Topic: Clevis to Clevis short shocks - where to buy?

[KB02]

So I'm working on getting my 78 CB400T1 lowered for my wife. It's a bit tall for her liking. She sits almost flat footed while on the bike. I figured short shocks or lowering blocks would be best, but I can't seem to find either that would fit the bike. JC Whitney has lowering block, but the are for the SOHC series bikes which have a slightly different swingarm. Do you think there would still work?

Also, I thought about getting the Short shocks for the bike, but can't find any with the clevis to clevis mounting. Anyone have any good direction to look for me?

Thanks all!
-Bob

[chrisf]

Have you looked into getting shorter springs?

--Chris

[KB02]

I hadn't thought of that. Where would I look for shorter springs?

[chrisf]

You could look at race car shops, but they probably won't be chrome. The narrow race springs are 1.9" ID. On my CB350, the springs are 2" OD. So unless you can find the narrower spring, you might have to make a new perch. It would be hard mind you.

Alternatively, you could always chop a link off the spring. However, BEFORE you do this, you'll have to evaluate you wife's weight and the end-result spring rate. There are websites that show you the math for spring rate and the result of chopping a single link off.

I tend to be over analytical. If I shot from my gut, I'd probably wind the preload down as much as possible and chop off 1/2" of each spring--assuming the rider will be under 150 LBS or so.

--Chris