Author Topic: Cheap shocks  (Read 4966 times)

0 Members and 2 Guests are viewing this topic.

Offline Schnell

  • Expert
  • ****
  • Posts: 1,002
Cheap shocks
« on: May 14, 2014, 07:56:48 AM »
Does anyone have good or bad experience with these?

http://www.ebay.com/bhp/320mm-shocks
A good traveller has no fixed plans and is not intent on arriving. --Lao Tsu

primary: 1974 Honda CB750
long term, now resting: 1981 BMW R100/7
project: 1971 Honda CL350
project: 1974 Honda CB450

previous:
1975 Honda CB750
1973 BMW R90/6
1981 Suzuki GS650
1973 Honda CD175

My little website: http://frankfoto.jimdo.com/

Offline calj737

  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 21,056
  • I refuse...
Re: Cheap shocks
« Reply #1 on: May 14, 2014, 08:03:16 AM »
If I am correct, these are the "Chinese clones of Ohlins". There's been a few threads where many members have poo-poo'ed them. Others, seem okay with them.

The only maxim I could reference is: You get what you pay for. And for suspension and braking parts, I'll spend the money for known, high quality items. Don't know if that helps, but you can search for that reference above and draw your own conclusions.
'74 550 Build http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=126401.0
'73 500 Build http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=132935.0

"Of all tyrannies, a tyranny sincerely exercised for the good of it's victim may be the most oppressive. It may be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies. The robber baron's cruelty may sometimes sleep, his cupidity may at some point be satiated, but those who torment us for our own good will torment us without end for they do so with the approval of their own conscience." - C.S. Lewis

Offline jamesbekman

  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 380
Re: Cheap shocks
« Reply #2 on: May 14, 2014, 08:11:20 AM »
all I can say about chinese shocks is I put chinese struts on a car of mine... dead in less than a year... 

If you have the money, check em out, they are cheap enough.  Test them out and tell us what you think... 

If you dont want to take a risk then just buy hagons.

Offline Schnell

  • Expert
  • ****
  • Posts: 1,002
Re: Cheap shocks
« Reply #3 on: May 14, 2014, 10:00:34 AM »
That's what I thought. I'll look into Hagon and NJB.
A good traveller has no fixed plans and is not intent on arriving. --Lao Tsu

primary: 1974 Honda CB750
long term, now resting: 1981 BMW R100/7
project: 1971 Honda CL350
project: 1974 Honda CB450

previous:
1975 Honda CB750
1973 BMW R90/6
1981 Suzuki GS650
1973 Honda CD175

My little website: http://frankfoto.jimdo.com/

Offline PeWe

  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 15,597
  • Bike almost back to the 70's 2015
Re: Cheap shocks
« Reply #4 on: May 15, 2014, 01:14:27 PM »
Personel safety is worth some too. Hagons are relatively low price. My Marcocchi AG Strada cost a lot when I bought them 30 years ago. 60% of what Hagons cost today. Completely different income and costs to live today (to the better)
CB750 K6-76  970cc (Earlier 1005cc JMR Billet block on the shelf waiting for a comeback)
CB750 K2-75 Parts assembled to a stock K2

Updates of the CB750 K6 -1976
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,180468.msg2092136.html#msg2092136
The billet block build thread
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,49438.msg1863571.html#msg1863571
CB750 K2 -1975  build thread
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,168243.msg1948381.html#msg1948381
K2 engine build thread. For a complete CB750 -75
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,180088.msg2088008.html#msg2088008
Carb jetting, a long story Mikuni TMR32
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,179479.msg2104967.html#msg2104967

Offline Schnell

  • Expert
  • ****
  • Posts: 1,002
Re: Cheap shocks
« Reply #5 on: May 15, 2014, 01:29:48 PM »
There is also a YSS brand. Anyone heard of them?

It seems that there are 2 kinds of shocks: hydraulic and gas charged. Is that correct? Is one preferred over the other?
A good traveller has no fixed plans and is not intent on arriving. --Lao Tsu

primary: 1974 Honda CB750
long term, now resting: 1981 BMW R100/7
project: 1971 Honda CL350
project: 1974 Honda CB450

previous:
1975 Honda CB750
1973 BMW R90/6
1981 Suzuki GS650
1973 Honda CD175

My little website: http://frankfoto.jimdo.com/

Offline calj737

  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 21,056
  • I refuse...
Re: Cheap shocks
« Reply #6 on: May 15, 2014, 01:35:17 PM »
I've got a monoshock from them and planning on using them again for my 500 mono build. I've been pleased with the product. Decent price. Easy and wide adjustability. Good customer service. Rushed me a unit in time for Xmas.
'74 550 Build http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=126401.0
'73 500 Build http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=132935.0

"Of all tyrannies, a tyranny sincerely exercised for the good of it's victim may be the most oppressive. It may be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies. The robber baron's cruelty may sometimes sleep, his cupidity may at some point be satiated, but those who torment us for our own good will torment us without end for they do so with the approval of their own conscience." - C.S. Lewis

Offline 750K

  • Expert
  • ****
  • Posts: 1,392
Re: Cheap shocks
« Reply #7 on: May 15, 2014, 08:35:48 PM »
I won't put anything Chinese on my bikes or cars that's suspension or tire related if I can help it, but that's just me.
77 Cb750, 78 Kz1000

Offline Stev-o

  • Ain't no
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 34,356
  • Central Texas
Re: Cheap shocks
« Reply #8 on: May 15, 2014, 08:59:22 PM »
I won't put anything Chinese on my bikes or cars that's suspension or tire related if I can help it, but that's just me.

+1.  It's not just you.
'74 "Big Bang" Honda 750K [836].....'76 Honda 550F.....K3 Park Racer!......and a Bomber!............plus plus plus.........

Offline 750cafe

  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 607
Re: Cheap shocks
« Reply #9 on: May 15, 2014, 09:21:26 PM »
TEC shocks are highly recommended and under $180 a pair delivered. There are a few reviews out there about them and they are all favorable.

Eric
Is there anything more fun than riding? They are between your legs and are quiet when you turn them off.

Offline Schnell

  • Expert
  • ****
  • Posts: 1,002
Re: Cheap shocks
« Reply #10 on: May 16, 2014, 05:05:03 AM »
Thanks for that, Eric. I sent them an email.
A good traveller has no fixed plans and is not intent on arriving. --Lao Tsu

primary: 1974 Honda CB750
long term, now resting: 1981 BMW R100/7
project: 1971 Honda CL350
project: 1974 Honda CB450

previous:
1975 Honda CB750
1973 BMW R90/6
1981 Suzuki GS650
1973 Honda CD175

My little website: http://frankfoto.jimdo.com/

Offline kghost

  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 6,855
  • www.facebook.com/RetroMecanicaAustralia
Re: Cheap shocks
« Reply #11 on: May 16, 2014, 05:06:53 AM »
Cheapest shocks were the ones Honda put on at the factory.
Stranger in a strange land

Offline Schnell

  • Expert
  • ****
  • Posts: 1,002
Re: Cheap shocks
« Reply #12 on: May 16, 2014, 05:09:19 AM »
Cheapest shocks were the ones Honda put on at the factory.

Hah! So pretty much anything would be an upgrade. :)
A good traveller has no fixed plans and is not intent on arriving. --Lao Tsu

primary: 1974 Honda CB750
long term, now resting: 1981 BMW R100/7
project: 1971 Honda CL350
project: 1974 Honda CB450

previous:
1975 Honda CB750
1973 BMW R90/6
1981 Suzuki GS650
1973 Honda CD175

My little website: http://frankfoto.jimdo.com/

Offline Retro Rocket

  • Eggs are hard due too a
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 19,279
  • ROCK & ROLL
Re: Cheap shocks
« Reply #13 on: May 16, 2014, 03:55:12 PM »
TEC shocks are highly recommended and under $180 a pair delivered. There are a few reviews out there about them and they are all favorable.

Eric

TEC are still cheap Chinese shocks, I will NEVER put cheap tires or shocks on anything I ride, cheap = you get what you pay for.... ;)
I must say that most online reviews, unless written by qualified testers or racers, aren't worth the paper they are written on....
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 andrewk

  • doin' it.
  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 626
Re: Cheap shocks
« Reply #14 on: May 16, 2014, 04:18:34 PM »
The cheap shocks are ok if you aren't heavy and don't ride on a lot of rough roads where you might bottom out.  They don't last as long, especially when pushed down rough roads constantly.

I like to spend my money in a smart manner.   Hagons or Ikons are up to the task, and cost 100 more than the chinese shocks.  You'd probably need at least four pairs of the chinese shocks to get you as far down the road as the Hagons will.  Easy math- pinch those pennies and get something worth buying. :D

Offline Retro Rocket

  • Eggs are hard due too a
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 19,279
  • ROCK & ROLL
Re: Cheap shocks
« Reply #15 on: May 16, 2014, 04:37:19 PM »
The cheap shocks are ok if you aren't heavy and don't ride on a lot of rough roads where you might bottom out.  They don't last as long, especially when pushed down rough roads constantly.

I like to spend my money in a smart manner.   Hagons or Ikons are up to the task, and cost 100 more than the chinese shocks.  You'd probably need at least four pairs of the chinese shocks to get you as far down the road as the Hagons will.  Easy math- pinch those pennies and get something worth buying. :D

Agreed, i have a 30 years old set of Koni's {ikon} and they still work well and don't leak, I will put new oil in them before using again though, maybe seals as well, depends on what they look like , Hagons and Ikons can be completely rebuilt as well...... ;)
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 Stev-o

  • Ain't no
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 34,356
  • Central Texas
Re: Cheap shocks
« Reply #16 on: May 16, 2014, 06:28:45 PM »
The cheap shocks are ok if you aren't heavy and don't ride on a lot of rough roads where you might bottom out.  They don't last as long, especially when pushed down rough roads constantly.

I like to spend my money in a smart manner.   Hagons or Ikons are up to the task, and cost 100 more than the chinese shocks.  You'd probably need at least four pairs of the chinese shocks to get you as far down the road as the Hagons will.  Easy math- pinch those pennies and get something worth buying. :D

Agreed, i have a 30 years old set of Koni's {ikon} and they still work well and don't leak, I will put new oil in them before using again though, maybe seals as well, depends on what they look like , Hagons and Ikons can be completely rebuilt as well...... ;)

Worked well when parked?!  I also have an old set of Konis, I know they can be rebuilt, but it worth the time & cost?
'74 "Big Bang" Honda 750K [836].....'76 Honda 550F.....K3 Park Racer!......and a Bomber!............plus plus plus.........

Offline saltcitycafe

  • Full Member
  • *
  • Posts: 69
Re: Cheap shocks
« Reply #17 on: May 16, 2014, 07:42:25 PM »
I have a set of these. http://www.tecbikepartsusa.com/mobile/Category.aspx?id=1829 Over on dtt we did a little comparison and breakdown on them and they proved to be great middle of the road and inexpensive options

Offline MoMo

  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 8,275
  • Ride like you're invisible
Re: Cheap shocks
« Reply #18 on: May 16, 2014, 07:59:16 PM »
The cheap shocks are ok if you aren't heavy and don't ride on a lot of rough roads where you might bottom out.  They don't last as long, especially when pushed down rough roads constantly.

I like to spend my money in a smart manner.   Hagons or Ikons are up to the task, and cost 100 more than the chinese shocks.  You'd probably need at least four pairs of the chinese shocks to get you as far down the road as the Hagons will.  Easy math- pinch those pennies and get something worth buying. :D

Agreed, i have a 30 years old set of Koni's {ikon} and they still work well and don't leak, I will put new oil in them before using again though, maybe seals as well, depends on what they look like , Hagons and Ikons can be completely rebuilt as well...... ;)

Worked well when parked?!  I also have an old set of Konis, I know they can be rebuilt, but it worth the time & cost?

Stev-o,  shocks are relatively easy to rebuild as long as the seals are available.  I would rebuild what you have before spending money on new(but I am somewhat cheap-frugal actually)...Larry


Offline Stev-o

  • Ain't no
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 34,356
  • Central Texas
Re: Cheap shocks
« Reply #19 on: May 16, 2014, 08:28:08 PM »
The cheap shocks are ok if you aren't heavy and don't ride on a lot of rough roads where you might bottom out.  They don't last as long, especially when pushed down rough roads constantly.

I like to spend my money in a smart manner.   Hagons or Ikons are up to the task, and cost 100 more than the chinese shocks.  You'd probably need at least four pairs of the chinese shocks to get you as far down the road as the Hagons will.  Easy math- pinch those pennies and get something worth buying. :D

Agreed, i have a 30 years old set of Koni's {ikon} and they still work well and don't leak, I will put new oil in them before using again though, maybe seals as well, depends on what they look like , Hagons and Ikons can be completely rebuilt as well...... ;)

Worked well when parked?!  I also have an old set of Konis, I know they can be rebuilt, but it worth the time & cost?

Stev-o,  shocks are relatively easy to rebuild as long as the seals are available.  I would rebuild what you have before spending money on new(but I am somewhat cheap-frugal actually)...Larry



Have you done it, Larry? I know Terry had to make a special tool to compress the spring on some he was working on.  I'm not into it that much.
'74 "Big Bang" Honda 750K [836].....'76 Honda 550F.....K3 Park Racer!......and a Bomber!............plus plus plus.........

Offline MoMo

  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 8,275
  • Ride like you're invisible
Re: Cheap shocks
« Reply #20 on: May 16, 2014, 08:34:58 PM »
Back in the day I would rebuild(replace seals and fluid) whatever shock came into the shop...Larry

Offline Retro Rocket

  • Eggs are hard due too a
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 19,279
  • ROCK & ROLL
Re: Cheap shocks
« Reply #21 on: May 17, 2014, 04:22:44 AM »
The cheap shocks are ok if you aren't heavy and don't ride on a lot of rough roads where you might bottom out.  They don't last as long, especially when pushed down rough roads constantly.

I like to spend my money in a smart manner.   Hagons or Ikons are up to the task, and cost 100 more than the chinese shocks.  You'd probably need at least four pairs of the chinese shocks to get you as far down the road as the Hagons will.  Easy math- pinch those pennies and get something worth buying. :D

Agreed, i have a 30 years old set of Koni's {ikon} and they still work well and don't leak, I will put new oil in them before using again though, maybe seals as well, depends on what they look like , Hagons and Ikons can be completely rebuilt as well...... ;)

Worked well when parked?!  I also have an old set of Konis, I know they can be rebuilt, but it worth the time & cost?

Stev-o,  shocks are relatively easy to rebuild as long as the seals are available.  I would rebuild what you have before spending money on new(but I am somewhat cheap-frugal actually)...Larry



Have you done it, Larry? I know Terry had to make a special tool to compress the spring on some he was working on.  I'm not into it that much.

Very easy to make a spring compressor Steve, once the springs off its all easy maintenance....
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 kghost

  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 6,855
  • www.facebook.com/RetroMecanicaAustralia
Re: Cheap shocks
« Reply #22 on: May 17, 2014, 04:28:41 AM »
Hells bells.....

I've gotten springs off with multiple Zip-ties....

Stranger in a strange land

Offline Muckinfuss

  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 380
  • "I plan to live forever.....or die trying."
Re: Cheap shocks
« Reply #23 on: May 17, 2014, 08:16:16 AM »
Most shock complaints I've had to deal with were actually the spring rate.  Shocks keep the wheels on the pavement, springs support the weight of the rider/bike.  When springs aren't right, there's bottoming out or excessively stiff rides.  When shocks don't work, there's wheel hop, bad stopping performance, issues with the lean at speed, etc. since they perform against the unsprung weight of the wheel/swing-arm fulcrum.
1984 Sportster 1000cc XL
1988 Heritage Softail
1974 CB550
1989 Corvette

Offline Nikkisixx

  • Expert
  • ****
  • Posts: 839
Re: Cheap shocks
« Reply #24 on: May 18, 2014, 07:44:36 PM »
I have posted regarding this topic a couple of times.  Those cheap shocks will try to kill you.  Here's my experience:

The aluminum clevis that secures the POS to the swing arm is about as hard as play dough.  On a very light (about 300 lbs) bike, one of those failed and sent parts scattering across the road.  Only one failed and I got home unscathed, but the other was not far behind.

Picture the result of both your shock absorbers becoming a two piece unit at speed in a turn after hitting a pot hole.  That is how cheap shock effect handling performance...
It is a proven fact that modifying a SOHC Honda in any way will bring on the apocalypse.