Topic: Rear Shock Absorber Inquiry

[spiritof67]

I have used Koni/Ikons since the 1970's on CB750s. Over the years I've seen any number of others come and go (Red Wing, Marzocchi, Marubeni, S&W, Mulholland, etc.) but the standard seems to have been set a long time ago by a shock with a steel body and good adjustability. Short of having to create a set of Ohlins, which I won't do, what are the recommended rear shocks for the standard clevis-bottom CB750 swing arm?

Spirit

[Doctor_D]

I'm very happy with every shock I've purchased from Works Performance.  They offer many different styles and all are custom made for individual applications.  Others on the board like YSS.  Hagons are a fine budget-oriented choice.  Progressive Suspension are chunky looking, but like Hagons provide good value for the dollar.

[spiritof67]

YSS makes a clevis-bottom shock for the CB750?

Spirit

[Leino]

YSS makes a clevis-bottom shock for the CB750?

Spirit

Yes.

[Tintop]

YSS makes a clevis-bottom shock for the CB750?

Spirit

Yes.

+1  I used a pair on my 550, you can get them in a variety of lengths.

[spiritof67]

Which models have been used by posters? The attached-reservoir ones or the single bodies?

Spirit

[Tintop]

I used the gas ones without the external reservior, but with the threaded preload adjust.  Just prefered the more traditional look.  Photo mounted -

[MCRider]

Very cool TinTop!

[Tintop]

One other feature of the YSS's, they are length adjustable.  The bottom clevis can be adjusted to add up to 10mm.

[Sam Green Racing]

Spirit, Juha Leino used a YSS shock on his Suzuki drag bike for the first time last weekend.
I know it's for a different application but he really does rate them.

http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=107215.0

Sam.

[turboguzzi]

some folks around here are happy with these

http://www.ammortizzatori.net/kf6.htm

[Leino]

One other feature of the YSS's, they are length adjustable.  The bottom clevis can be adjusted to add up to 10mm.

This feature can be installed on 290mm and longer shocks.

[spiritof67]

Turboguzzi: Si, per' qui nomme gli ammortizzatori?

Spirit

[spiritof67]

I'm interested in why not one person said anything about Progressives. They seem to have the largest variety of CB750 SOHC shocks available, but nobody said a word about them. I've actually seen more about Ikon/Konis than them. Why? Also, who has the best Stateside prices for the YSS's?

Spirit

[MCRider]

I'm interested in why not one person said anything about Progressives. They seem to have the largest variety of CB750 SOHC shocks available, but nobody said a word about them. I've actually seen more about Ikon/Konis than them. Why? Also, who has the best Stateside prices for the YSS's?

Spirit

Progressives are fine and used to be the first rec. i think we've all gotten bored and go with more exotic names.

[Retro Rocket]

I'm interested in why not one person said anything about Progressives. They seem to have the largest variety of CB750 SOHC shocks available, but nobody said a word about them. I've actually seen more about Ikon/Konis than them. Why? Also, who has the best Stateside prices for the YSS's?

Spirit

From what i have been told about progressive shocks you get what you pay for, most are fine for the average rider but not great as a performance shock. {fade quickly when pushed} I generally check out what racers use, i know plenty of guys that have used Ikon {Koni's} a couple with Hagons, some with Marzocchi's {spelling?}, S&W, and from reading on the forum , YSS, ohlins and more, i am well over spending money to be a guinea pig for some "flash" shocks, i would rather go on a more proven method, usually works out cheaper too....

[spiritof67]

OK then, about that Stateside price for YSS's? Both my CB's have Konis now...old ones. There has to be something at ;east as good as a 40+ year old set of shocks. I'll try YSS since I'm not paying US$1200+ for Ohlins.

Spirit

[Tintop]

Have you checked to see if the Koni / Ikon's you have are rebuildable?  Some (not all) are, and it would be less expensive than buying new.

[Retro Rocket]

Have you checked to see if the Koni / Ikon's you have are rebuildable?  Some (not all) are, and it would be less expensive than buying new.

Thats a good point Brian, i think all Koni's are rebuildable....

[Doctor_D]

OK then, about that Stateside price for YSS's? Both my CB's have Konis now...old ones. There has to be something at ;east as good as a 40+ year old set of shocks. I'll try YSS since I'm not paying US$1200+ for Ohlins.

Spirit

My Works Alloy Tracker's were $500.  Not bad for a custom sprung and valved shock.

Progressives and Hagons will run you roughly half of that.

[spiritof67]

Doc D, did you buy them directly from the YSS provider, or...?

Spirit

[Doctor_D]

Apologies for the confusion, but I mis-read your interest in going with YSS.

I was talking about Works Performance "Billet Trackers" http://www.worksperformance.com/html/street.html  I have nothing but good things to say about Works products.

[spiritof67]

D: Yes, I have basically settled on Works myself over the years - an excellent product. Used them on my Guzzi LeMans 1, my Suzuki GS1150ESE and they were great. I have a Fox Superbike shock on my '86 GSXR but that was a price deal, back then.

I'm already having the Works that I use on my LeMans overhauled so when that's done (and I have the money) I will probably go for them for my Honda project. Certainly a lot easier than finding out what the actua/original paint job was, I'll tell you...
Thanks for the redirect. Always appreciated.

Spirit