Topic: 750F shocks on a 350F, will it work ?

[72_350_FOUR]

Im looking at putting 750F shocks on my 350F.  they look like they will fit. 2 resons.  1. I want to raise the back end about an inch which these will do, and  2. Im 6ft. 220 lbs, so thats the other reason.   Any reason not to do this?  such as it will effect the handling etc... ? Anyone tried this beofe with or without success ?

[banzaibob]

Go for it.  The result of jacking up the rear end (on paper) an inch means that straight line stability will be (very) slightly different and it will turn a little sharper.  If this is a problem get a rear tire with a shorter profile or a front tire with a taller one. 

[72_350_FOUR]

Nice!  thanks for the quick reply...   

[Geeto67]

Im 6ft. 220 lbs, so thats the other reason. 

buy a bigger bike. seriously, bikes are not always a one size fits all kind of deal. You can mod them within reason but let's be honest, you are probably better served with just a bigger physical bike.

1 inch should not make a big difference, but make sure you look at your chain. Some people fit taller shocks and don't realize they need to run the chain looser because when you jack the rear up you shorten the wheelbase slighly, however as the swingarm works through it's travel it will tighten up as it gets closer to parallel with the ground. The common mistake is to set the chain to factory tension with the back jacked up and then when you go over a bump and the rear compresses the chain gets streched too tight. Ideally set the chain tension at the maximum wheelbase length (usually swingarm parallel to the ground) or at least with the stock shocks in place and then install the new ones.

[72_350_FOUR]

ok good info thanks Geeto67, i see your in Cowtown also....   

[Geeto67]

yeah just moved here from Brooklyn. If you ever need any help IRL I'm around, just ping me. Only brought the cb750 and the Ducati and a small amount of tools but I'm always happy to help.

If you aren't a member of the Columbus Vinmoto Google Group you should sign up. Lots of knowledgeable and helpful people on there.

I learned the hard way about the chain - I ran 14.5" shocks on the back of my GS750 (stock is 13") and set the chain to specs with the bike unladen and jacked up in the back - first big bump while WFO in 1st gear and that chain let go. Learned a hard lesson that day and was lucky it didn't crack the cases (it snapped at the counter sprocket so no metal whip effect).
From then on when I had to set the chain tension I just compressed the rear with ratchet straps across the frame. When it was loose it made a terrible racket but I put 10K miles on that chain without a single issue. I also oiled it after every ride.