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[REGGAB]

I'm looking at either new shocks or a new bike... and I gotta think that shocks are more cost effective...

So what should one expect to pay for these Bitubo's?

And I'm going to go ahead and ask... what about the Legend shocks... better, same, completey different?

Jamey:
Shipped to my door from Traxxion Dynamics on 18 JAN 2008, the total price for Bitubo HD 330mm was $613.95.  I've ridden a bike with Legends, and honestly, I have no use for the ability to raise and slam the ass end of my motorcycle.  The ride is comparable to that of Bitubos, but the Bitubos are a much more simple install, AND there is less to break..........and they're less expensive by at least half.  

Henry

[Hoist!]

Well if these guys sell them, they sure don't make it easy to find on the net...

Your link within this sight is more helpful, but dated... I'll call (old school) Monday

I bought em for my'85 FXWG a few months ago. Like Henry said, they've held the prices for us so far! You'll love em Jamey!

Hoist!

[Twolanerider]

I'm looking at either new shocks or a new bike... and I gotta think that shocks are more cost effective...

So what should one expect to pay for these Bitubo's?

And I'm going to go ahead and ask... what about the Legend shocks... better, same, completey different?

Jamey, I've got Progressives on the Road Glide and Bitubos on the SEEG.  The Progressives are significantly better than stock.  A lot better.  The Bitubos are better than the Progressives.  Though I don't think the increment of improvement is as large between them and the Progressives as is the difference between the Progressives and the stock parts.

You'll still occasionally bottom out with the Progressives at times the Bitubos won't.  The Bitubos eat up wash board tracks and road oscillations without passing them on to the bike better than the Progressives as well.  But they're also a fair bit more expensive.

It has been the case that only known CONUS dealer for the Bitubos was Traxxion Dynamics down in Georgia.  So not a lot of option there.  The Progressive 440s can be shopped a bit and have been bought at or just under $400 pretty regularly.

[Mr. We]

Jamey:
Shipped to my door from Traxxion Dynamics on 18 JAN 2008, the total price for Bitubo HD 330mm was $613.95.  I've ridden a bike with Legends, and honestly, I have no use for the ability to raise and slam the ass end of my motorcycle.  The ride is comparable to that of Bitubos, but the Bitubos are a much more simple install, AND there is less to break..........and they're less expensive by at least half.  

Henry

Thanks, good intel

Next question is, is the install fairly straight forward, you know for a regular guy (smarder den moi)?  

[Mr. We]

Thanks guys! I'll definitely be calling tomorrow morning! 

[Twolanerider]

Jamey:
Shipped to my door from Traxxion Dynamics on 18 JAN 2008, the total price for Bitubo HD 330mm was $613.95.  I've ridden a bike with Legends, and honestly, I have no use for the ability to raise and slam the ass end of my motorcycle.  The ride is comparable to that of Bitubos, but the Bitubos are a much more simple install, AND there is less to break..........and they're less expensive by at least half.  

Henry

I've had similar reservations about the Legends or other air shock systems.  Have ridden a couple bikes with them installed.  Found them to be comparable to the Progressives and not quite as good as the Bitubos as a suspension system.  They are much more expensive.  And we've seen a few system failures even among the small group installed here.

That's worrying because a failure there is a no-go.  Losing an air line out "there" somewhere would royally annoy me.  Losing a compressor with all that's involved in changing it would just piss me off.

[REGGAB]

Thanks, good intel

Next question is, is the install fairly straight forward, you know for a regular guy (smarder den moi)?  

Install is very straightforward.  Two bolts and bushings for each shock, and you'll want to have a means to support your frame and rear wheel when you remove each shock.  Setup, though, has a bit of a learning curve, and varies by load and style of riding.  I have mine dialed in right where I want them whether I'm two-up and loaded or just going back and forth to work solo.  A bit firm back and forth to work and when riding solo, but still.................the ride cannot be any better.

Only PITA downside to Bitubos is the 36mm axle nut becomes a challenge to get on and off and/or tighten/loosen during rear wheel removal/installation/secondary drive adjustment.  Reason is the Bitubo eyelet is much more stout than stock shocks, and will not allow most torque adapters to fit the axle nut.  Unless you have a special tool made, proper torque on that nut cannot occur without removing the right muffler and using a 36mm socket.  None of the marketable wrenches will fit................save for the one made by George's Garage, and I'm not so sure it will work either.

[REGGAB]

I've had similar reservations about the Legends or other air shock systems.  Have ridden a couple bikes with them installed.  Found them to be comparable to the Progressives and not quite as good as the Bitubos as a suspension system.  They are much more expensive.  And we've seen a few system failures even among the small group installed here.

That's worrying because a failure there is a no-go.  Losing an air line out "there" somewhere would royally annoy me.  Losing a compressor with all that's involved in changing it would just piss me off.

Yessir.  High sucktivity factor involved with a busted air line, but a crapped out compressor would elevate the sucktivity to exponential levels of pisstivity.........especially if you're "just tryin' to get back home."

KISS principle applies here.   

[Twolanerider]

Yessir.  High sucktivity factor involved with a busted air line, but a crapped out compressor would elevate the sucktivity to exponential levels of pisstivity.........especially if you're "just tryin' to get back home."

KISS principle applies here.   

The only circumstance where I would personally consider using such a system would be in a case such as TC's.  Simple case of vertical requirements being such that lowering the bike for mount and dismount was truly a benefit.  Aside from that I'd just not be interested. 

[REGGAB]

The only circumstance where I would personally consider using such a system would be in a case such as TC's.  Simple case of vertical requirements being such that lowering the bike for mount and dismount was truly a benefit.  Aside from that I'd just not be interested. 

God given inseam challenges would certainly put the Legends on the list for consideration, but I think I'd opt for shorter Bitubos first.  Sure.......lean angle is reduced, but knowing me and my CRS, with Legends, I'd forget to lower the bike before stopping, fall down, and go "boom."   

Thank God I was Blessed with long legs.

[HogBreath]

I've got Bitubos on three bikes now. First thing I ordered for the SERG was bitubos. Two of the bikes have Traxion's front suspension. I'd imagine before it's over, the SERG will too. But, for now, I'm going to see how she rides.

[Mr. We]

Jamey:
Shipped to my door from Traxxion Dynamics on 18 JAN 2008, the total price for Bitubo HD 330mm was $613.95.  I've ridden a bike with Legends, and honestly, I have no use for the ability to raise and slam the ass end of my motorcycle.  The ride is comparable to that of Bitubos, but the Bitubos are a much more simple install, AND there is less to break..........and they're less expensive by at least half.  

Henry

Economy isn't hurting these guys, my quote was $699, no mention of shipping... 

[Black Diamond]

Economy isn't hurting these guys, my quote was $699, no mention of shipping... 

I got the same quote. Not thinking they can be THAT much better than 440's.

JW

[Twolanerider]

Economy isn't hurting these guys, my quote was $699, no mention of shipping... 

Doesn't help anyone now but may be at least somewhat of an explanation.  Seem to remember the boys from Traxxion Dynamics last fall offering the shocks then remaining in their inventory at the then current price with the forewarning they'd be going up soon.  Guess "soon" has arrived.

[Traxxion Dynamics]

Doesn't help anyone now but may be at least somewhat of an explanation.  Seem to remember the boys from Traxxion Dynamics last fall offering the shocks then remaining in their inventory at the then current price with the forewarning they'd be going up soon.  Guess "soon" has arrived.

Yup. Bitubo raised their prices last January, I sold the ones I had in stock at the pre Bitubo price hike price. And the 09 catalog had another price increase.

Retail is $812, at current exchange rates,  so $699.95 is still a pretty good discount.