YSS Self Adjusting Gas Shocks with Piggyback Reservoirs. 36mm 50 micron steel bore for the RG362 twinshocks and 45mm for the monoshock, with radial sintered pistons. Hardened shafts, low=friction long-life seal blocks with bearings and bushes or clevis/ fork to suit each bike model. Damping and spring rates are model specific.

The hi and low compression damping adjusters allow control of how fast the shock reacts to a compressive force (eg a raised bump in the road or track surface), allowing a balance between the speed of wheel and suspension movements, but with a built-in over-ride to ensure that a sudden major bump doesn't cause hydraulic lock and throw the rider upwards. The rebound damping adjuster controls the rate of recovery after compression. Too much rebound and the bike may wallow; too little and the shock may not recover before the next compression, risking loss of control.

All models have threaded preload adjustment, and most have adjustable damper length (normally +/- 5mm)

All ABE/TUV approved and all with a full 2-year warranty. Built with the latest CNC technology, YSS shocks look and feel real quality pieces, and good results from their sponsored race teams mean that these performance shocks should be taken seriously despite their lower than expected prices

Nitron are not only one of the world’s leading designers and manufacturers of race suspension (for both bikes and cars) - they are also British! Their products are all developed for racing use, and even their road bike shocks use all the same technology and parts as the full race spec units. The use of high grade aluminium and titanium results in lightweight but strong shocks that are also well protected against corrosion.

The R3 Race Twinshocks shocks are full-spec piggyback units. The dampers are 35mm single tube units, with ultra low friction internals to further improve responsiveness, and 3 levels of damping adjustment to ensure the bike’s handling can be set up to match track conditions: 24-click rebound, 16-click high-speed compression and 18-click low-speed compression. Continuous preload adjustment and also adjustable length (for most models) are incorporated.

Nitron's monshocks are real race winners. The R3 shock has a full range of adjustments: preload, 24 clicks of rebound adjustment, 16 clicks of high speed compression damping and the same for low speed compression damping, plus adjustable length (for most bikes). It has the same 40mm piston and 14mm piston rod as the R1 and R2 shocks.

The Race Pro shocks takes this excellent performance to a TT-winning level: By incorporating their class leading 46mm piston and ultra-strong 16mm piston rod, the Race Pro shock demonstrates outstanding levels of performance, damping control and adjustment. Piggyback, pistol or remote reservoir allows quick and simple independent adjustment of rebound and fast and slow compression damping. The fade resistance properties of the large piston and use of highest grade materials ensure that the Race Pro is a proven TT and Superbike winner.

Nitron design their shocks to suit individual bikes, and recommend the best reservoir configuration for each bike. As a result, prices vary - ask for a quote for your bike.

If you don't like the factory style turquoise, the shocks can also be ordered in classic or all-black styles to suit your bike. All Nitron shocks are custom built, valved and sprung to suit your weight and riding requirements. One unique feature is optional 20mm longer end eyes are available if required. Delivery is normally around 10 days.

Italian firm Bitubo began making industrial shocks back in 1963, and moved into motorcycle race suspension from 1975, winning world titles within a few years. Since then they have continually developed their race winning products - the latest is the XXF31 shock. The XXF31 has an all aluminium body to minimise weight, and state of the art internals for improving the damping coefficient and increasing the stability at high temperature. The 14mm rod provides steady support, while the piston has been slimmed in diameter to 30mm to reduces the volume of fluid, and hence lower inertial forces, which increses controllability of the shock's movement. In addition, unlike some makes of shock all the adjusters are located near the top of the shock.

XXF is supplied with the following adjustments: - Low speed compression in 24 clicks - High speed compression in 20 clicks - Rebound in 24 clicks - Hydraulic spring preload range 12mm (in 24 clicks) - Adjustable length up to 8 mm, easy to adjust with the supplied knob

ADJUSTMENT VALVES KIT: XXF shock absorbers can be easily and quickly modified by replacing the XD compression valve and XS rebound valve. The supplied set-up is labelled on the shock body. Bitubo Racing department has created specific set-ups for several bikes developed with the world champion teams and their riders, now available to you, the enthusiast, with specific damping coefficients. Complete valve kits in single or double speed are available, with their performance graphs. The shock is fully rebuildable.

German company Wilbers are one of the largest shock manufacturers in the world despite making only very high quality (and therefore not cheap) shocks. They are also one of the few manufacturers who extend their warranty beyond 2 years - Wilbers shocks are warranted for 5 years, although you need to have them serviced after 2 years to activate the extended period.

The Wilbers twinshock range is quite varied, and for race bikes has various options. The 632 and 633 series twinshocks are the mainstream options, but for some bikes there are other options including different reservoir configurations. The 632/633 shocks all have 36mm pistons, but there are 640 series race shocks with bigger 46mm pistons at around £1400/pair. Then there’s the 632 series which are piggyback shocks and add compression damping adjustability. Plus for track day use we’d recommend the 633 series, which allow separate high-speed and low-speed compression damping adjustment

There are various bike-specific configurations in the 642/643 series for monoshock bikes, with prices ranging from £767 to around £900.

All shocks have true variable rated springs rather than simple progressives, which helps to optimise performance under variable road conditions. And uniquely you can specify the spring colour. Standard options are Blue Line, which have blue springs and red/blue coloured adjusters or Black Line which have black springs and silver adjusters. But for an extra charge you can select almost any colour, and there’s a handy page on Wilber’s website which shows how the many available colour options will look. See it at http://www.wilbers.de/ral.php.

All Wilbers shocks have continuously variable preload adjustment and self-aligning bearings.

Wilbers build their shocks to order in Germany, to suit rider weight and riding style, and all are of course fully rebuildable. Expect around 3 weeks from the day the of order to delivery.