As I see, it after experiencing these sketchy shocks that really are not supported well, I would opt for a USA based manufacturer with a Limited Lifetime Warranty than a 2-year option from an Italian maker. The reason is that you would conceivably have to send a defective shock(s) back to Italy and the warranty period is somewhat short. The Pro-Shock being US-based at least gives a person and easier possibility of interacting with an American firm that might be able to service a defective shock(s) more quickly and certainly for a reportedly longer period of time. A couple of hundred bucks will seem like small change if 2.5 years out, the Italian shock or shocks give up the ghost. Just my two cents worth on the subject. Not trying to humbug those of you that have decided on the Bitumo's.
Bitubo has a large, well established, warranty facility in the USA. Nothing needs to go back to Italy.
Bitubo is a huge name outside the Harley market. In the racing circuit, a large % of the winning teams use Bitubo shocks. So they have a big following with the sport bike riders.
That said, what Roger says below, about buying USA, is a significant factor to consider, along with the Warranty.
:Agree: Bob, my sentiments exactly! This was my comments to Kevin when I originally ordered my shocks from Pro-Action!! USA, USA, USA!!!
epper:
Roger
Roger, Trust me, I am not xenophobic:AGGHH: However, the Bitumo source which is Italy, is part of the EU that is experiencing some pretty heavy-duty economic problems. Being across the pond and in a region that is economically unstable, it just does not seem as advantageous to do business there when you can use USA-based vendors that will likely have a better shot at sustainability moving forward. Of course, the Limited Lifetime warranty is only as good as the solvency of the USA company but I suspect that Kevin did his homework in not only looking at performance of the Pro-Action shocks but also likely thought about the long-term viability or reputation of the company in deciding to offer their products for sale?
The thing that I wonder about is how much I would miss the adjustability via a simple air pump of my current mediocre OEM shocks? Kevin suggested that the new shocks seem to have a significant bandwidth in terms of different loads so that may not be much of an issue?
As noted in our report on
Rear Shocks,
"
You may ask, why don't we carry just the Bitubo since the ride quality is the same and it is less expensive. Simple answer, many folks will pay more for something Made in The USA, and/or that has a Lifetime Warranty."
The other thing to be aware of, with the recent election, the price advantage of the Bitubo shocks may go away, or become less. Time will tell.
Regarding adjust-ability...as you know, Mary and I ride a LOT. We're right around the 100,000 mile mark on Tri-Glides, many of those miles on not great roads. lol That is why we developed the MacAir (see it
HERE) With it, we were able to have the very best ride with the stock shocks, all the time, with simple fingertip control as the load or road quality changed. It also doubles as a pump for tires.
We now have well over 10,000 miles riding with the PA & Bitubo shocks. We have 3 different load weights that we ride with.
200 solo
340 2-up
490 2-up and loaded for a trip
I have the shocks adjusted so that it is plushest when 2 up and loaded.
When I am solo, or 2 up without a load, it is not as plush a ride, but it is still a better ride than with the air shocks ideally adjusted.
If there were a greater disparity between solo and 2 up loaded, and the adjustment of the shocks was set for the best at 2 up and loaded, then it is possible that the solo ride quality might not be quite as good as the air shocks, if they were adjusted to the "sweet spot".
The last thing to be aware of when looking at how well the rear shocks feel (or don't feel)...It is amazing how much the front suspension can make the rear suspension feel better or worse!
See report on front Suspension testing
HERE.
Kevin