Author Topic: Honda CB750 buying used shocks - good idea or bad idea??  (Read 4408 times)

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Online kyle750

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Honda CB750 buying used shocks - good idea or bad idea??
« on: March 11, 2025, 09:30:43 PM »
My Honda CB750 K2 shocks are functioning OK.  Still firm and not soft or spongy.  But they are showing a considerable amount of rust and based on my odometer (which I believe is very likely correct and true) they have 63,000 kms on them.    I don't know if it is a good idea to buy used shocks.  No idea of mileage on used shocks or if they will handle OK??  I am very hesitant to buy 50 year old used shocks (even if they look good). 

Photos of shocks that I am looking at to possibly buy? According to the seller they will fit 1970-75.  Any thoughts or opinions would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks

Online kyle750

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Re: Honda CB750 buying used shocks - good idea or bad idea??
« Reply #1 on: March 11, 2025, 09:45:20 PM »
Here are photos of the shocks on the bike

Offline 69cb750

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Re: Honda CB750 buying used shocks - good idea or bad idea??
« Reply #2 on: March 12, 2025, 05:10:36 AM »
Most original shocks are worn out.

Online kyle750

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Re: Honda CB750 buying used shocks - good idea or bad idea??
« Reply #3 on: March 12, 2025, 06:18:54 AM »
Agreed.  50 year old shocks cannot possibly still be good.  Also against the better wisdom about starting up a bike and problems with moisture buildup in the engine and exhaust  I fired it up again today  ;)  I changed the oil and filter over the weekend and wanted to circulate the new oil and check for leaks. Once again the old CB750  started right up and this time I only ran it for only a few minutes. Oil filter housing is tight with no drips.  Also I read about tank rust so I decided to fill the tank up to the very top to prevent moisture and rust from building in the top of the tank.  As I am not running the bike very often I also decided to add a fuel stabilizer to the gasoline.

Restoring the bike is slow moving and this little start-up gives me a big boost to keep going forward.     
« Last Edit: March 12, 2025, 06:20:59 AM by kyle750 »

Offline MauiK3

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Re: Honda CB750 buying used shocks - good idea or bad idea??
« Reply #4 on: March 12, 2025, 07:38:01 AM »
Try to always get it really warmed up to help prevent moisture in the exhaust pipes and be sure the little weep hole on the bottom of each one near the weld is open. You can use a small wire to poke it if in doubt.
-1 on used shocks, not a good idea unless they are easily rebuildable like some aftermarket shocks are.
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Offline jakec

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Re: Honda CB750 buying used shocks - good idea or bad idea??
« Reply #5 on: March 12, 2025, 08:02:21 AM »
Icon shocks with the correct appearance are $500 and the only real choice if you care that much about feeling an improved ride. Otherwise, I would just get aftermarket for like $60, they will definitely be better than what's on there. I have not seen anyone complain about them.
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Online kyle750

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Re: Honda CB750 buying used shocks - good idea or bad idea??
« Reply #6 on: March 12, 2025, 08:14:41 AM »
Ikon CB750 shocks at Yamiya priced at 79,000 yen or $531 

https://www.yamiya750.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=246_251_142_93&products_id=4610

Over $500 for a pair of small motorcycle shocks is a shocking price to me

« Last Edit: March 12, 2025, 08:18:30 AM by kyle750 »

Offline Ozzybud

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Re: Honda CB750 buying used shocks - good idea or bad idea??
« Reply #7 on: March 12, 2025, 09:21:32 AM »
I bought a set of these from DSS.
There was some talk on this forum about how bad they were.
That was not my experience. They look great and seem perfectly firm.  I'm 220#

https://www.davidsilverspares.com/CB550K1-1975-USA/part_70634/
1976 Z50A PARAKEET YELLOW
1970 CT70  CANDY SAPPHIRE BLUE
1971 CT70H CANDY TOPAZ ORANGE
1972 CT70H CANDY EMERALD GREEN
1973 CL200 CANDY RIVIERA BLUE
1974 CB350F GLORY BLUE BLACK METALLIC
1973 CB350F FLAKE MATADOR RED
1975 CB360T LIGHT RUBY RED
1975 CB400F VARNISH BLUE
1975 CB550 FLAKE SUNRISE ORANGE
1976 CB750F CANDY ANTARES RED

Offline PeWe

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Re: Honda CB750 buying used shocks - good idea or bad idea??
« Reply #8 on: March 12, 2025, 09:35:45 AM »
I was not happy with my stock looking IKON shocks my brown K2 got.
I replaced them with my old not restored Marzocchi AG Strada last summer.  I bought them new 1984.

Better handling and much more comfortable. I have a rebuild kit for them I have not installed yet.

The IKONs were either too soft or too hard. Can be wrong springs. Tried all damper settings and spring height combos.
From Andy Cepok Germany, eBay.

My blue K6 has IKONs with progressive  springs. Very different with good handling and comfortable too.

Ordered from Classic Cycle City in Germany, eBay.

The Marzocchi's might be that good after restore with not leaking air bladders. One leaks air quickly.

Here my notes from the numbers found on my IKON shocks.

The good ones with progressive springs on my K6 at top.

« Last Edit: March 12, 2025, 09:48:58 AM by PeWe »
CB750 K6-76  970cc (Earlier 1005cc JMR Billet block on the shelf waiting for a comeback)
CB750 K2-75 Parts assembled to a stock K2

Updates of the CB750 K6 -1976
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,180468.msg2092136.html#msg2092136
The billet block build thread
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,49438.msg1863571.html#msg1863571
CB750 K2 -1975  build thread
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,168243.msg1948381.html#msg1948381
K2 engine build thread. For a complete CB750 -75
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,180088.msg2088008.html#msg2088008
Carb jetting, a long story Mikuni TMR32
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,179479.msg2104967.html#msg2104967

Offline M 750K6

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Re: Honda CB750 buying used shocks - good idea or bad idea??
« Reply #9 on: March 12, 2025, 11:28:11 AM »
My stock shocks were in good cosmetic condition but absolutely no damping. I replaced them with Hagon shocks. They are spot on and look stock. Smooth with no bouncing or bottoming out. Good value, about half the cost of Ikons.

I've also had Hagons on my 1975 Commando for some years now. They've lasted fine. Still look good and work well.

Online kyle750

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Re: Honda CB750 buying used shocks - good idea or bad idea??
« Reply #10 on: March 12, 2025, 03:29:25 PM »
The seller of the used shocks in the first photos on this thread told me they came off his CB750 when he converted it to a cafe racer.  He is also selling the flake sunrise side covers for $250 and also look to be in great shape.
« Last Edit: March 12, 2025, 03:37:53 PM by kyle750 »

Online kyle750

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Re: Honda CB750 buying used shocks - good idea or bad idea??
« Reply #11 on: March 12, 2025, 03:53:51 PM »
The seller of the shocks is a very nice person.  Very responsive. Here is his last email to me:

Everything on the bike was in great shape. You did get the pictures? Just take a look. That’s how I got the bike. As for the shocks…they performed for me just fine. lo! Did what they were supposed to do. I just wanted to get rid of the chrome…so I changed them as you can see in my pictures of my bike now. Totally different.
« Last Edit: March 12, 2025, 03:57:49 PM by kyle750 »

Offline Kevin D

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Re: Honda CB750 buying used shocks - good idea or bad idea??
« Reply #12 on: March 12, 2025, 04:17:48 PM »
When I removed the springs from my original but nice looking shocks I found that the originals provided
ZERO DAMPING, just like M 750K6.
They were replaced with Hagons with 20kg springs, 13 yrs past.
71 CB750 K1
108,000 miles
Original Owner
———past———
70 SL100/125/150
70 Candy BlueGreen CB 750 K0
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Online kyle750

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Re: Honda CB750 buying used shocks - good idea or bad idea??
« Reply #13 on: March 12, 2025, 04:52:55 PM »
I just watched a video on rebuilding older shocks with coil over strut construction.  Very complicated and as the Honda shocks are sealed they would also need to be drilled to remove old oil and replace.  New dampers, new bushings, lots of work.  Certainly beyond my skills set but looks doable.  Not sure this would be worth the time and effort with questionable results.  Has anyone ever rebuilt old Honda shocks?

Online kyle750

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Re: Honda CB750 buying used shocks - good idea or bad idea??
« Reply #14 on: March 12, 2025, 05:00:21 PM »


The IKONs were either too soft or too hard. Can be wrong springs. Tried all damper settings and spring height combos.


Very sorry to hear you were not pleased with your Ikon shocks.  If spending over $500 for motorcycle shocks I would expect them to perform to perfection with the most comfortable ride ever!

Offline Don R

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Re: Honda CB750 buying used shocks - good idea or bad idea??
« Reply #15 on: March 12, 2025, 05:10:39 PM »
  I found a pair of sweet twin cam 750 shocks in a snowdrift in my brother's driveway. I decided they were abandoned. I warned him to pick up the parts and put them where it was dry. They cleaned up beautifully and working well on my Rat Race bike with the extended swingarm.
 I was generous and gave him the shorty shocks that were on my bike before. 
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Offline carnivorous chicken

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Re: Honda CB750 buying used shocks - good idea or bad idea??
« Reply #16 on: March 12, 2025, 06:33:23 PM »
I bought a set of these from DSS.
There was some talk on this forum about how bad they were.
That was not my experience. They look great and seem perfectly firm.  I'm 220#

https://www.davidsilverspares.com/CB550K1-1975-USA/part_70634/

I bought these and they suuuuuuucked. Bottomed out on the heaviest preload setting; I weigh about 210lbs. I returned them, and thankfully DSS gave me a refund including return postage, but I am going to go with Ikon down the road. I put the stock, old shocks back on and they were better than the DSS.

Offline HondaMan

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Re: Honda CB750 buying used shocks - good idea or bad idea??
« Reply #17 on: March 12, 2025, 07:58:25 PM »
I generally find that ANY variable-pitched springs on the 750 rear shocks suck, badly. They straight-wound springs have always handled FAR better for me, especially on the track (in the 1970s) and through the Rockies (even today). A few years ago I was forced into the current variable-rate progressive springed Mulhollands (new owner is ORCA) it has now, and while the damping is fine, the progressive springs SUCK. So far I have not yet come up with a set of 110-lb straight-wound springs to replace them with, but am still looking.

I miss my old Spanish-made Betor shocks (still hanging on a nail in the garage). Those were the best-handling shocks my 750 ever had: they finally sprung a leak at 115K miles and I couldn't find an old rebuild kit for them anywhere (still hopeful?).
See SOHC4shop.com for info about the gadgets I make for these bikes.

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Offline seanbarney41

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Re: Honda CB750 buying used shocks - good idea or bad idea??
« Reply #18 on: March 12, 2025, 10:17:51 PM »
The thing about used stock  shocks is they were not very good when new and 50 years on it is surprising if they have any damping left at all.  Although, I have found that maybe half of them still work right.  So if you are not concerned with ultimate performance, go ahead and buy used stockers cheap until you find a pair that work.  You can remove the springs and covers to clean the chrome.
I have used Ikon and they work excellent if you are interested in high performance.  They are copies of the legendary Koni shocks sold back in the day.  Have also used Hagons which are also very good and less money but lack any damping adjustment.  There are other options.  YSS are made in Thailand, so you should be able to find a suspension shop to set you up with a great pair of those.
And, if you think $500 is too much money for quality suspension components, consider that to upgrade a more modern bike you would be spending in the thousands, not hundreds.
If it works good, it looks good...

Online kyle750

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Re: Honda CB750 buying used shocks - good idea or bad idea??
« Reply #19 on: March 12, 2025, 11:13:53 PM »
Thanks mate.  Looking into YSS in Thailand now.  Lots on offer and construction looks very good.   Here are photos of a very good looking chrome YSS shock but it is 320mm which I believe is too short and wrong connection at the bottom
« Last Edit: March 12, 2025, 11:25:26 PM by kyle750 »

Online kyle750

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Re: Honda CB750 buying used shocks - good idea or bad idea??
« Reply #20 on: March 13, 2025, 12:10:55 AM »
Searching the YSS website they have the following Honda CB750 K0-K8 shocks listed for sale

https://www.yss.co.th/products/list?vehicleTypes=MOTO&brand=152&model=16639&year

IMO just not the right vintage look
« Last Edit: March 13, 2025, 12:14:08 AM by kyle750 »

Offline PeWe

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Re: Honda CB750 buying used shocks - good idea or bad idea??
« Reply #21 on: March 13, 2025, 03:45:11 AM »


The IKONs were either too soft or too hard. Can be wrong springs. Tried all damper settings and spring height combos.


Very sorry to hear you were not pleased with your Ikon shocks.  If spending over $500 for motorcycle shocks I would expect them to perform to perfection with the most comfortable ride ever!
I ordered the good working Ikon shocks here. ( I wrote my K6 has.)
Mine ordered for ca 10 years ago. Price is much higher today.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/401469652814?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=oURKvVbeSKm&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=XgCEg0CPSya&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

I have had thoughts to find same progressive springs and update my other set.
« Last Edit: March 13, 2025, 03:47:25 AM by PeWe »
CB750 K6-76  970cc (Earlier 1005cc JMR Billet block on the shelf waiting for a comeback)
CB750 K2-75 Parts assembled to a stock K2

Updates of the CB750 K6 -1976
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,180468.msg2092136.html#msg2092136
The billet block build thread
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,49438.msg1863571.html#msg1863571
CB750 K2 -1975  build thread
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,168243.msg1948381.html#msg1948381
K2 engine build thread. For a complete CB750 -75
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,180088.msg2088008.html#msg2088008
Carb jetting, a long story Mikuni TMR32
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,179479.msg2104967.html#msg2104967

Online kyle750

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Re: Honda CB750 buying used shocks - good idea or bad idea??
« Reply #22 on: March 13, 2025, 03:57:22 AM »
$850 for shocks  :o  With shipping and import duties over $1,000 for simple coiled springs and a metal shaft containing a very small amount of heavy grade oil

Offline Sw1ssdude

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Re: Honda CB750 buying used shocks - good idea or bad idea??
« Reply #23 on: March 13, 2025, 04:02:34 AM »
IKON and KONI is the same brand, they used to be based in the Netherlands (KONI), and are now in Australia or New zealand. not exactly sure, but down under somewhere, as IKON. they have good customer service, but the spares for the shocks from the seventies are getting rare.

I rebuilt my KONIs, its fairly simple, as long as you get the top nut off, which can be a b*tch to remove. then its all about cleaning the old oil out, cleaning the disintegrated bump stop out (mostly the culprit in stiff KONIS: the debris clog the oil passages in the damping rod piston) and filling with proper fork oil. Once you know how to do it, getting 'new' shocks is cheap, as lots of KONIs suffer from the decayed bump stop syndrome.

All KONIS can be adjusted (to my knowledge), some conveniently with a dial on top, the rest with removing the coil, pushing the damping rod all the way down, and twist it in quarter turns.

If you want to see whether your original Honda shocks are still damping, remove the spring, and compress the damper (compressing should be effortless-ish, expanding should be... dampened). there is a trick to safely remove the spring collar, but it only works on shocks without the chrome cover. but i too would replace old shocks. Not on my 125cc Hondas i putter around, but on bigger machines for serious driving.
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Offline M 750K6

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Re: Honda CB750 buying used shocks - good idea or bad idea??
« Reply #24 on: March 13, 2025, 04:39:37 AM »
Unlike Ikons, Hagons are only adjustable for preload. However, the shock is built specifically for the CB750K and for your weight, which they ask before putting the shock together for you. I only ride solo and enjoy riding swiftly on local country lanes, which is quite demanding on suspension. The Hagons have been good.
https://hagon-shocks.co.uk/product/cb750-k1-k7-33501cc1-2/