Regarding the hagons I have seen shattered springs (Siberia) and broken body (Morocco) at the UK 2007 HU meeting 4 travelers had stories of broken Hagon Shocks. One traveler had a replacement fail on the same trip. As Bob said their back up is by all accounts good.

Now what to choose is the BIG question. Do a search on the HUBB and you will find plenty of info. Talk to suppliers and tell them what you are looking for.
Ask the same question of riders who have done the trip you are planning.

A lot of shock manufactures are very sports orientated, but durability is high on your list. The Japanese OEM shocks rarely fail but they are not the best in performance. If your shock is original the seals have most likely failed because of age. If was riding solo I would put an OEM shock on the list. OEM shocks are not always repairable

All the WP shocks (4) and forks (1) I have used have leaked oil between 8,000 to 20,000 miles.

A leaking shock is not normally a show stopper and you could carry a repair kit with you or find someone to rebuild it. I would choose a good brand, low tech, rebuildable emulsion RSU.

A couple of manufacturers to have a look at.

Technoflex suspension technology

Wilbers Products GmbH - Die Fahrwerksmanufaktur!

Info
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...rica-twin-8770
check out your bike on here
Adventure Motorcycling - Trip Reports

let us know what you decide.

Steve

Very good advice!

As you can see from the pic below...I busted my rear shock in the Altai and rode all of Mongolia on the spring...your arse won't forgive you for this but you will get there. Just watch out for the leak onto your brake disc...as that is the brake you will need off-road.

dscn7710.jpg


I busted my rear OEM in Turkmenistan and finally replaced it with a YSS in Kyrgyzstan but then replaced it again in UB(mongolia)...I initially forgot to tell my shock supplier the weight, etc I was quoting him was in kgs and not pounds...
As you can read from my experience, proper shock set-up is critical in performance so make sure the guys selling you the unit knows what he's up to. Mine did and I'm a happy camper.

Bottom line, for the price...YSS is a compelling alternative as you will eventually have to rebuild any aftermarket shock.

__________________
edde
93 BMW K75s
www.motoedde.com

I have a hagon rear shock on the xt660, replsced the oem which had a poor rep. Cost me £100...see how it goes...will have to dhl the oem one if it blows!

__________________
Thanks
Joe