Article [13] ST1300 - Swapping Rear Shock

Willsmotorcycle

Willsmotorcycle

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ST1300 50,000 Mile Badge
Joined
Oct 26, 2020
Messages
374
Location
Makefield Highlands PA
Bike
2016 ST1300P
Greetings riders, after a long discussion with my self and some feet dragging after the decision, I swapped the OEM for a Hagon with remote adjustment.

The bike, 2016 ST1300PA. Existing shock was OEM with Racetech spring and spacer. Yes, I have been in there before, it gets easier. Having already pulled and resprung the OEM it was set up for "easy" swap. Flipping the bolt on the swing arm first time around ment I didn't have to unbolt the peg carrier. 8mm, 10mm Allen, 10mm socket.
( This photo is a 2010, more on that later)
IMG_1778.jpeg

You will notice the bolt from the factory on the swing arm is inserted from the right side, facilitating the need to loosen the peg carrier.
After removing and from advising by @dduelin I inserted the bolt from the left side. 14 and 17 mm.

IMG_1780.jpeg

Removed the preload adjuster bracket from the bike and adjuster. 10mm

IMG_1777.jpeg

Insert wrench for top nut. 14mm open end Remove bolt. 8 mm Allen
IMG_1781.jpeg

Fought a bit to get it in and out, left the new shock and preload in tact.

IMG_1755.jpegIMG_1758.jpeg

New preload
IMG_1760.jpeg

I did use a scissor jack to adjust the swing arm and coaxed the new shock in, the tolerances are a little tighter than factory. It took about an hour, not including pulling the wheel.

IMG_1779.jpeg





Then I swapped the "old" OEM with the Racetch spring into the 2010. This was all factory so I had to loosen the peg carrier as stated above. Having installed a SS hose on the OEM and dealing with leaks, I swapped the factory hose back on. I left the preload adjuster in the bike and removed the hose from the shock, noting the position of the barrel bolt.
Old OEM, "new" installed
IMG_1782.jpeg

With the peg carrier loose and the preload hose in situ, this was incredibly easy. I just lifted the old shock out and slid the new one in. This took about 15 minutes, not including wheel removal.

Remember to tighten everything back up to factory specs.

Have to fit a new rear tire on the '16 and then out for shake down.
 
Willsmotorcycle said:
Oddly no, this is what they sent me;

ST1300 PAN EUROPEAN (SC51) - M61085H
  • Rider Weight Solo Kg:85
  • Passenger Weight Kg:55
  • Luggage Weight Kg:50
  • % Riding With Passenger:10
Click to expand...

Strange. This is just the input data you gave them; it should translate into a spring rate and installed preload.

Hopefully they set it up for you to be comfortable when you do not have the 50 Kg of luggage load on.

Sometimes, the Spring P/N is painted on the Spring, which could lead to its rate and free length. Then, measuring the installed length will give you the installed preload.
 
ST1100Y said:
Optimistic values though...
When getting my Wilbers made I gave them
rider: 120kg, passenger: 85kg, luggage: 48kg (side: 2x 15kg, topcase: 8kg, tankbag: 10kg)
Click to expand...
lol, I do weigh less than 85kg, looking at yours though I may wish I added 10kg to the luggage. Me on the almost empty bike should be spot on.
 
Willsmotorcycle said:
Greetings riders, after a long discussion with my self and some feet dragging after the decision, I swapped the OEM for a Hagon with remote adjustment.

The bike, 2016 ST1300PA. Existing shock was OEM with Racetech spring and spacer. Yes, I have been in there before, it gets easier. Having already pulled and resprung the OEM it was set up for "easy" swap. Flipping the bolt on the swing arm first time around ment I didn't have to unbolt the peg carrier. 8mm, 10mm Allen, 10mm socket.
( This photo is a 2010, more on that later)
IMG_1778.jpeg

You will notice the bolt from the factory on the swing arm is inserted from the right side, facilitating the need to loosen the peg carrier.
After removing and from advising by @dduelin I inserted the bolt from the left side. 14 and 17 mm.

IMG_1780.jpeg

Removed the preload adjuster bracket from the bike and adjuster. 10mm

IMG_1777.jpeg

Insert wrench for top nut. 14mm open end Remove bolt. 8 mm Allen
IMG_1781.jpeg

Fought a bit to get it in and out, left the new shock and preload in tact.

IMG_1755.jpegIMG_1758.jpeg

New preload
IMG_1760.jpeg

I did use a scissor jack to adjust the swing arm and coaxed the new shock in, the tolerances are a little tighter than factory. It took about an hour, not including pulling the wheel.

IMG_1779.jpeg





Then I swapped the "old" OEM with the Racetch spring into the 2010. This was all factory so I had to loosen the peg carrier as stated above. Having installed a SS hose on the OEM and dealing with leaks, I swapped the factory hose back on. I left the preload adjuster in the bike and removed the hose from the shock, noting the position of the barrel bolt.
Old OEM, "new" installed
IMG_1782.jpeg

With the peg carrier loose and the preload hose in situ, this was incredibly easy. I just lifted the old shock out and slid the new one in. This took about 15 minutes, not including wheel removal.

Remember to tighten everything back up to factory specs.

Have to fit a new rear tire on the '16 and then out for shake down.
Click to expand...
Is Dave still the US importer/distributor for Hagon?
 
MidLife said:
@Willsmotorcycle is so trim.....that even 40 years ago I wouldn't have fit into the pants he recently had for sale (would have bought them otherwise!).

And being so trim, he must be fairly tall to reach this claimed weight.
Click to expand...
This is all true, although a few years ago I was trimmer.
 
Just got back from a 2500 mile shakedown. Yes, it's a shock, it compresses and rebounds, I'm not so technical that I can say it is amazing. I had it turned in 6-8 times, loaded with gear and rider, rode about 1000 miles and thought it was a bit soft, turned it in another 10x or so. Rode about 100 miles and thought it was a bit harsh, reached down and turned out about three, sweet spot for that load. Damping was left at factory preset or random setting (unsure if they preset).

Big bumps it is compliant, doesn't drop out and rebounds clean. Leaned over with less than perfect tarmac was solid. I only adjusted twice and was conscience of the new kit only vaguely for the 2500 miles. I occasionally aimed for the imperfections on the road and always nodded my head agreeably at the shocks performance.

All in all I'm satisfied. I can't say for sure the value of performance based on me and that one ride. I would have to change it from stock with in a day or so of riding to be sure, or possibly ride another ST shortly before or after to really "feel the difference". I did this with a super brace and noticed instantly it was "working".

Front springs are Race Tech .95, 5w Redline water, 42 psi Michelin Road 6 front and rear. 44psi was harsh, 38-42 was fine, 42 was best.

Rider and gear approx. 265lbs 120kg

On the bench: Race Tech 1.00 springs and a gold valve kit.

Cheers
 
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