Topic: CB400F Rear shocks just blew!!!

[LoopsAndLogic]

So, today I was riding down my street to warm up the bike before it's first oil change of the season. Mind you, this is my very first ride of the season after much building and fitting.

My street is terrible, with big cracks in the road. So I don't think any of it will cause any damage to my shocks, cause I drive on this street everyday on my OEM 400F.

I come back home from just 5 minutes of riding, and notice my shocks do not want to come back to neutral (back to the fully uncompressed position).

So I take them off to make sure, and low and behold, they won't even compress with all my body weight on them (150lbs).

They are a pair of S&W shocks that I think were made by Monroe, hence, they say that on the bodies.

Just my luck, cause I was really excited to have found these, so either I go back to the oem or find aftermarket.

Questions are as follows, cause I really need to start riding a.s.a.p.

1. Are S&W still made?
2. Would you recommend any pair that are New that would be under $120??
3. Does anybody have a descent pair that I could purchase from them (SOHC4 member)??
4. They require a clevis at the end.... Is there a way I could just purchase and install a non clevis type shock???

Also, I would need at least 12.75", and no more than 14.25" tall pair of shocks!

Really need something quick.

Thanks

LL

[tmht]

S&W was purchased by Progressive to the best of my knowledge. I don't think they are making re-build kits.

Sub $120 new shocks are going to limit you to the OEM replicas like those sold by PartsNMore.

Going to non-clevis style shocks would require you to modify your swingarm.

One last thing... make sure you get shocks with the proper spring weight. I have a set of S&Ws for a 750. I tried to ride my 400 with them attached and it may as well have been a hard tail, they are just too stiff for that light of a bike.

[LoopsAndLogic]

So, if these came off of a 750, wouldn't I still be able to compress them while off the bike??

Is there something I could do to fix them? Would taking them apart fix anything? Maybe theres a plugged hole......

I figured $120 is too low

I'm headed to my local shop to look at some new aftermarket sets. I figured going non-clevis wouldn't work. Shucks!

Well, last question.

Does anybody have a pair I could purchase, either OEM or aftermarket?

Thanks for the help

LL

[Bodi]

If there's a bike wrecker in your area they will have a bunch of shocks. Last time I needed a pair immediately I just took an old one with me and found some about the same length with the same fittings and about the same diameter spring wire. Worked fine.
The spring wire diameter is the main indicator of spring strength.

[LoopsAndLogic]

Yeah, they do have a lot of them there, but I rather not spend $110 for a used pair that has been in the weather all year round.

Just got back from the shop, and was quoted $246.98 for a pair of NOS Progressive HD shocks with the black springs.

Not bad, but not good. I'm already over my budget.

Let me ask you, when I hop on the bike, they sag about an inch, and if I keep bouncing on them with all my weight, they keep sinking, but will maintain at 11.50" tall. And won't go down any further with my weight/bouncing.

Then, if I leave them for a couple of hours alone, they fully extend!

What could be causing this problem??? I don't see any area's that it's binding.

LL

[tmht]

Try loudfastugly and omars, they both occasionally have NOS redwings for decent prices.

[LoopsAndLogic]

Are those shop names or SOHC members?

Can anybody explain what breaks down inside the shock to cause these symptoms that I'm having?

Have you guys ever heard of Monroe shocks???

  Thank you

LL

[eurban]

Hagon makes excellent shocks for our bikes with prices ranging between about $195-260.  IMHO these are much better than the Progressives.  You can get the Hagons from http://www.davequinnmotorcycles.com/cgi-bin/webc/home.html    . . . .In the end you will get what you pay for. . . . . .

[tmht]

Are those shop names or SOHC members?

Can anybody explain what breaks down inside the shock to cause these symptoms that I'm having?

Have you guys ever heard of Monroe shocks???

  Thank you

LL

Both are vendors listed in the FAQ page.
Omar's is www.rearsets.info
and LFU is www.loudfastugly.com

and I second the notion that Hagons are damn fine shocks. I would definitely fork out the cash for those before I spent money on Progressives

[LoopsAndLogic]

Wow! Really?

Could you elaborate?
 I always thought Progressive was up there with Ohlins.

Glad I asked before forking over $250.

Going to checkout those sites right now. Will post back later.

Thanks

LL

 P.S. I just went for a hour + ride with the OEM shocks from my other 400f, man, this thing runs great! Needs a little tuning, like, carb sync, points adjusted and timed, and adjust the air screws.
She's running a little rich, cause when going up hills, I really have to open up the throttle. Doesn't bog, but sorta chokes, if that's the right terminology.

[LoopsAndLogic]

Just an update.

I emailed for some stats on the redwings from loudfastandugly's website, and he says he can re-spring them to my liking for no extra charge.

He can go 120 straight, 120/90 or 130/90. What would you choose?? Should I just stay with whatever they come with??

He quoted me $160 for the total, including shipping. Sounds Good, or pretty good??

Thanks for all your help

LL

[doobiebro]

I am unable to answer what your problem is on your shocks, but for what it's worth . . .

I have a pair of Monroe shocks on my 1977 750K.  They are not S&W shocks, but have a funny symbol that resembles an S and a W.  They have load adjustments like the OEM and Progressive shocks and the springs are progressively wound.  I cannot recall the spring load rates, however.  They were mostly used on Harley Davidsons.  But, I don't think Monroe makes motorcycle shocks anymore - at least I could not find any reference to Monroe motorcycle shocks on the internet.  I have been very happy with mine, for the little I used them.  My motorcycle has been sitting up in the garage for over 15 years and I am almost ready to get it back on the road.

Good luck in getting yours back into top shape!

[LoopsAndLogic]

Thanks! She's got 300miles on her this season and I'm expecting to reach at least 2500miles by the end of the season.

What I need now is just these questions answered.

He can go 120 straight, 120/90 or 130/90. What would you choose?? Should I just stay with whatever they come with??

He quoted me $160 for the total, including shipping. Sounds Good, or pretty good??

And best of luck to you with your 750. Just to let you know, I envy you!!! I'm still waiting for my diamond (CB750) in the rough.

LL

[LoopsAndLogic]

Bump!  Please

LL