TEC Gas Shocks - 3 Year owner review
Vložit
- čas přidán 25. 08. 2024
- Here I review my TEC gas rear shock absorbers that I've had on my Triumph Street Twin since 2018. In this review I give a personal honest review of the shock abosorbers by TEC on the highs and lows of owning these gas shocks, how they have performed and why I'm finally swapping the out for something else, and what I've swapped them out for.
Subscribe to my channel for more honest user reviews and more.
#TECShocks #TECShocksReview #TECRearShocks
Check out Let us Live for all your motorcycle inspired apparel at www.letuslive.co.uk
After a year or so of ownership I realized how poor the original shocks were and I "invested" in a pair of Ohlins (without reservoir). Although not fully adjustable they dramatically improved the ride, they were totally worth it. I hope the new ones will turn out just as great for you!!
Thanks for sharing… my new fox shocks arrived today and I can’t wait to get them on the bike and see how much of a difference they make over the tec shocks. Thanks for sharing this 👌👍
I've had a couple of pairs for old classic bikes, very basic, bottom of the range shocks for bottom of the range price. Hagon are much better value, and will tailor spring to suit your weight, although don't look as stylish.With your relatively light weight it's worth trying Hagon as they will fit lighter springs.
Nice review btw, lots of info and fair
Thank you Trevor for your comments very helpful. I have already purchased the fox shocks, but I think the Hagons would have been good enough and at a better price. Review to be done on these yet 👍 thanks for all your helpful and kind comments
I'm sure you'll be happy with the Fox shocks Toni. I fitted them on my Street Twin as soon as I bought the bike. This was purely based upon reviews online stating how they transform the bikes handling and knowing I'm often a spirited rider I thought it would only improve a great bike. I have no complaints at all about them other than the price, but you do get what you pay for.
One thing to note, is that I told my insurance I changed the suspension, and they had to refer this to the underwriter for approval as it was classed as a 'performance upgrade'. Yes on a 64bhp bike.... So getting insurance quotes is a pain as you have to speak to them rather than getting an online quote.
Hi davebethell1. Thanks so much for sharing. I can’t wait to fit the shocks and give them a test ride! Thanks too for the heads up on the insurance info. Very handy thank you 😊
stumbled on you video when researching tec shock , this was the best review i have found. love the straight forwarded honesty. great stuff.
Hey Chay. Thanks so much that’s really lovely of you to take the time to leave the comment. Thanks so much and glad you found it helpful 👍
You'll love the Fox shocks, I had them on my street twin, I've now got a Speed Twin 1200 with YSS shocks, such a shame that Triumph don't have a factory shock upgrade package, but that's life I guess, btw I baught the shoei ex zero on your recommendation and I absolutely love it, especially since the cold wind while riding isn't really a thin down here in Australia... lol.
Love your honest, no bullshit approach to reviews 👌
Hey @jeremybyth7991… yes I remember the comment from Aus… so glad your loving the ex zero! I was also looking at a speed twin funny enough as something with a little more oomph but I can’t justify having 2 bikes again lol…. Thank you for the heads up on the fox shocks… can’t wait to get them fitted this weekend and give them a try ! Again thank you for the kind words really appreciated 👍
Spot on review , one thing progressive spring works by bottom of spring being softer and top loops behind right and then stiffer.
Many thanks for your kind words. I did read somewhere that the tighter part of the spring takes the brunt first, but logically the more open the spring the less stiff so you would imagine this takes the brunt first, so you may be correct Alan (that’s what my logic tells me) but I went with what I read, but I think you could well be right 👍, thanks for sharing.
thanks for your straight forward review i have a 2016 t120 how triumph get away with such poor suspension which spoils an otherwise great bike with the state of potholed roads we all need good suspension i did put a set of new hagons on my old BSA super rocket and i must admit that was a great improvement over the old shocks which i think were girling .hagon will take weight into consideration putting your shocks together for around 230 plus VAT
Hi Richard. Many thanks for your words of support and the interesting comments on your Hagons. Very helpful thanks for sharing 👍
What an excellent video with truly useful info, especially the comments, thanks for sharing 👍🙏
Thank you Hqmpest. That’s very kind of you to say so and to take the time to leave you comments. Thank you very much appreciated 👍
Nobody's anything like you Toni, you're a one off.
Great review as always. When you fit the Fox shocks I would hang on to the tec efforts in case you trade in your bike so you can swap them over again. I understand the Fox ones cost around £700.😖
Thanks David. I don’t intend selling the bike, I’ve done too much too it at this point, but if I ever did I have the originals. I’d have no intention of selling it with such an expensive accessory.
Great review, exactly what I needed. Was looking at options for my RE GT 650 and the price range is all over the place. YSS might be pearls before swine for me but I also don’t want something that’s not quality. Cheers
GT 650 lovely bike. Yes prices can vary hugely. It depends if you want the piggy back or just a good shock. I’ve opted for the foxes but they are super expensive and you don’t really need that much of a shock for the bike (street twin). I wanted the piggy back so went for them, but I think performance wise the hagon would be plenty good 👍
Great video Toni. Your bike looks really nice stay safe looking forward to more videos 🇬🇧 👍
Thank you Richard 🙏. Couple
If more videos in the pipeline coming up
Yes I agree with you totally Toni. I have these on my Triumph America for that same reason that the OEM Shock are well crap. Problem with these TEC Bike shocks is that the spring is rated for riders weighing 85Kg plus. I couldn't even get any static sag with these shocks and rider sag was a few mm. Option I'm in processes with is purchasing some softer springs from YSS. They have springs that are 5kg/mm which is what you want that will fit these TEC Shocks. Waiting for them to be delivered and will update how that goes.
Hi martin. Yea I opted in the end for some fox replacement shocks and these were quite expensive but have a lot of range in them when it comes to rider set up and performance, probably more than I need for the triumph to be honest. I’d be very interested to hear how the yss shocks perform!
Can’t wait for the next one
It’s a nail biting wait I know! 🤣
Nice bike Toni love the blackout look. I rode the Triumph Bobber last year and that had an abysmal rear shock which put me right off it.
Hi Matt. Yes the street twin had terrible shocks on the original bike, one blip of the throttle and the bike lifted at the front and dumped all the weight on the rear, really not great. The new fox shocks I’ve just fitted (review to be done ) are far better, but for the price maybe a little overkill for the bike. Nevertheless there are some good aftermarket options but it’s annoying that you ‘have’ to upgrade, rather than upgrading because you’d maybe like to, it’s more a case of necessity. Thanks for sharing. I’d be interested to ride the bobber. Looks amazing, interesting you mentioned the same shock issue. Thanks for sharing 👍😊
@@ToniReviews Yeah I know exactly what you mean. Looking forward to the Fox review. I now have a Honda CB1300 and absolutely love it. it's a torque beast yet so planted and comfy. Best bike I've owned over the many years of riding.
Well I'm glad the algorithm showed me your Maeving review, because I wouldn't have seen this, and would probably have bought the TECs as a replacement for the OEM shocks on my Street Scrambler.
I'd be really interested in your thoughts on the Foxes, especially for the mean streets of London with all their potholes.
Hi @AlexOnABoat, Well I'm glad you stiumbled upon the video and thats pointed you towards some of muy other vids :) . Yes I had the TEC shocks on the bike for quite a while. I must say I loved the shock, but the ride especially long distances, just left you using your legs to absorb shocks in the roads as they were seriously hard. They are pretty low end, but then thats also reflecxted in thge price. Ive gone for a super expensive set of Fox shocks now, but I think 1/2 the price the Hagons would have been just as good. Thanks for watching and engaging. Safe riding out there !
So in short. I bought the FOX shocks at £550 from a shop in Italy- I think RRP they retail at £700. Lovely shocks although you only going to use them on mid range for comfort and performance balance as super hard is way to hard, and super soft is still relatively stiff but with a good amount of comfort. If you want the piggy back (as I did for aesthetics ), then the Fox are a great option, but performance wise i think something like the hagon shocks would be just as good for something like a street scrambler ./ street twin. Hope this helps
If you are anywhere near Essex the British opwners club gathering in Blackmore village is on May 12th , its a busy event
Hi @paththewoodboy thanks 🙏 I’ll take a look at that, thanks for sharing
Yeah i bought these shocks for my 2015 Triumph Scrambler and i've seen pictures of these guys actually snapping on people, but then i've also heard good things about them on the forums and fb groups, so it's kind of a polarizing shock option but personally i'm gonna keep them on for a bit longer and go with some Ohlin's Piggy Back Shocks later this summer hopefully... as expensive as they are....
Yes I’m
In the same opinion as you. I got on ok with them, a little stiff but they have been a good shock, however I do think the build quality is questionable which is why so many people have had issues, and it seems a little bit of luck of the draw with them. I’ve got the new fox shocks on now, you can definitely feel the difference a lot more of an all round ride. Let me know how you find the new ohlins. 👍
I put a set on my RE Interceptor that I've turned into a scrambler. It has only seen dirt roads since the install and while they are way better then stock, they are a bit stiff. I have not bothered to try adjusting them yet since my son rides the bike more then me, but I might give it a go this weekend and see how they do.
Hi Keith. Yes they are very very stiff, and having had them on my bike for over 3 years they never bedded in in that time either. My springs were literally all the way extended too so not sure how much more adjustment you’ll get out of them. Keep me informed how you get on 👍
I use Hagons £200 ish and I can feel the road , unlike the originals . I got mine with a compromise spring , mid way between solo and my wife as pillion
Thanks for sharing! Very helpful information 👍
Hello Toni Reviews, to my mind and judging from the one Kawasaki, and the several Hondas, the two Genuine Fly Wings that I've owned. The springs on your rear shocks are inverted. The reason being is the narrow spreading of the spring compress then binds first. You should notice that that is happening near one's thigh. It is better to have the wider spread portion of the spring at the top of the shock. From your description it sounds as though you are needing a lighter weight spring. Also, from what you describe I might like your spring rate just fine. I prefer stiffer.
Hi.that is a very detailed response and far above my technical knowledge so thanks for sharing. These springs from tec were simple bolt on jobs with various spacers and washers so the angle etc simply discarded by tec. But this is very interesting and thanks so much for this
@@ToniReviews You are welcome, other riders have recommended Y.S.S. and the expensive Ohlins. I used to use Konis and really liked those. I no longer think that they are in business.
Kept smelling something burnt the other day and sure enough, my left tec shock was leaking on exhaust. 😢. Only 500 or so miles. The same day I stiffened up the dampener a few clicks. I guess it didn’t like it. Gonna give the progressive 490 a try.
Wow… 😳 that’s really annoying! Thanks so much for sharing, always good to get a wide range of experiences so people in here can make an informed decision! Thanks
Hi Toni, personally I shall not get the TEC shocks. Anyway I’ve got YSS-GTop fully adjustable. Truly outstanding. Also Ohlins black would be awesome I think. Fox shocks are also pretty damn good.
When I bought my blacked out T120 I got a high quality ceramic coating put on and then you can just use a PH neutral shampoo and do a gentle wash.
Hope all is going well with other aspects of your bike.
Cheers.
Hi John. Agreed the tec shocks are a pretty basic option, but I must say they did a good job on faster roads, it was just a pain on the longer journeys. Sounds like a great option you went for on the yss shocks nd the ceramic coating sounds like a nice touch. I have already purchased the fox shocks, but your option sounds like a good alternative. Out of interest how much did the ceramic coating cost? Ps thanks for the tips on the shampoo too. My first ever video on here was a rant about why I wouldn’t use muc off on my bike, as it stripped the shine from my tec shocks.
@@ToniReviews I believe and also according to Triumph motorcycles Fox shocks are very high quality. Will be interesting what your long term review on Fox shocks brings. I went to Penrose OCD detailers the best I believe in Auckland. I think I paid over the top. 600 kiwi dollars. On Matt paint you can apply up to a 3 year ceramic coating. No more as it will be too potent. If it’s gloss you can apply a 3 year and above. Or you can do it yourself to cut costs. Just don’t apply it to the black exhausts, lol. Heat is a no go. Sorry to confuse you with too much info. Overload.
We live and learn. Sorry to hear what muc-off did. Mine is the Gold Line Matt Black series. Mine is the T120.
Cheers.
I have these on my SS 900 for about a year. Mine are lowering shocks, about an inch shorter. I have 9 turns on them to be able to ride by myself and stay off the bump stop most of the time, with full dampening. I know I couldn't take a pillion with them. TEC used same stock spring rate for less suspension travel, a bit of a bad call. Keeping my eyes open for some used Sportster rear coil overs to swipe the springs from, possibly some other heavier bike. Bottoming out sucks, gimme a stiffer spring. A stiffer spring is still better than a compressed spine.
lol... thanks for sharinng... I totally agree on the spring comment.... no one likes a compressed spine ride....on bumpy roads i used to ride moto X style fully elevated on the pegs. good luck with the search!
Great video buddy. How long did they take to arrive 🤔
The tec shocks literally arrived in a couple of days. Very prompt delivery although I know they don’t do the black shocks anymore
@ToniReviews thanks for the fast reply. I ordered some today for my honda cb500, so I was mainly looking for videos regarding the quality and yours answered that 👍👍
Subscribed
Oh thanks 👍 I hope you enjoy the channel 😊
they dont make lighter weight spring rates?
Not 100% sure what you’re asking but, they have a progressive spring on them which is about it and the length can be adjusted slightly. Hope this helps
I change my original shocks after 2000 miles,and fitted k-tec shocks and K-tec fork springs ,I think any shock would be better than the original.
Thanks for sharing ! Very informative
Can I use these shocks for more comfortable ride ? My main purpose is touring on any type of road that are full of gravel are these any comfortable comparing to stock ? Please help
Thanks in advance
Hi. These shocks are not comfortable! They are very stiff and way stiffer than the original. These are not a good shock for comfort
Then what would you recommend for comfart?
have you done more merlin jackets
Hi T.M no unfortunately I haven’t. I purchased the Merling Yoxhall in a small but it was way to big for me , which is when I found my current jacket. It’s still going strong and I’m about to give it a clean and a reward, but other than that no I haven’t tried any other of the Merlin range at this point. Hope this helps 👍
Hi Toni. Arnt those Tec items serviceable?
Yes they are, but for the cost of getting them serviced, you’re better off getting a brand new pair. Plus tec couldn’t offer their spare parts for this item at the time….. and by that time I’d already set my sights on the fox 🦊
Buy Hagon. Specialists in the production of shocks. Quality British 🇬🇧 manufacturing
Have a look at "dirty garage guy " here on CZcams.
He's cut a set of these TEC shocks in half, and to be honest they are shocking. The reservoir is basically useless, and they are not serviceable, hence why TEC don't supply rebuild kits.
Yes that’s the video I was referring to. To be fair it is a functioning reservoir. When I spoke to tec they seemed to point towards the fact they are serviceable, however they’ve now lost the supplier of the item hence why they were unable to supply the black shock or any parts. However having ridden these for 3 and a bit years, for the price I don’t think they’re too bad. A vast improvement over the originalS that’s for sure, although very very stiff. 👍
Have u tried the race tech fork springs i just ordered a set for my 2011 T100
Hi todd are you talking about the tec front springs? If so then no I haven’t tried these although I was looking at purchasing a set of front fork springs, however I was looking at a different set than the tecs, just because the quality on the rear shocks wasn’t fantastic which put me of changing the front, but if your putting a set on I’d be very interested in how you get on with them please let me know how you go!
I fitted them to my T120 and they bedded in ok, but then I'm a fat bastard.
Hi… blimey mine never budged an inch, they were rock solid from day one. I do however notice the difference now I’ve fitted the fox.a lot more comfortable with the ability to dial it in if needed. Thanks for sharing , interesting to see they did bed in for someone 👍
Before even watching this video it's not """The TRUTH about TEC Gas Shocks""" it's just your take on them!
Yep of course! It’s about trying to give as rounded a view to help people make a judgement and not a biased opinion from a seller, or paid promotion, but of course all views are subjective