Author Topic: Confused with what rear shocks to get  (Read 1192 times)

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Offline gbal06

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Confused with what rear shocks to get
« on: September 24, 2018, 06:01:59 PM »
I have a 78 cb550k and weigh 220lbs my wife who will also be riding the bike is 120lbs.  I have done the spring rate estimator for both my wife and I and they come up with 87lbs for the spring (which I am not totally understanding what that means).  What I am looking for is a set of rear shocks that will not break the bank, change the handling where it is unsafe (I.e. too long) and that will be a soft ride for my wife and I.  Thanks

Offline calj737

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Re: Confused with what rear shocks to get
« Reply #1 on: September 24, 2018, 06:57:09 PM »
380# (rider weight plus their clothing) is an awful lot for a 40 year old motorcycle to deliver a “soft ride”, be inexpensive, and well handling. To have adjustable shocks capable of solo rider configuration, then be adjusted to handled the added passenger, requires fairly pricey shocks. Just the nature of things.

Hagons are very decent shocks, especially for the money. But you’ll have to compromise on the ride as a solo or two-up ride. They can do one or the other decently, but not both equally.

Reach out to Nils @ Restocycle (he’s a member) and will counsel you and treat you very well.
'74 550 Build http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=126401.0
'73 500 Build http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=132935.0

"Of all tyrannies, a tyranny sincerely exercised for the good of it's victim may be the most oppressive. It may be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies. The robber baron's cruelty may sometimes sleep, his cupidity may at some point be satiated, but those who torment us for our own good will torment us without end for they do so with the approval of their own conscience." - C.S. Lewis

Offline gbal06

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Re: Confused with what rear shocks to get
« Reply #2 on: September 24, 2018, 06:58:34 PM »
Thats my bad on not clarifying who will be riding the bike. Each of us will be riding it solo

Offline calj737

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Re: Confused with what rear shocks to get
« Reply #3 on: September 24, 2018, 07:06:59 PM »
Still tricky. One of you will have a much harder ride (her if the bikes setup for you) or a very soft ride (you if setup for her). Still good to call Nils for a set of Hagons.
'74 550 Build http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=126401.0
'73 500 Build http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=132935.0

"Of all tyrannies, a tyranny sincerely exercised for the good of it's victim may be the most oppressive. It may be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies. The robber baron's cruelty may sometimes sleep, his cupidity may at some point be satiated, but those who torment us for our own good will torment us without end for they do so with the approval of their own conscience." - C.S. Lewis

Offline gbal06

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Re: Confused with what rear shocks to get
« Reply #4 on: September 26, 2018, 08:28:22 AM »
Great thanks!

Offline MauiK3

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Re: Confused with what rear shocks to get
« Reply #5 on: September 26, 2018, 03:42:10 PM »
I have Hagons on my 750. Great shocks
1973 CB 750 K3
10/72 build Z1 Kawasaki

Offline Stev-o

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Re: Confused with what rear shocks to get
« Reply #6 on: September 26, 2018, 05:09:24 PM »
Still good to call Nils for a set of Hagons. Ikons

Fixed that for ya Cal! 


https://www.restocycle.com/ikon-suspension-products

+1 for Ikon, I have them on my K3.
'74 "Big Bang" Honda 750K [836].....'76 Honda 550F.....K3 Park Racer!......and a Bomber!............plus plus plus.........

Offline calj737

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Re: Confused with what rear shocks to get
« Reply #7 on: September 27, 2018, 02:27:46 AM »
Still good to call Nils for a set of Hagons. Ikons
Fixed that for ya Cal! 
https://www.restocycle.com/ikon-suspension-products
+1 for Ikon, I have them on my K3.
Yep, Ikons from Nils. Thanks Stev-o.
'74 550 Build http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=126401.0
'73 500 Build http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=132935.0

"Of all tyrannies, a tyranny sincerely exercised for the good of it's victim may be the most oppressive. It may be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies. The robber baron's cruelty may sometimes sleep, his cupidity may at some point be satiated, but those who torment us for our own good will torment us without end for they do so with the approval of their own conscience." - C.S. Lewis