s at present and ought to try the tie wrap test to see where they compress to. I was reading an article that suggests the switch from soft to hard rate on the spring is too sharp and so when going over small bumps the shocks are good but when going over a large bump / pothole they are too hard.
I put together a trike and the shocks that I got for that use what we use for preload to set the ride height. I guess that is equivalent to sag but then they have a damper adjustment to give the actual firmness required. Set soft they are all bouncy and set too hard they are rock hard.
Last edited by Andy from Sandy; Mar 23, 2022 at 10:16 AM.
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