YSS or Hagon: which shock suits your motorcycle?

You are looking for new shocks for your classic or custom build and you keep running into two names: YSS and Hagon. They do not do quite the same thing, and you buy them in a different way at Dapper Motor. This guide explains what to expect from each and how to choose.

Ready made or built to measure

YSS shocks are regular products in the shop. In the bike selector you pick your make, model and year and see only what fits. The range is large: over 350 products, from twin shocks and mono shocks to front shocks, shock sets and fork kits. The range is mostly for BMW right now.

Hagon works differently. There you build the shock yourself in the Hagon configurator: you choose your model, the shock type, your weight and riding style, the length and the type of spring. Part of the Hagon range is also listed as a regular product in the shop.

YSS: choose from the range

With YSS the choice is mostly about finding the right product for your bike. This is how it goes:

• Pick your bike in the selector. You only see the shocks listed for your model.
• Check the type. A bike with two rear shocks takes a pair of twin shocks, a bike with one rear shock takes a mono shock.
• Check the length. Rear shocks in the shop run from about 300 to 475 mm. Some are length adjustable, and with custom builds you choose a length within a range.
• Check the ABE status on the product (see below).

Hagon: built around your weight and riding style

Hagon is a good route if your bike is not listed, if you want a different length or spring, or if the shock has to suit your weight and riding style. In the configurator you choose between a Roadshock pair, a mono shock, a Nitro pair and a fully adjustable hydraulic pair, among others. You pick the length as standard, lowered or custom.

A shock built to order is not a stock item, so it also takes longer to arrive than a shock that is ready to ship. The current delivery time is shown in the configurator.

How to choose

• Is your bike in the selector and do you just want shocks that fit: choose YSS.
• Do you want to decide length, spring or weight setup yourself: look at Hagon.
• Not sure if you need twin shocks or a mono shock: your bike decides, not your preference. A BMW R model from the seventies has two, a K75 or K100 has one.
• Do you want to renew front and rear at the same time: look at the shock sets.

Measure before you order

Measure the length from the centre of one mounting eye to the centre of the other, preferably on the shock that is on the bike now. Also check the top and bottom mounts. The measuring guide shows how.

ABE and approval

An ABE is a German type approval from the KBA for a part on a specific model. Some of our YSS shocks have an ABE with a KBA number, shown on the product. Many are custom builds assessed by TÜV without a model specific ABE. If nothing is shown, the status is not confirmed yet. Whether and how a shock has to be approved depends on your bike and your country. Check with your local inspection body.

Is your bike in the selector? Start with the shock absorbers page. In doubt, send us your model and year.