I think my next big purchase for this bike has been decided for me on my ride home tonight. I am pretty sure I managed to bottom out the rear suspension. Admittedly, I was going 50mph and it was a pretty good sized hump over the little bridge I crossed, but by no means did I get anywhere near airborne or some other such nonsense. The rear shocks progressive spring rate and dampening leave a lot to be desired in my eyes. It's not terrible, but without any preload adjustment, there is too much sag. They rate these bikes to have a 330-350lb capacity, and while I am a big guy, I could toss my touring bags on the bike with myself and still not approach that max weight, and I think it would struggle.
Thus, this leaves me with trying to find a good option for a rear shock that still has the travel, but with at least preload adjustment. I have 4 possibilities in mind in order of price.
First. It's 7mm shorter than the Hawk unit, so a minimal lowering in rear ride height. No rebound adjustment, just preload. Less than 60 bucks shipped though, and a linear spring.
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/BSE-...460.0.0.MKyonn
Next. Another Aliexpress found product. Specifically the 325mm unit - 5mm longer than stock. Kind of a steep price for what it is, about double the price of the first one, and who knows how well the rebound adjustment actually works, or if it will last at all. It will also require making some spacers for the lower shock mount for sure.
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/KEOG...69b0c700&tpp=1
Third option, one I have considered a lot, is a TT250 unit. Only has preload adjustment, but unlike the previous 2 options it will likely bolt up to the Hawk and work without any rear kerfuffle. Its about $70 more than the previous shock I linked at $188 Though.
Fourth option, and obviously the best option, but also the most expensive, is a custom made shock through YSS. A Z302 TR unit for the price of $279. Spring rates, mounting eyelets are pretty much whatever I tell them. 60 position rebound adjustment, and I can order it in just about any length I want from 240-360mm. I just ain't sure if I want to invest that much into it either.
It's not a huge deal, because outside of normal me only riding the rear does fine. I never felt out of control at all. What I would love to find is more specific information on the TT250 rear shock length, because for the price it seems like the best option. I mainly want that preload adjustability. Obviously rebound adjustability would be nice, but not a prerequisite either. I may just say screw it and try the first linked one since it's so cheap.