Topic: FVQ brand shocks?

[Rufus2010]

Can anyone give me some info on this brand of shock? Presently mounted on my CB550, but they have a very firm ride, too firm. Maybe they're for a heavier bike?
Any suggestions for a good 550 shock?

[seanbarney41]

FVQ is oem(actually made by Showa?) but not necessarily the correct ones for your bike.  They may be off a 750 and that is why they feel too stiff.  I have never found any sohc factory shocks to be too stiff.  Much more often, way too mushy.

[Terry in Australia]

FVQ shocks were OEM on the late 1970's/early 1980's Honda DOHC4's. They were rubbish, and one Aussie bike journalist of the era labelled them "Fade Very Quickly". Carpy used them on a lot of his Cafe Racers, not because they were any good, but they were very cheap. Bin them and buy some Hagons, they're a much better shock.

[Rufus2010]

OK. Results of an internet search showed many references to CB900's and CBX's . These bikes are considerably heavier and would explain the very stiff ride on my 550.