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Author Topic: CB550 Rear Shocks - any suggestions on interchangeable parts?  (Read 1638 times)

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Offline MAV

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CB550 Rear Shocks - any suggestions on interchangeable parts?
« on: December 25, 2012, 02:48:21 PM »
I just bought a cb550, rusted and pitted.  Want to replace with something that fits. Any economical suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!
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Offline bryanj

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Re: CB550 Rear Shocks - any suggestions on interchangeable parts?
« Reply #1 on: December 25, 2012, 03:05:52 PM »
All 500/550 identical fittment 750 slightly longer
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Offline starsnbars89

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Re: CB550 Rear Shocks - any suggestions on interchangeable parts?
« Reply #2 on: December 25, 2012, 03:07:56 PM »
Quote from: bryanj on December 25, 2012, 03:05:52 PM
All 500/550 identical fittment 750 slightly longer

Don't mean to highjack here, but does that go for the 650 as well?
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"He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed." ~Proverbs 13:20
"Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but when the desire comes, it is a tree of life." ~Proverbs 13:12
“All that is gold does not glitter, not all those who wander are lost; the old that is strong does not wither, deep roots are not reached by the frost." ~J. R. R. Tolkein

'80 Honda CB650 "Cassandra"--SOLD
'81 Kawasaki KZ440LTD "Sylvia"--SOLD
'80 Suzuki GS550L "Joyce aka 'The Sunset Bike'"--SOLD
'78 Suzuki GS750E "Jolene"

Offline MAV

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Re: CB550 Rear Shocks - any suggestions on interchangeable parts?
« Reply #3 on: December 25, 2012, 03:23:03 PM »
I guess I should have been more specific.  What aftermarket, or better yet, takeoffs from other bikes would work on the cb550s?
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Offline cb650

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Re: CB550 Rear Shocks - any suggestions on interchangeable parts?
« Reply #4 on: December 25, 2012, 04:12:53 PM »
Quote from: starsnbars89 on December 25, 2012, 03:07:56 PM
Quote from: bryanj on December 25, 2012, 03:05:52 PM
All 500/550 identical fittment 750 slightly longer

Don't mean to highjack here, but does that go for the 650 as well?
Yes.  Not sure of the length of the 550 but the 750 is one inch longer than the 650 in most cases.
I have been using 81 750 F shocks. You just have to look for s decent set.  Bought one set good another is junk but got them very cheap.   The dohc  750 customs are the same as the 650.
I have a set of 550 redwings if anyone is interested.
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Offline Retro Rocket

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Re: CB550 Rear Shocks - any suggestions on interchangeable parts?
« Reply #5 on: December 25, 2012, 04:16:04 PM »
Quote from: cb650 on December 25, 2012, 04:12:53 PM
Quote from: starsnbars89 on December 25, 2012, 03:07:56 PM
Quote from: bryanj on December 25, 2012, 03:05:52 PM
All 500/550 identical fittment 750 slightly longer

Don't mean to highjack here, but does that go for the 650 as well?
Yes.  Not sure of the length of the 550 but the 750 is one inch longer than the 650 in most cases.
I have been using 81 750 F shocks. You just have to look for s decent set.  Bought one set good another is junk but got them very cheap.   The dohc  750 customs are the same as the 650.
I have a set of 550 redwings if anyone is interested.

CB650, now i know why you like the DOHC shocks, the redwings were worse.... :o :o ;D
Search forum for reviews.... :D ;)
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750 K2 1000cc
750 F1 970cc
750 Bitsa 900cc
If You can't fix it with a hammer, You've got an electrical problem.

Offline cb650

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Re: CB550 Rear Shocks - any suggestions on interchangeable parts?
« Reply #6 on: December 25, 2012, 07:40:01 PM »
Tried them but being for a 550 didnt hold up to the 650 well.  Thats why I do like a decent set of 750 shocks.  The little extra spring and length help.
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Offline starsnbars89

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Re: CB550 Rear Shocks - any suggestions on interchangeable parts?
« Reply #7 on: December 25, 2012, 07:46:30 PM »
Good to know that they are so interchangeable! :) Makes me wonder what else interchanges from a 750 to a 650. I knew the 550 and 650 were cut from the same cloth, but I thought the 750 was like a "big brother"--a completely different animal. You guys have officially broadened my horizons! ;D
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"He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed." ~Proverbs 13:20
"Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but when the desire comes, it is a tree of life." ~Proverbs 13:12
“All that is gold does not glitter, not all those who wander are lost; the old that is strong does not wither, deep roots are not reached by the frost." ~J. R. R. Tolkein

'80 Honda CB650 "Cassandra"--SOLD
'81 Kawasaki KZ440LTD "Sylvia"--SOLD
'80 Suzuki GS550L "Joyce aka 'The Sunset Bike'"--SOLD
'78 Suzuki GS750E "Jolene"

Offline cb650

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Re: CB550 Rear Shocks - any suggestions on interchangeable parts?
« Reply #8 on: December 25, 2012, 07:51:34 PM »
Actually not much from the 750 too 650.   Some simple bolt on but thats it.
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18 grand and 18 miles dont make you a biker

Offline starsnbars89

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Re: CB550 Rear Shocks - any suggestions on interchangeable parts?
« Reply #9 on: December 25, 2012, 07:58:09 PM »
Quote from: cb650 on December 25, 2012, 07:51:34 PM
Actually not much from the 750 too 650.   Some simple bolt on but thats it.

Well, figures... I was just enjoying my little parade here... :)
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"He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed." ~Proverbs 13:20
"Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but when the desire comes, it is a tree of life." ~Proverbs 13:12
“All that is gold does not glitter, not all those who wander are lost; the old that is strong does not wither, deep roots are not reached by the frost." ~J. R. R. Tolkein

'80 Honda CB650 "Cassandra"--SOLD
'81 Kawasaki KZ440LTD "Sylvia"--SOLD
'80 Suzuki GS550L "Joyce aka 'The Sunset Bike'"--SOLD
'78 Suzuki GS750E "Jolene"

Offline jason41987

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Re: CB550 Rear Shocks - any suggestions on interchangeable parts?
« Reply #10 on: December 25, 2012, 08:23:21 PM »
are the 550 shocks rebuildable when they become worn... with new oil, seals, springs.. or do they have to be replaced entirely?
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Offline Retro Rocket

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Re: CB550 Rear Shocks - any suggestions on interchangeable parts?
« Reply #11 on: December 25, 2012, 10:34:19 PM »
Quote from: jason41987 on December 25, 2012, 08:23:21 PM
are the 550 shocks rebuildable when they become worn... with new oil, seals, springs.. or do they have to be replaced entirely?

Basically, most stock Honda shocks right up to the mid to late 1980's were rubbish, good for putting around but not good for long rides or pushing your bike in the twisties. Hagons and  Ikons are good all round shocks for these bikes {plenty of guys race with them}  and are rebuildable, progressive shocks are cheaper and not as good but better than stock. There are lots of threads on the forum that go into detail about shocks for our bikes do a search and have a read...
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750 K2 1000cc
750 F1 970cc
750 Bitsa 900cc
If You can't fix it with a hammer, You've got an electrical problem.
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