How about a multi-link rear shock setup, like many motorcycles use? Sounds good, having an increasing resistance with movement of a linear shock? That's what the new 2017 Tmax has; guess where they got the idea?

From the fine folks at Zeus Lightning in Taiwan. Here is their 2015 prototype for the Tmax 530: ...and the finished product with an Ohlins shock: ...and installed on a Tmax: This is them:

Gosh that looks expensive!!

It looks expensive now but after a few months of UK winter salt and grime it would look much more affordable!
I'll stick to the standard shrouded item. Much more suited to our climate and I can save the (let's guess) £4-£500 in case I have to buy something I really need . ..
But thanks Sku-Tor!

2wheelover51 wrote: I can save the (let's guess) £4-£500 in case I have to buy something I really need . ..

Bet its twice that!! So that's another £500 you've saved!

Don't they just use a variable rate spring in the original shock?
Get rid of a few bearings or pins and bushes that can rust, wear and seize...

From what I understand the standard shock is oleopneumatic (the spring is air, with the usual oil damping)
(Don't think that spellings right though!) But I could be wrong...

Looks great and will easily cost £1000 notes great for track days etc .Its a shame to hide such a pretty thing under a bike . With regards to shock costs you can get a wilbers built to your weight and usage for £400 notes or a shock factory unit built to your weight and usage plus it has full adjustability for £350 ish ( uses ohlins springs ) and many more out there . if your after plush with no springs ect there's quite a few four ales style shocks available now for around £500 ,my m8 has them on his bmw very nice indeed and very easy to adjust if needed . Cheers Skutorr a nice find

Thanks for enlightening us Meldrew. I was beginning to wonder about that myself.

looks stunning bet it costs an arm and a leg.

Specifically: 4 Porters...