Topic: CB350F shock absorbers

[loonymoon]

Hi,

 I've been told the rear shocks on my CB350F probably won't pass another MOT test so I'm trying to find some replacement parts ( the ride has got very bouncy recently!). DSS say they only have one of the inner dampers in stock and  may be able to get another one in from somewhere in Europe but that will be quite expensive. I beleive I could probably replace the rear shocks with another type  but I'd quite like to keep them looking the same (ie part shrouded). Does anyone know whether you can get them reconditioned and how easy it might be to do? I've found a company who could possibly do it for me but they can't say whether they can do it without taking then to pieces first!! They also offered me a set of racing shocks for £303--- ouch I'd rather not spend that much!

[don_m]

Good Luck!  The originals worked very good for a very short time.  They were DeCarbon gas filled type but the seals failed almost before you could get the bike home.  Even replacements are hard to find now, partly because of the lower clevis mount & short length.  Put on whatever you can find but keep the length & spring rate the same or handling will be impaired.  Keep the original shocks & show them to after market suppliers, such as Hagon, to see if they have something that can be adapted.
Cheers, Don Madden.

[heffay]

i agree with don... with vintage vehicles you almost have to be willing to take parts off and on and back on and off again in order to have them either remade, special ordered or just plain designed because the originals jus dont cut it... same goes for my 74 jeep j20 pickup! 

the concept of engines is simple... play with the pieces... the engine will still work- for better or for worse (but you'll at least learn why)

[Einyodeler]

Excerpt from the Japanese -- English Dictionary

 Showa -- For Show 

[oldbiker]

Hagon can supply shocks for your bike and they are not terribly pricey.

[SteveD CB500F]

I agree. I use Hagons.  They're available in UK from about £100:

www.hagon-shocks.co.uk/HagShocks.htm

Probably best to call them and tell them exactly what you want.

[don_m]

In turn, I agree with Heffey.  I am in the "Ride 'em, don't hide 'em" catagory myself so have had to make or make do on many things.  Don't be offended if you have a show bike.  They inspire me to do better with mine.
Cheers, Don Madden.

[loonymoon]

Thanks for the help.

 I've emailed Hagon to see what they do - i've also emailed DSS to see whether they can get the original types in. You're probably right though- I'm sure the bike would handle much better with some decent shocks on the rear end. I don't ride often but when I do I usually ride a couple of hundred miles over a weekend.

I have shown my bike but it's kinda an inbetweenie as it's never gonna be concours because of the non-original exhausts and the fact I ride it a fair amount. That said it's a really nice original (well nearly) example and I'd like to keep it as original looking as possible!! I guess it's a case of can't have the cake and eat it too!!