Topic: David Silver Spares CB550 repro shocks -- anyone try 'em?

[carnivorous chicken]

I'm looking at replacing the shocks on the 550F -- they have bottomed out a couple times over speed bumps -- ubiquitous and a PITA here in CDMX.

Problem is, I'm attached to the stock look of this bike. I'm not putting it through it's paces, not riding aggressively, just cruising around -- so I'm not looking for a serious upgrade (and yes, I know, there are some great options out there).

So I am looking at these: https://www.davidsilverspares.com/CB550F1-SUPER-SPORT-1976/part_28920/ -- repops, stock looking. No info on the site. Anyone try 'em? Any feedback?

[HondaMan]

Those are nice-lookin' shocks! I might have to get a set for the 550 in my next book (that I'm working on). It still has the OEM parts aboard, no damping seems to be available in them - pogo sticks!

[jaytee-nz]

I've bought several pairs of these shocks from JBS in Australia. https://www.japbikespares.com/honda-cb550k-317mm-jbs-chrome-rear-shock-absorbers~6411
They are good quality and very similar to the originals, as well as being cheaper that the DSS ones.

[MauiK3]

They look nice.

[Ozzybud]

I bought a set from DSS for my 75. They look OEM and are high quality. I like to keep my bikes looking a stock as possible. Honda did a great job.

[carnivorous chicken]

OK, thanks all. I think I'll pull the trigger.

I'd consider the ones in Australia but with shipping it would raise the price. And with DSS I'll get them shipped to Seattle, where I'll be in 10 days for 2 weeks, so I can bring them home to CDMX from there.

[Tracksnblades1]

Two up riders way back used to use cb900 and cb1000.., some where air but I don’t remember which..
The 2014 Honda Cb1100 rear shocks may work but I haven’t tried them…

[M 750K6]

https://hagon-shocks.co.uk/product/cb750-k1-k7-33501cc1/
These are very good on my CB750K6. No bouncing or wallow, stable cornering and good protection from our (UK) crappy road surfaces. I'm no longer thinking about the rear suspension when I'm riding.

[seanbarney41]

+1 for Hagons...extremely good performance for the money and look so similar to stock

[HondaMan]

https://hagon-shocks.co.uk/product/cb750-k1-k7-33501cc1/
These are very good on my CB750K6. No bouncing or wallow, stable cornering and good protection from our (UK) crappy road surfaces. I'm no longer thinking about the rear suspension when I'm riding.

Do those have adjustment notches for heavier/lighter loads? I like the Hagon idea.

[WideAWAKE]

https://hagon-shocks.co.uk/product/cb750-k1-k7-33501cc1/
These are very good on my CB750K6. No bouncing or wallow, stable cornering and good protection from our (UK) crappy road surfaces. I'm no longer thinking about the rear suspension when I'm riding.

Do those have adjustment notches for heavier/lighter loads? I like the Hagon idea.

3 preload adjustments

[M 750K6]

https://hagon-shocks.co.uk/product/cb750-k1-k7-33501cc1/
These are very good on my CB750K6. No bouncing or wallow, stable cornering and good protection from our (UK) crappy road surfaces. I'm no longer thinking about the rear suspension when I'm riding.

Do those have adjustment notches for heavier/lighter loads? I like the Hagon idea.

They ask for your weight and build them to suit. I'd guess they have a range of springs and select the right ones for the customer. They have pre-load adjustment, but I installed mine as they arrived and feel no need to adjust them, but so far, I've only carried waterproofs with me. 👍 

I mentioned, I have also put them on my Norton Commando. I have a removable luggage and hard panniers on that bike. I loaded them with heavy tools when I was helping a mate get his Suzuki GT185 back on the road. I added one notch of pre-load and felt that was perfect. They've been on that bike for 4 years now, all weather / seasons and show no signs of deterioration. I live on the coast and the only road to home has a tidal causeway that floods. They've seen salt and regular washing! So far, good quality, good price, happy customer.

[bryanj]

I will give one caution with Hagons,
When adjusting the preload DO NOT  hold the C spanner in with your other hand, when on max spring tension it is possible to go over the top and the collar goes straight back down to minimum tapping a bit of your hand in the process and believe me having a complete bike attached to your hand really hurts!!!!
Lukily my mate was with me unbolted the shock and managed to strip out the collets and dissasemble the shock to release me

[newday777]

I will give one caution with Hagons,
When adjusting the preload DO NOT  hold the C spanner in with your other hand, when on max spring tension it is possible to go over the top and the collar goes straight back down to minimum tapping a bit of your hand in the process and believe me having a complete bike attached to your hand really hurts!!!!
Lukily my mate was with me unbolted the shock and managed to strip out the collets and dissasemble the shock to release me

Can you say owwwch

[bryanj]

If it begins with F yes

[carnivorous chicken]

Quick update:

DSS repro shocks are... complete garbage. I'm 6'2" and 210 (on a good day) and the shocks bottom out on all settings except the most stiff. And on that setting, over bigger bumps... they bottom out too. Wonder what they'd be like with a passenger.

I've written to DSS to ask to return them. We'll see what they say.

Super disappointing.

[M 750K6]

Exactly my experience. My bike's previous owner put the DSS shocks on and I replaced with Hagons. Different bike.

[HondaMan]

https://hagon-shocks.co.uk/product/cb750-k1-k7-33501cc1/
These are very good on my CB750K6. No bouncing or wallow, stable cornering and good protection from our (UK) crappy road surfaces. I'm no longer thinking about the rear suspension when I'm riding.

Do those have adjustment notches for heavier/lighter loads? I like the Hagon idea.

3 preload adjustments

I sent them a letter, will be interested to see what they come up with. I absolutely LOVED my Betor (Spanish-made, 1973) shocks until they flat wore out at 126k miles and no more rebuild kits survive for them. Mulholland made good ones (aka ORCA) and I have some from Terry (in AUS) that are great shocks, but have really bad, progressive-wound springs. If I could find straight-wound 118-lb springs for them I'd like these, but haven't had any luck in that regard.

I HATE progressive springs on the rear of these bikes, can't pull a straight line out of a curve, ever, with them on board. Here in CO there aren't many straight roads, either.
----------------------------------------------------
Update after contacting Hagon: they only do progressive springs. I won't be using them on my 750.

[M 750K6]

I rang and spoke to them, with my order. Helpful enough. I f8rst put them on my 1975 Commando? The go to replacements for that sèm to be Ikons. Hagon are half the price and are standing the test of time.

Not saying they'll be Ohlins quality, but they are fit and forget, as in I am never thinking about the rear shock performance when I'm riding. They do the job.