Topic: CB550 Rear Shock Advice

[Alba]

Hey guys ... I did a little searching but couldn't quite find an answer to my question. I'm pretty new to the SOHC4 scene (as well as being still fairly new to motorcycling in general) so there are definitely some things I'm ignorant too. Anyways on to the question at hand. I have a '76 CB550 that currently has the stock rear shocks on it. Right now, to me, it feels pretty stiff. On a good flat road it's not too bad but man, you hit a bumpy patch and it feels as if I'm about to launch off. It definitely seems like the back end could be "softened" up a bit to absorb these bumps better. So my question is: what are the best daily riding shocks out there with out absolutely killing the wallet? I don't intend on being cheap but I also don't like overspending on one section when that money could be better divided throughout the bike. Any tips advice or help is greatly appreciated.

[Deltarider]

so there are definitely some things I'm ignorant too.

Forgive me for asking but are you aware you can adjust the rear shocks? Five positions, see manual.
Then there's the tyre pressure to be observed. See manual.
You could also check by pushing the rear down and up and see if both shocks functions as they should. I once had a rear shock that had become stiff. Turned out a long winter on the center stand had dried out some rubbers inside. It was not a genuine Honda shock but a Koni. Although I had bought it many years before, Koni rebuilt it for me free of charge.
Those of you that have motorcycles on the centerstand in winter: do not forget to pump bike up and down occasionally.
Could also be you're not that too familiar with riding a CB500/550. Especially the 500s were Spartan in their ride. For us in Europe it was OK, but Americans are used to soft matrasses on wheels.

[Dimitri13]

If they're the stock shocks, they're likely worn out. Best to replace them.

Have a chat with David Quinn, and he'll set you up with a set of Hagons for your weight and riding style at a reasonable price.

http://www.davequinnmotorcycles.com/cgi-bin/webc.cgi/Hagon.html

[Alba]

so there are definitely some things I'm ignorant too.

Forgive me for asking but are you aware you can adjust the rear shocks? Five positions, see manual.
Then there's the tyre pressure to be observed. See manual.
You could also check by pushing the rear down and up and see if both shocks functions as they should. I once had a rear shock that had become stiff. Turned out a long winter on the center stand had dried out some rubbers inside. It was not a genuine Honda shock but a Koni. Although I had bought it many years before, Koni rebuilt it for me free of charge.
Those of you that have motorcycles on the centerstand in winter: do not forget to pump bike up and down occasionally.
Could also be you're not that too familiar with riding a CB500/550. Especially the 500s were Spartan in their ride. For us in Europe it was OK, but Americans are used to soft matrasses on wheels.

Thank you for suggesting the adjustment ... I hadn't really thought of that (again a lot of ignorance going on at this side of the keyboard). I do think they're adjusted so they're as tall as they can go so I would think that would be the best ride it could get out of them but I'll definitely check it out. Going into buying this bike I was aware that out of the factory it had a bit of a rougher ride, I'm just seeing what modern advancements I can add to the bike to make it a little more comfortable for everyday riding. I don't know about where you live, but the roads where I am are absolutely terrible so anything helps.

Again thanks for the replies I really appreciate it.

[Deltarider]

I do think they're adjusted so they're as tall as they can go so I would think that would be the best ride it could get out of them but I'll definitely check it out

I think we have found it! You may have them in 5^th position meant for riding two-up with luggage. So use the special pin spanner that came with the bike's toolset and adjust it the other way. You may be surprised. BTW, do you have an Owner's Manual?

[Alba]

I do think they're adjusted so they're as tall as they can go so I would think that would be the best ride it could get out of them but I'll definitely check it out

I think we have found it! You may have them in 5^th position meant for riding two-up with luggage. So use the special pin spanner that came with the bike's toolset and adjust it the other way. You may be surprised. BTW, do you have an Owner's Manual?

Thanks again for the info. A guy that lives down the street from me has the adjustment tool for the shocks (kinda slipped my mind to pick one up) so I'll have to grab that when I get a hold of him and borrow it.

[sixthwisconsin]

If they're the stock shocks, they're likely worn out. Best to replace them.

Have a chat with David Quinn, and he'll set you up with a set of Hagons for your weight and riding style at a reasonable price.

http://www.davequinnmotorcycles.com/cgi-bin/webc.cgi/Hagon.html

+1 on the Hagons.

[Untold]

I actually emailed Dave Quinn today about Hagons for my 550K.  He said that they don't make the stock size of 12.75", but only make 12.2" or 13.2".  Any suggestion as to the better choice?  Or, I guess what I'm asking is, what do most people go with?

[RAFster122s]

If your weight is reasonable (in the land of overweight Americans) then you can get a properly setup shock with reasonable spring rates for the type of riding that you intend.
If you are going to be 2 up or do much touring with bags and other stuff strapped on the back, then you are probably going to be better off with the longer shocks and then you adjust the height for the load.  The springs would be a compromise for full loads versus just one up. The stiffness/preload being adjusted for lighter preload when you are going to be just one-up riding.

The 550 has a nice balanced setup stock that make it handle better than the 750 in my opinion. Doesn't have the torque/hp of the 750 but it is lighter and is more nimble than the 750 steering.
So, as long as you don't crank up the rear too much and you have a decent set of springs (they are pathetic stock...) and fork oil in the front you can have a nice classic bike using the stock front forks with a good set of rear shocks.

So personally, I would have a long conversation with David Quinn and give him the run down of your size/weight, what you are doing to tire sizes and front suspension and your intended use of the bike. He can spec the proper springs for the rear shocks and give you an idea of what you would want to have them setup to keep that stock like nimble steering.  Me, most of the time the bike would be just me and my intention is to use the bike for longer trips and touring so I would go with the longer shocks and because I'm heavier than the average bear I would be using a high weight spring to handle times that I am carrying more than me and a light load.  I have a complete soft luggage setup...

David

[Retro Rocket]

I actually emailed Dave Quinn today about Hagons for my 550K.  He said that they don't make the stock size of 12.75", but only make 12.2" or 13.2".  Any suggestion as to the better choice?  Or, I guess what I'm asking is, what do most people go with?

Ikon, {formerly Koni}       member Dave500 has them on his 500, i think they are 7610 Ikons, they are as good , if not better than the Hagons.....   Just checked their site,

CB 500 F / T    71-78    7610-1302

http://www.ikonsuspension.com/v1.0/content/bikes/honda.html

[Deltarider]

Ikon, {formerly Koni}       member Dave500 has them on his 500, i think they are 7610 Ikons, they are as good , if not better than the Hagons.....   Just checked their site,

CB 500 F / T    71-78    7610-1302

I have them on my 500 for decades. Back then Koni used to be first choice. Mercedes-Benz and Porsch had them. Koni was widely known for it's excellent service.

[Retro Rocket]

Ikon, {formerly Koni}       member Dave500 has them on his 500, i think they are 7610 Ikons, they are as good , if not better than the Hagons.....   Just checked their site,

CB 500 F / T    71-78    7610-1302

I have them on my 500 for decades. Back then Koni used to be first choice. Mercedes-Benz and Porsch had them. Koni was widely known for it's excellent service.

I've had them one some of my cars as well, rebuildable and great quality. I have a set for my next 750/4 build.