Nitron Shocks - Word Of Warning. Closure! :-)

Discussion in 'Bonneville' started by Flashp, Dec 27, 2019.

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  1. Flashp

    Flashp Noble Member

    Dec 6, 2017
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    #1 Flashp, Dec 27, 2019
    Last edited: Dec 27, 2019
    Now, I've openly praised these and I maintain their function is first class but I discovered something today as I was fitting a Christmas present (Motone Customs shock absorber dress up kit) and I now have to take issue with Nitron via the supplying/fitting agent.

    The shock has come into contact with the frame and caused damage to both. The photo's will explain all.
    If anyone bought these and fitted them to a T100/T120 then please check your bike. I'll be in contact with the supplying/fitting agent as soon as they open in the new year and will update here ASAP.

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    And the original clearance:
    [​IMG]
     
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  2. Flashp

    Flashp Noble Member

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    #2 Flashp, Dec 27, 2019
    Last edited: Dec 27, 2019
    No, they were supplied and fitted by the same business. I'm expecting the manufacturer to defer to the warranty terms although at present I don't know what that term is. My argument will be that this is a design fault not a fault as a result of failure. This condition would have been present at installation. I can't really speculate much further, I need to speak to the supplying/fitting agent.

    EDIT - it's a 12 month warranty and I'm 3 months outside of that and have only covered 1366 miles since fitting.
     
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  3. Flashp

    Flashp Noble Member

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    I hope so, they have a good reputation and I'm sure they'll do the right thing.
     
  4. Flashp

    Flashp Noble Member

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    What I have to do in the meantime is turn my mind to powder coat repairs : unamused:
    Maybe an epoxy paint?? Probably a preferred choice over Hammerite although that might not be a poor choice. I'm a bit hacked off that the frame finish is compromised, more so than the shocks being damaged in fact. They're a replaceable part after all.
     
  5. TonyG

    TonyG Noble Member

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  6. TonyG

    TonyG Noble Member

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    Hi,

    This just prompted me to check the new K-Tech Razor Lites I have installed on my 2018 Thruxton S. They are also hard up against the top mounting lug. I haven't ridden the bike yet and don't know if they have also chipped the lugs and shocks without taking them off to check. I've emailed K-Tech and Brooks Suspension. I can't see how it is anything to do with fitting, there is no alternative way to mount them, all I could do is swap left to right, but the offset is the same on the shock body so will hit either way. Same if I turned them through 180 degrees. Wasn't apparent at the time as they fitted on really easy, you have to actively look to see it.
     
  7. Callumity

    Callumity Elite Member

    Feb 25, 2017
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    That is kind of what struck me. I can see WHAT has happened but WHY is less obvious. It would seem to be slight movement in the bush but fundamentally the eyelet allows insufficient clearance from the frame and its lugs.
     
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  8. TonyG

    TonyG Noble Member

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    It's the height of the shoulder of the shock in relation to the eyelet, there isn't enough room to clear the mounting lug. When I fitted them they slid on perfectly, unless you got in with a flashlight to check you would never notice the shocks were hitting the frame lug. I don't know if it will cause any issues, as I say I haven't ridden the bike yet. I guess it it is all tightened up it will be locked in place, but any tiny give in the bushes if you hit a bump would presumably be enough to chip the shock and the mounting lug.
     
  9. Flashp

    Flashp Noble Member

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    Its rotation around the lug when the swingarm moves, its minimal but that's what happens.
     
  10. Don the Don

    Don the Don Bigger Than The Average Bear

    Nov 5, 2019
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    I would sooner use something like plasticote or even Halfords who can mix Auto paint for you Hammerite is good but tends to crack.
     
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  11. Flashp

    Flashp Noble Member

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    Let us know what you hear from them if you would.
     
  12. Callumity

    Callumity Elite Member

    Feb 25, 2017
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    I maybe wasn’t clear enough. It’s bleedin’ obvious WHAT the problem is. I am surprised it wasn’t obvious when tightening up........

    Sorry :neutral:

    Damage done, I would be minded to grind adequate clearance before restoring the finish on frame and shock.
     
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  13. Flashp

    Flashp Noble Member

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    I think I may try to locate a specialist coating repairer.
     
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  14. TonyG

    TonyG Noble Member

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    Yep, I'll let you know what they say.

    The contact point on mine looks much less severe than on yours, but as I say I haven't ridden it yet.

    All I know on installing mine is that it wasn't at all obvious, shocks slid on with no problems whatsoever. The part where they touch on mine is right to the inside of the shock and not visible unless you make a concerted effort to look, plus on £600 worth of shock you don't think to check something so fundamental. Having said that I admit I took it for granted they would actually fit.
     
  15. Tosgha

    Tosgha Noble Member

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    #15 Tosgha, Dec 28, 2019
    Last edited: Dec 28, 2019
    Have just checked the KTEC rear shocks on my Speed Twin and the both sides are impacted against the lug.
     
  16. Flashp

    Flashp Noble Member

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    Ironically, I wouldn't mind betting that the Hagon options at significantly less £ fit properly. Maybe somebody could post a photo??
    From this stock image of a 2810 it looks like it'll clear without issue.
    [​IMG]
    The Nitro's look to have clearance as well:
    [​IMG]
     
  17. tcbandituk

    Subscriber

    Apr 8, 2016
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    This is the Nitro shock on my old Bonnie Newchurch.

    Hagon.jpg
     
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  18. bob1

    bob1 Noble Member

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    I might be wrong but I dont think halfords mix paint anymore.
     
  19. Wessa

    Wessa Cruising

    Apr 27, 2016
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    It is such a shame that your upgrade has caused an issue with your bike. I share your disappointment as anything that effects our bikes has a devistating impact on how we feel. Good luck with your supplier to getting a satisfactory fix...
     
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  20. Tom Gillam

    Tom Gillam Guest

    Sorry for stating the obvious,but this seems like a design problem.
    I’ve just checked the YSS shocks I recently installed and there’s a clearance,I think they were designed specifically for the Bonnie.Nevertheless I’m surprised,as I’m a Nitron fan,I’ve got a mono on the F800gs and it’s been brilliant.
    Perhaps Nitron should be your first contact as they made it.

    D6448DCD-D6EA-49C4-9180-DF5BB3CCA702.jpeg
     
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