Topic: rear shocks-how/where to buy?

[medic09]

Looks like I need new rear shocks for my '78 CB750K.  Bike is stock. Almost 29,000 miles.  Shocks look like they're leaking.  Soft, and way too much bounce as far as I can tell.

I could go with the 13", but I wouldn't mind getting something just a little shorter; say 12.5" or 12.75".  As HondaMan put it, I have a short inseam; though my cutdown seat largely takes care of that.

In any case, am I best off just trying to order through a local dealer; or does someone have some other advice on this?

Hey Angel, do we have someone in our area that I ought to go to for parts?  Or do I just try the parts dept. at Motorsport?

Thanks, all!

[aptech77]

Check out Progressive

[medic09]

Check out Progressive

Well, that indirectly answers one of my questions, namely do I look for OEM type stuff, or is some modern product more worthwhile?

Thanks!

Now, what's so special about Progressive?  Went to the website, and can't find any actual product info; just that they have one dealer not to far from here.

[Hop on a Honda]

Look at

www ikonsuspension.com.au

7610-1296

These are for the K series
I have a reconditioned pair of 7610-1314s here in Australia.
These maybe too long though for a altitudinaly deficient set of legs!!
Dave in Australia.

[SteveD CB500F]

Or Hagon Shocks

[Geeto67]

Well here in the states I would check out progressive suspension for a set of series 412 shocks. They are reasonably priced, and work. I have a set on my DOHC and it is a nice ride. Any shop that deals with parts unlimited, or dennis kirk can get you a set of the progressive for under $200. Hagons are nice, I have them on my 78 streetfighter F and it is a firm ride but smooth. They would probably be over the $200 line and I don't know a supplier in the states. If you really want to splurge and have the coolest shocks on the planet - I know a supplier in california that can get ohlins shocks for out cb for six-and-change (almost 7). The best shocks made and frankly overkill unless you want that wow factor. Ikon shocks are the old Koni dial a rides, a very good shock with a classic look but once again I can't come up with a supplier for them in the states and they are on the expensive side. Out of all these shocks the ikon will look closest to stock.

[hymodyne]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Honda-lowering-12-25-shocks-sohc-cb750f-cb-750-f-ss_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ35592QQihZ009QQitemZ190055857986QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW

[doug_id]

here is a US Hagon Distributor....just bought from them no problems....

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

[angeldeville]

I have been getting my parts online, they are faster and cheaper than the locals.

for some decent oem type replacement shocks I got mine here..  http://www.crc2onlinecatalog.com/Index_Main_Frame.htm you won't find much better for the price.

I get most other parts here.   http://hondaparts-direct.com/ and here. http://www.davidsilverspares.co.uk/

[medic09]

Thanks for all the responses so far.

Prices vary from $80+ to hundreds!  I don't want to skimp, but I'm not spending $300 just on my shocks.  I can't.

It looks like Geeto has pretty much summed it up.  I'd heard good things about Ikon over on the SR500 forum, but they're pretty pricey.  There are, BTW, a few American distributors.  I checked the price at Thumperstuff (SR500 parts, etc.) and they were way out of my range.

Although shorter than stock isn't really necessary, I did want to try 12.5 or 12.75 on HondaMan's advice in an old post of his.  Not much out there.  Hymodyne posted a link to an interesting pair of shocks, but I've never heard of Redwing.  Anyone know anything about them?  Also, those were even shorter than I thought of.  What happens if I go that short?

With my cutdown seat I'm doing pretty well, so maybe I should avoid trouble and stick with stock?

Hop on a Honda, how long are your rebuilt shocks?  Are they stock or longer?  I couldn't make out measurements on the Ikon site.

Angel, one of your links is selling Emgo shocks.  Are these comparable to the name brands at all?  I only know the Emgo name from cheaper accessories.  I've not looked at Emgo components in a serious way yet.

Thanks again, all!  I'll give this a few more days to learn the subject before I buy.



Mordechai

[pelicanwheel]

check on my screen name for a shock discussion I posted a couple weeks ago. 

[medic09]

check on my screen name for a shock discussion I posted a couple weeks ago. 

will do.

[medic09]

check on my screen name for a shock discussion I posted a couple weeks ago. 

I looked.  I only find what you posted on the front forks.

[jaknight]

Hello Medic,

     I suggest you go to the FAQs section of the Home page of this board.  Then look under the Suspension section.  There is a posting there about Progressive springs & shocks for the rear of the cb750s.

     You really can't go wrong with Progressive at the prices that were offered at the Accessory Warehouse up in Idaho.  I bought new shocks & springs, it was about $160 for total, complete SETS of shocks and springs.  They have worked terrific and given me no problems of any kind.  I went with the so-called Heavy Duty springs because my wife rides with me fairly often.  They are still a great ride when I am on the bike alone........ Hard to beat for the price.....

     ~ ~ ~ jaknight ~ ~ ~

[seaweb11]

Got these from Carpy last year. Didn't use them.
CB750 SHOCKS CAFE RACER CHOPPER SOHC CHROMED  
 
These are in great shape,  no rust or bad pits and the aluminum at the top is really clean as you can see. If they had been the correct height I would have neen extatic with them

The length of these are about 13 inches to 13 and a quarter.
Have a look at the pics and see what you think, they are closed eye at the top and open clevis at the bottom, so I guess you could use these on a Cb350 and up to a CBX.

$125.00

[pelicanwheel]

the link to my post about original looking shocks is:

http://www.sohc4.us/forums/index.php?topic=15566.msg157428#msg157428

They are a little bit shorter than original, so they may fit the bill.

Pelican

[medic09]

Seaweb,

Those are very pretty.  Even the wife (looking over my shoulder) likes 'em. 

I'll give it a few days to see if I locate something at a reasonable price that is shorter than stock.  If not, I may take you up on your offer.  I really appreciate it.

Jaknight, you're right about that price for Progressives.  That's another thing I'm keeping an eye on.  BTW, does the wife know that you attributed the need for Heavy Duty springs to her?   

So, has anyone heard of those Redwing brand shocks from Japan in the link that hymodyne posted here?  Know of any other source for 12.5" shocks for a CB750K for a reasonable price?

Thanks, all!

[medic09]

the link to my post about original looking shocks is:

http://www.sohc4.us/forums/index.php?topic=15566.msg157428#msg157428

They are a little bit shorter than original, so they may fit the bill.

Pelican

Thanks for that!  The pair listed now are "Buy It Now" for $145.

Are you happy with yours?  Did you by any chance measure them?

Thanks again!

Mordechai

[pelicanwheel]

They are about a 1/4" shorter than stock.  I have not had the chance to try them yet, as the bike is still being restored.  I do know that they are not the same brand as the original Honda shocks, so they "may" be better.  I will be able to test them in about a month.

Pelican

[seaweb11]

medic09
Just a heads up on the ones I posted.
They are shorter than stock. That's why I didn't use them.  I'm 6'3' and they lowered the rear to much for me.

[medic09]

medic09
Just a heads up on the ones I posted.
They are shorter than stock. That's why I didn't use them.  I'm 6'3' and they lowered the rear to much for me.

Thanks!  I would like shorter if they're not way too short.  I'm 5'7".  With my cutdown custom seat (a great Ebay find), my feet just hit the asphalt on both sides at stops.  I figure if I can get shocks that are just a little shorter than stock, it might be nice as long as I have to put on new shocks anyway.  Hence my search for 12.75" or 12.5" shocks.  The standards on my bike now are 13.25".

If you get a chance, could you let me now the length on those?

Thanks again.  I'll figure out what to do in the next few days.

Mordechai

[seaweb11]

They are 12 3/4 from center hole to center hole.
If this is the length you are looking for these really are in great shape

[sparty]

Well here in the states I would check out progressive suspension for a set of series 412 shocks. They are reasonably priced, and work. I have a set on my DOHC and it is a nice ride. Any shop that deals with parts unlimited, or dennis kirk can get you a set of the progressive for under $200. Hagons are nice, I have them on my 78 streetfighter F and it is a firm ride but smooth. They would probably be over the $200 line and I don't know a supplier in the states. If you really want to splurge and have the coolest shocks on the planet - I know a supplier in california that can get ohlins shocks for out cb for six-and-change (almost 7). The best shocks made and frankly overkill unless you want that wow factor. Ikon shocks are the old Koni dial a rides, a very good shock with a classic look but once again I can't come up with a supplier for them in the states and they are on the expensive side. Out of all these shocks the ikon will look closest to stock.

Or you can wow them with these race proven shocks from Works Shocks.  http://www.worksperformance.com/html/street.html

[medic09]

Forget the shape my bike is in, Sparty...if I *could* ride like those shocks were worthwhile...well, then they might be worthwhile!   Need to be eye to clevis, though...   

Hey Seaweb, those shocks are sounding better all the time.  That's the length I'm looking for.  I'll let ya know soon.

Keep that info coming, folks! 

Thanks,

Mordechai

[Geeto67]

last time I checked the works were as much as a set of ohlins and if you saw the roadrace ohlins I have for a cb750 they are hawt.