Shit a brick!! I've been perusing the Internet trying to find out how to adjust the Tec adjustable rear shocks and came across a couple of Instances where the rear shock has broken and collapsed . I'm going to the Isle of Man in a couple of weeks this is the last thing I needed to hear. Have any members heard anything on this subject? Would I be better off fitting the original shocks and not taking any chances?? Any input gratefully excepted.
Yup we had a member who's shock broke, but loads of others rate them highly, if you're worried put your originals on for peace of mind, nothing worse than a niggle at the back of your mind!
Thanks Crispey. Do you know if it Was on a thruxton because when the shocks arrived i had to add on a extension piece that comes With the kit to make them longer to fit a Thruxton. Looking at the Photo I saw the break in the shock was around the area of the extension.
If you're not going for a couple of weeks, and you've got the funds, buy some new Hagons or YSS and fit them. (OEM shocks are too hard but better than running the risk of failure with the TEC ones) My Hagons were delivered within two days.
I've seen anti TEC shocks on a few posts recently and have not responded until now, but I really do feel the time has come to say a few words based on my own experience of using two different sets of TEC shocks. The bike in question was a 2010 T100 Bonneville : 1 The first set of TEC's were approx £60 the pair, basic with only pre-load adjustment. 100% reliable with no negative issues whatsoever; big improvement over the std. Triumph rear shocks. 2. The second pair, gas shocks with adjustable damping (£90) were purchased as soon as they came out after such good results with the first pair above. They came with 2 sets of springs with different weights. They also come with the 'infamous' length extender. It should be borne in mind that this extender does not need to be used for std. or SE as they have a different ride height to T100, Scrambler and Thruxton versions of the carb & EFi models. I used the extender as I wanted to raise the rear end a little. Initially I had an issue with springs that were fitted as standard as I am of the 'larger framed variety' of human, particularly when loaded with touring gear. I mentioned this to the supplier who suggested trying the other set of springs (supplied free of charge). The change-over was very straightforward and did improve matters considerably. I never had a breakages with these shocks or any signs that there was any imminent fault. I did approx 5000mls on the first set and approx 15,000mls on the second set.
I've had a pair of TEC alloy gas shocks on a Honda for about 3 years now with no issues at all. They replaced a pair of Hagons that came on the bike which had rusted everywhere. Body, springs, stems. Not nice. I use the extension pieces and I weigh 20 stone. So I'd recommend the TECs.
Ah that'll have been my bike!! My rhs TEC shock dropped apart at the bottom whilst still riding. Luckily I was coming back from a ride and near home. The spring was just about to jump ship as the damping rod disassembled!!
It had a hidden big nut under the bump stop that wasn't seen and also wasn't tight in the body assembly. The service from TEC was impressively good and he was concerned genuinely and sent another shock next day so it's 100% for the good service. I've got to say I'd buy confidently from him but just not cheap shocks.
Well that's made me feel a lot better now I know nothing actually broke. But I still don't know how to adjust them. Between the top of the shock and the top of the spring are 2 collars that turn independently of each other one compresses the spring and I presume they lock against each other but there's only one C spanner supplied in the kit.
I've said my piece in other threads, but briefly, I sent back the gas shocks I bought from Tec for my St. Twin as too flimsy. I have nothing but praise for the Ikons on my SE. I have other parts from Tec on both bikes which I am well pleased with, just not the rear shocks. YSS make shocks for well known brands including Ohlins, which they are then licensed to make under the YSS brand after a period of time has elapsed. So with YSS you are often paying less for a brand name equivalent.
