Topic: Which Ikon shocks to go with on a CB550

[akabek]

I have some cheap off shore rear shocks on my bike that are extreme stiff so I am in the process of replacing them.  The current shocks are 13" from center eye to center clevis.  I would like to improve the steering so raising the rear would be in order.  The recommended Ikon shocks are the 7610-1302 but according to their website they only measure 12.56 inches.  I thought the CB550 originally used 13" shocks center to center.  The next size up for Ikon is the 7610-1296 which are 13.35" center to center.  Has anyone tried this model of Ikon shocks on a CB550?  Will an additional 0.35" make much of a difference?  Is there another model I should consider from Ikon?

[Tintop]

The length quoted by Ikon is very close to original equipment shocks.  At 13" you are already longer than stock.  You can also increase turn in by going to an 18" front wheel (also gives better tire choices), or moving the tubes up in the triple clamps (old racer trick).  Be warned though that the more you decrease the steering head angle (which is what all the above do), the more you decrease straight line stability.  You probably want to consider adding a steering damper to your list, if you do any of the above.

[dave500]

i have the ikons on my 500,i think they were the 7610?they are slightly longer than the hagons i had,i like them,they have the damper adjustment on the top.

just checked mine,they are the 7610 1302,12.5 inches.

[akabek]

i have the ikons on my 500,i think they were the 7610?they are slightly longer than the hagons i had,i like them,they have the damper adjustment on the top.

just checked mine,they are the 7610 1302,12.5 inches.

A damper would be a good idea.  My track and street bikes had one for insurance.  What size steering damper fits the CB550?

[Duke McDukiedook]

http://www.ikonsuspension.com/content/application_lists/shock_absorbers/honda_shock_application.shtml

http://www.ikonsuspensionusa.com/servlet/StoreFront

[mhorgan]

Why did you go with the Ikon shocks?  I'm on another thread where I'm building my 550 for a cross-country trip, and I just went with the Progressive Series 12 shocks and heavy duty springs.  Curious as to why you chose Ikons.  Is there a major difference??  Thanks.
Mike

[Duke McDukiedook]

I personally went with Ikons because they are a trusted design that are rebuildable when it comes time to working on them and you can buy replacement parts for them. Progressive are not rebuildable and you can't buy any repair parts parts for them besides springs.

Simple decision for me.

[Deltarider]

When Ikon was still Koni (and based in the Netherlands) they were known for there good service. I had very good experience with them.

[akabek]

I ended up going for the Ikon shocks for the adjustability and ability to rebuild them down the road.  I have 13" offshore shocks and went with the next length up from stock Ikons which is 13.39" (7610-1296.)  The weather is getting cold so setup will have to wait until next year.

[Tintop]

re steering dampers.  I've used NHK's on my 550 (ODM500), and vintage racing sidecar (ODM200), great quality, and they're adjustable.  http://www.fastfromthepast.com/servlet/the-Steering-Dampers-cln-NHK-Dampers/Categories