Topic: Quick Review- Reproduction Shocks

[cameron]

Hey, everyone.

Quick review- with crappy pics of this:

Reproduction Chrome Shocks - Eye / Clevis - 321mm (12 5/8") - Honda CB450 CB500K CB550
http://4into1.com/reproduction-chrome-shocks-eye-clevis-321mm-12-5-8-honda-cb450-cb500k-cb550/

Totally easy job- took 20 minutes.
Heres some pics.

[cameron]

So - these fit perfect on my 1976 550F in stock configuration.

I replaced for performance more than looks- my originals were still nice enough, but too soft after 40 years
Here is how they came out of the box:


One big difference, for me at least they do not perfectly match, in that the length of the chrome draperie thing is shorter.. as here:


And disassembled here:



As far as the installation went- It is dead easy.
Up on the centerstand

Remove top and bottom bolts, as well as grab-bar retainer.
They are not loaded, and then just come right off.

A little WD40 to get the rubber grommet of the new one to slip on...
Rebolt and presto.

Installed:


On test ride they feel great.. they are adjustable with the stock tool, and look opriginal to the casual eye.

I will update after a longer bit of riding

[Powderman]

Can the cans be swapped if you like the longer one, or are they not nice enough to go on the new shock?

[cameron]

Good question- They seem to be the right size... but I was too scared to put a tool on the top retaining thing without a spring compressor.. which I don't have handy.

I might come around to it next time I have one around.
It is non-trivial, I think.. and my particular cans are getting pretty pitted, so maybe not worth it. YET.

On a different note- the ride is great. No extra bounce at all back to neutral position on the lowest setting, with me at 150#. Will report next time I ride double.