Opinion on Works Perf. Shocks (2015)

Rusty bucket · Nov 21, 2015

I picked up a pair a slightly used Works performance gasser dual rate spring shocks the other day on fleabay for 250 bucks. I have a set of new Hagons ready to bolt on, the dummy inside me had to see the difference in ride. This winter the Landsdowne Kit will go in up front but I thought an experiment out back might be in order.

My questions: the springs are blue. Horrible color choice but I suppose I can rattle can repair the conspiring color??? The preload collars seem to have no fixture to turn. Any help with these appreciated. I need to insure they are properly set up to make any opinion.

Rusty bucket · Nov 21, 2015

Btw- street bike only. Comfy backroad bike wanted.

mikegray660 · Nov 21, 2015

they are great shocks, i have them on my commando and on 2 of my laverdas. If anything they are typically customer tuned though- taking in account rider weight and riding style etc so its difficult to say if they will have the proper rate of spring etc, but the guys at work shocks are easy to talk to about them

compared to hagon? there is no comparison - hagons are for probably the best of the mass produced shocks that will work on a british bike, i dont like them much and find them to be very harsh - guess they are OK for the occasional rider but for any real time in the seat - meh..........

Rusty bucket · Nov 21, 2015

mikegray660 said:
they are great shocks, i have them on my commando and on 2 of my laverdas. If anything they are typically customer tuned though- taking in account rider weight and riding style etc so its difficult to say if they will have the proper rate of spring etc, but the guys at work shocks are easy to talk to about them

compared to hagon? there is no comparison - hagons are for probably the best of the mass produced shocks that will work on a british bike, i dont like them much and find them to be very harsh - guess they are OK for the occasional rider but for any real time in the seat - meh..........

I'm used to good suspension, learned to spend my money there instead of go faster bits. I like Hagons for the stock look which is what put me off the works units, that and 600+. Of course a good rear three way single is over 1300!

I might send them to Works and request spring change if I can't find any data on the coils, then let them set the units up on a dynometer for my weight and use.

batrider · Nov 21, 2015

If it's just the color can you have the springs stripped and powder coated? There is a matte silver which would look good. I don't think a rattle can job would hold up very long.

I used to have a set with blue springs on a Can-Am Qualifier 250 in the 80s but no idea what the spring rate was. That bike could go thru any terrain at very high speed. They were great shocks.

ashman · Nov 21, 2015

You proberly will find the blue springs are a heavier rate spring, on my dirt bikes the standard spring is yellow but the next rate spring is blue, but thats on my Honda's, I brought a new set of Hagons for my Norton while I rebuild my old Koni's, couldn't wait to get the Koni's back on, didn't like the Hagons at all, they are alright if you only putt around, but I push my 850 Featherbed pretty hard and you can't beat a good set of shockies, my Koin's have been on my Norton for 37 years now and after the rebuild (had a main seal blow) they are like new again, not bad for 37 year old shocks that only just had its first rebuild, I don't think Hagon would last that long.

Ashley

lcrken · Nov 21, 2015

Rusty bucket said:
The preload collars seem to have no fixture to turn. Any help with these appreciated. I need to insure they are properly set up to make any opinion.

I've used them on a couple of my Nortons, both race and street bikes, and have been happy with them. The preload is adjustable in 1/4" steps by moving the wire circlip that locates the spring collar to a different groove. It does require compressing the spring to move the circlip. I've found it easiest to do it with the shock off the bike. If you need smaller adjustment increments, you'll have to use shim washers at the end of the spring.

Ken

Jackson5 · Mar 6, 2019

I've used Works shocks on a number of my dirt bikes, Rickman, Cheney and a BSA. Because of AHRMA rules travel is restricted and they always worked well. Easily rebuilt, parts available and the Works guys are always willing to help.

johnm · Mar 6, 2019

I know this is an old thread but it is my understanding Works Performance Shocks have closed. The owner passed away a year or two back.

Pete Komarek · Mar 6, 2019

I think they are open again under the Worx name. Reputable builders like Drew SMith at WER and Thor Lawson at Evolution should be able to help on the East coast. I bought a pair of Works Street Trackers for the Triumph, have them on my CZ 400 also.
I'll trade you a new set of Hagons for the old Works...

lcrken · Mar 6, 2019

Works Performance closed a year or two ago when Gil died. It's now back in business under his daughter as Worx Shocks, and still provides support for all their products.

http://worxshocks.com/

Some parts and rebuild kits are also available from these guys:

https://www.schmidtyracing.com/works-performance-parts-s/1889.htm

I bought parts from them while Works was out of business, when I needed to rebuild a pair of Works shocks on a MK3.

Ken

acotrel · Mar 7, 2019

Most spring makers have spring testers. If you know the spring rate you need, you can get your current springs tested or have new ones made. A bit depends on the amount of travel you have when the shocks are on the bike. In my opinion the softer the shocks and the more travel you have without getting into difficulties, the better - as long as you have enough damping. A couple of years back, I had a spring made for the monoshock on my two-stroke project. I simply estimated the weight of the rear of the bike with me on it, and allowed for the angle of the shock and calculated the spring rate - then went to the spring maker. The result was all sweet and lovely. It cost bugger-all.

Opinion on Works Perf. Shocks (2015)

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