Topic: CB750 1978 Rear shocks

[briancwynn]

Wow its hard to post beginner questions in this place. Seems like so many are knowledgeable.  I am a new rider and a new bike owner. I have not ridden my bike yet on the highway and it goes into the shop today for its first check up. My rear shocks will need to be replaced and I am wondering if I need to lower the bike as I see a lot of people doing this I am wondering if this is performance related.  The shocks are rusted and have to be replaced anyway. Any help or insight would be great.

[Retro Rocket]

I'd call lowering it "performance reversing"    , its either for looks or short people, if you want good handling get some Ikons or Hagons in stock length, both great shocks for reasonable money, when you buy them give the shop your weight and model of bike and have the springs tailored to suit. Hagons in the states will do this, not too sure about Ikons , i know they do here in Australia....

[brewsky]

A little rust on the springs is no big deal, especially if you are a new rider.

I would put some mileage on the bike and make sure you are comfortable with it before I would spend money on upgrades.

If you need to lower the bike, maybe you would be better off with a 550 or something else a little smaller.

Lowering will reduce cornering clearance which is not good!

[Retro Rocket]

May just be my eyes but those shocks look like they have sagged a bit..?

[brewsky]

Hard to say from that angle, but front portion of seat may have been shaved?

[madmtnmotors]

Wow its hard to post beginner questions in this place.

All questions are welcome, although some questions might get you a good-natured ribbing. 

Welcome aboard! 

The shocks are rusted and have to be replaced anyway.

The important part of the shock is piston seal where the piston shaft exits the lower shock body. If the seal is leaking there will usually be oily deposits on the upper shaft where it exits the lower part of the shock. Also, worn motorcycle shocks, just like car shocks, will develop a "bouncy" ride when the dampening action of the shock is failing. When you go over a bump and the rear of the motorcycle continues to bounce three, four, five, or even more times after passing a bump in the road you know it's time for new shocks. Worn shocks will also have a tendency to bottom out more readily.

[Oldtech]

I've used Progressive Suspension 12 series shocks on street bikes and vintage racers with good results. They should be a little cheaper than Hagons or Ikons. There is nothing high tech about them but they're good value for the money.

[Muckinfuss]

Any time the stock shock length is changed, as well as the shock travel, you have to take into account the effect that will have on the front end re: the steering head rake angle.  It's the same result as changing the caster on your car's geometry.  Can be a very negative result.

[briancwynn]

Thanks all for the post. I do like the height of the bike as is so I will do the progressive shocks the same size.  Do I get a larger back tire as many have 18 and I have a 17?

[flybox1]

17" was was common for the 78k's
Dont rule out HAGONS
davequinncycles.com has great customer service and will set up the springs based on your weight and riding style.

[martin99]

+1 on Hagons. Good quality and good value.

[briancwynn]

Thanks all. I love and need the help.

[Retro Rocket]

17" was was common for the 78k's
Dont rule out HAGONS
davequinncycles.com has great customer service and will set up the springs based on your weight and riding style.

Exactly, Hagons are better than progressives...