Shocks! Maxton vs Honda philosophy.

[haggetty]

Dropped my CT off at Maxtons today after a slightly nervy 85 mile trip using my Motolug trailer for the first time! I expected it to break loose and bounce down the road but in the event it was easy, stable and trouble free. Loading and unloading was also easier than expected too.

Anyway, Maxtons will fix the poor, uncomfortable ride - they promise!
I know some other forum members are pleased with their results so I too expect to be pleased.

Had a good chat with Richard, I think he is the main man these days.

His view on the Honda philosophy regarding the Crosstourer shock was interesting - and made sense.
In essence, Honda has a reputation for reliability and longevity, we all know that. They put effort into making things last a long time and that applies to the shock too.

They, and we, expect a shock to last 40,50,60,000 miles or more without problems, but they also have to make it within a particular budget.

As a result, the Honda shock is robustly made but is relatively unsophisticated so will last. Seals grip tight and oil is thick. Damping is overdone because the less movement in the shock, the less wear takes place. Springs are made softer to compensate for the high damping rates but the net result is what we all feel through our behinds.

I’m sure the suspension wasn’t developed on UK’s rough old roads so that is a factor too.

Maxton build their shocks differently. They believe in maximising oil flow and reducing ‘stiction’. They employ lighter touch components where it aids movement and use lighter, freer flowing and ‘slippier’ oils. Their preference is to use higher rate springs to support the bike and more modest damping to enable a more supple and plush ride.

The downside of the Maxton philosophy is that the shock will need a service every 10-15000 miles as the lighter oil will degrade quicker and the seals will have a harder job containing it.
On the plus side, the shocks are made for easy servicing and the cost is therefore relatively modest.

It will take 3 years for me to do 15k miles and 3 years in discomfort would make me sell!

Same goes for the forks too though servicing is not so onerous.

Hopefully this is interesting to those that are interested!

I will post my thoughts when I collect the bike next week.

[__Ray__]

Maxton would definitely not work for me, i would need to bring him in 2 times a year 
Hope you'll at least be happy with the result, i'm happy with the Hyperpro. Also serviceable but with a way bigger interval.

[bazza950]

On the trailer Haggerty I also have a collapsible single bike trailer.Dead handy but always take off at about 15mph watching the rear mirror more than the view to the front!
I have found that the MOST IMPORTANT thing to remember is to compress the front and rear suspension and ratchet strap both ends down hard .Any suspension movement moves the bike about putting strain on the driver-oh and the bike!
I had extra brackets welded on my trailer sides so it can be really secured side to side . The usual ratchet straps are way too long and I like to have crash bars to side brackets ratcheted as well. Brought a bike back from Switzerland so it works well-although getting the CT on it is a faff!
Only thing I dont understand is why such uncomfortable seats on Hondas -amongst others? surely some better padding wouldnt cost much- they are offering different height seat mostly now-why not a plush seat option when you buy new?

Originally Posted by haggetty

Dropped my CT off at Maxtons today after a slightly nervy 85 mile trip using my Motolug trailer for the first time! I expected it to break loose and bounce down the road but in the event it was easy, stable and trouble free. Loading and unloading was also easier than expected too.

Anyway, Maxtons will fix the poor, uncomfortable ride - they promise!
I know some other forum members are pleased with their results so I too expect to be pleased.

Had a good chat with Richard, I think he is the main man these days.

His view on the Honda philosophy regarding the Crosstourer shock was interesting - and made sense.
In essence, Honda has a reputation for reliability and longevity, we all know that. They put effort into making things last a long time and that applies to the shock too.

They, and we, expect a shock to last 40,50,60,000 miles or more without problems, but they also have to make it within a particular budget.

As a result, the Honda shock is robustly made but is relatively unsophisticated so will last. Seals grip tight and oil is thick. Damping is overdone because the less movement in the shock, the less wear takes place. Springs are made softer to compensate for the high damping rates but the net result is what we all feel through our behinds.

I’m sure the suspension wasn’t developed on UK’s rough old roads so that is a factor too.

Maxton build their shocks differently. They believe in maximising oil flow and reducing ‘stiction’. They employ lighter touch components where it aids movement and use lighter, freer flowing and ‘slippier’ oils. Their preference is to use higher rate springs to support the bike and more modest damping to enable a more supple and plush ride.

The downside of the Maxton philosophy is that the shock will need a service every 10-15000 miles as the lighter oil will degrade quicker and the seals will have a harder job containing it.
On the plus side, the shocks are made for easy servicing and the cost is therefore relatively modest.

It will take 3 years for me to do 15k miles and 3 years in discomfort would make me sell!

Same goes for the forks too though servicing is not so onerous.

Hopefully this is interesting to those that are interested!

I will post my thoughts when I collect the bike next week.

[matt28]

Originally Posted by __Ray__

Maxton would definitely not work for me, i would need to bring him in 2 times a year 
Hope you'll at least be happy with the result, i'm happy with the Hyperpro. Also serviceable but with a way bigger interval.

How often you have to service Hyperpro springs?

[__Ray__]

When you do it correctly it is 20.000km or every 2 years but in reality 50.000km or 3 years are no problem at all.

[freddy871]

Hi Haggerty,, Any update on new setup from maxtons? 

[haggetty]

Originally Posted by freddy871

Hi Haggerty,, Any update on new setup from maxtons?

Hi freddy!

Yes, well I trailered the bike back home from Maxtons and immediately attached it to the back of the motorhome and drove to Cornwall for a week with the missus!

Used the bike a couple of times solo but mainly 2 up. The rear end 2 up is like a magic carpet ride and certainly a lot plusher than before.
I think the most telling thing to say about the front is that it didn’t draw attention to itself.

I didn’t feel harshness as such but it wasn’t soft and mushy either.

I will learn more when I get the chance to ride solo on more familiar roads but so far, so good.

I think the bike is sitting a tad higher than before as it leans over a bit more on the sidestand now. I will need to make some adjustments I think as it’s tall enough as it is!

[freddy871]

Hi again Mr H , how's the front end now you have had it a while . Been riding mine to work and really need to do something as can't live with it but want to give her a chance . As it stands she would have to go ..