ShockTube Shock Absorber Cover - Review
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The ShockTube is one of those niche products that you are surprised no-one has thought of yet and is so simple that you wonder why, the premise is simple in that it covers your rear damper from road spray and forgoes the need to add an often pricey hugger to your bike.
Initial Thoughts
Ok so this is an odd one really, I dont know what to classify the ShockTube as - is it a bodywork mod or classed as a cover or storage item? This is one product that does not fit into any category quite simply because on a motorcycle it is a new idea and a pretty good one too. This simple device was developed by Richard Utin who spotted a gap in the market with people who do not want the expense and/or hassle of fitting an aftermarket hugger or indeed for those wanting to keep a racing style to their back end, it comprises of a neoprene wrap that velcros snugly around your rear shock absorber and keeps out any unwanted road spray and crud.
Construction
Having tried this device on two bikes I can say that ordinarily it is a cinch to fit, the first bike created a little bit of a problem as the gap between the shock and swingarm was too tight to slot straight through, it was a fiddle to get on in both cases with my fat fingers but in terms of simplicity you just wrap turn and seal up so it will suit any level of expertise! Styling wise it is pretty subtle actually and only the bold screen printed graphic would give away that something is different with the rear suspension, it really is just a tube - for your shock.
On to the really important part and as it has been classed as a cover we needed to test it actually does its job, well for the most part it keeps the major road grime and wet stuff out, you might still get a bit of crud gets through on seriously bad days and when you get that post snow slushy stuff left behind but en-large it does exactly what you would expect it to do. When you weight up the pros and cons of the product in comparison to a hugger there is no real contest - the only decision is whether you like the look of it instead of a hugger, personally I have it on as well.
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Conclusion
A real gem of a product, cheap cheerful and does its job incredibly well. Its not just for road bikes too as this nifty little product has been fitted to IOM race bikes - weight saving compared to a hugger? loads...
Fitting the ShockTube is simple and other than a bit of fiddling about in tight spaces the instructions cover everything needed, it comes with plenty of cable ties to get a secure fit too.
When it comes to value for money there is no real argument, for the sake of a few pounds you get a product that will vastly increase the longevity of your rear shock and save you having unsightly pits and rust - if you already have a bit of wear on your shock it covers nicely and helps tidy up your back end.
Recommended!
User reviews
Average user rating from: 4 user(s)
bleddy awesome!!!!!
ohh where do i start,,, shock tube has changed my life, i have changed my rear shock many times before i met shock tube. now i dont worry about my shock. my rear end is fully protected. Bleddy AWESOME!!!
Triumph Tiger 1050 2008
I would like to recommend the Shocktube product as I have been using mine for over 2 years now.
It has been used in all weather conditions rain, snow, mud, salt you name it, my bike has been through it! and in all that time its never disappointed.
I even removed it 2009 so as to give my bike a deep clean, and was very pleased to find the shock to be in as new condition, wow!!
A great product well made, and defiantly does what it sets out to do, fully protect my bikes rear shock.
Its really refreshing to find a product that is designed to do such a specific job, with so little fuss, but is proven to be so effective.
Well done Shocktube.
Shocktube
lovedit. I'm glad to say I was one of the first in the country to have shocktube installed to my brand new KTM Superduke. Never looked back, it got a lot of attention and has worked a treat keeping the shock like new through two full years of riding. Thoroughly recommend it , and wouldn't ride without one!
Yamaha R6
I had one fitted to my Yamaha R6 2000 Reg.
I fitted it back in 2008.
I am an all weather rider, so I was hoping it would help to keep all the road salt etc, off my shock.
I removed it after the 2009 winter when I treated my bike to a good deep clean, and found my shock to be in perfect condition! it really works!
There cant be many motorcycle products out there that are so simple, yet do the job so well.
It came with good instructions, and as my fingers are small it was easy to fit.
I will be getting a new Yamaha MTo3 sometime this year, and will be placing my order with R&G for another Shocktube.
Highly Recommended.
