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Author Topic: Shocks make all the difference.......  (Read 1840 times)

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Offline mmtsquid

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Shocks make all the difference.......
« on: July 18, 2007, 05:41:31 AM »
If you've read any of my threads, You've noticed I always gripe about my bike's (77 CB550K) ride quality (or lack thereof).
The thing is STIFF!  As in, I generally feel an inch or two shorter after 30 minutes, like having a sledgehammer taken to my spine.
Well, all that changed yesterday evening..........
I finally ordered some shocks from E-bay - nothing special, just 30 year old CB550K shocks, rust and all.
Put them on the bike, and the first thing I noticed was that they were 1.5 inches longer than the other shocks.....hmmmm.......
Took it for a spin and HOLY COW!  It was actually comfortable!  I hit the biggest expansion joint I could find, and it just slipped over it like a caddillac!

I'm not sure what kind of shocks I took off the bike, but I'm considering melting them so they will do no harm to anyone else.......
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77 CB550K4

Offline SteveD CB500F

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Re: Shocks make all the difference.......
« Reply #1 on: July 18, 2007, 05:58:40 AM »
I had Konis that were like that...
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obnoxshuz

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Re: Shocks make all the difference.......
« Reply #2 on: July 18, 2007, 09:11:51 AM »
Does anyone have any input/comments on Redwing Shocks ?
I am looking for shorty shocks so I can plant both feet on the ground on my 78 750.

Thanks

Angelo
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Offline LoopsAndLogic

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Re: Shocks make all the difference.......
« Reply #3 on: July 18, 2007, 09:20:15 AM »
I too was looking into Redwing shocks. I was quoted $160 for a pair for my 400F. But I don't know if the quality is there.

I've only heard of the name brands, like Koni's, hagon, and progressive's.

Some feedback and pictures would be very much appreciated

LL
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My rides:
75' 76' Honda CB400F Super Sports
86' Honda XR600R for Street Madness
84' Honda Interceptor VF500

Past Rides:
80' Honda CX500C Fully Dressed
81' Honda CB650C very nice!
83' Kawasaki KZ550 A3
78' Hondamatic 400 Hawk
80' 81' 82' Honda GL500 Silverwing Insterstate

Offline mmtsquid

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Re: Shocks make all the difference.......
« Reply #4 on: July 18, 2007, 09:47:00 AM »
Anyone interested in the short shocks I just took off can have them for shipping cost only!
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77 CB550K4

Offline LoopsAndLogic

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Re: Shocks make all the difference.......
« Reply #5 on: July 18, 2007, 09:51:46 AM »
I'd be interested! PM later with a pic of them.

Still anybody have some answers for the Redwings??

LL
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My rides:
75' 76' Honda CB400F Super Sports
86' Honda XR600R for Street Madness
84' Honda Interceptor VF500

Past Rides:
80' Honda CX500C Fully Dressed
81' Honda CB650C very nice!
83' Kawasaki KZ550 A3
78' Hondamatic 400 Hawk
80' 81' 82' Honda GL500 Silverwing Insterstate

Offline hopterfixer

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Re: Shocks make all the difference.......
« Reply #6 on: July 18, 2007, 09:55:16 AM »
My bike (750 K4) had the Koni's on it when I got it.  I love them.  They are on the firmer side for a light rider, but great for two up riding.  I am 6' 4", 210 lbs and IO have settled on the middle preload setting and #2 damping.  I also run 10 weight fork oil in the front end.   
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Offline mmtsquid

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Re: Shocks make all the difference.......
« Reply #7 on: July 18, 2007, 09:56:02 AM »
I'll take some pics this weekend!   They currently have silver paint on them, if that makes a difference........
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77 CB550K4

Offline Bodain

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Re: Shocks make all the difference.......
« Reply #8 on: July 18, 2007, 12:46:24 PM »
The first Honda I restored was a 75 CB 550... There come a time when I was looking for shocks. On Ebay you will see some basic shocks that fit the Honda's for about $100.00 new.. Also many of the places that specialize in older bike parts sell the same shock... Needless to say I bought a set.... Look good, but they are total CRAP.
Stiff as a board on the softest setting.   Never again!

I sold that bike long ago.
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2009 Suzuki TU250
2014 Honda Grom
1984 Kawasaki GPZ 750
2005 Yamaha Zuma 50
1974 Honda CB 750
1979 Kawasaki Z750 Twin

Offline c_kyle

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Re: Shocks make all the difference.......
« Reply #9 on: July 18, 2007, 12:52:55 PM »
Why all the fuss over crappy, ebay shocks that cost $100?  Just get a set of Hagons w/ springs that look great/fit great/ride great for under $200.
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Izanami, my 1979 CB650Z:  Clicky

Offline LoopsAndLogic

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Re: Shocks make all the difference.......
« Reply #10 on: July 18, 2007, 01:01:12 PM »
Hello, Still interested on some feedback on Redwing shocks!!!!
  LOL :D :D :D

LL
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My rides:
75' 76' Honda CB400F Super Sports
86' Honda XR600R for Street Madness
84' Honda Interceptor VF500

Past Rides:
80' Honda CX500C Fully Dressed
81' Honda CB650C very nice!
83' Kawasaki KZ550 A3
78' Hondamatic 400 Hawk
80' 81' 82' Honda GL500 Silverwing Insterstate

Offline ChevelleSSLS6

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Re: Shocks make all the difference.......
« Reply #11 on: July 18, 2007, 01:39:09 PM »
what about blisten?  I love them on my Jeep... it's a firm controlled ride, but I can promise it's not harsh at all.
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"What about incomplete idiots?" -TwoTired
"What's a leakdown test?  I filled the cylinder that looks like this with some water and let it sit overnight. The water didn't go down any.  I thought that would tell me about the rings." -Dead Guy of AMCforums
 
1977 CB550f- sold
2007 Kawi EX650- curre

Offline Sam Green Racing

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Re: Shocks make all the difference.......
« Reply #12 on: July 18, 2007, 01:46:49 PM »
Quote from: mmtsquid on July 18, 2007, 09:47:00 AM
Anyone interested in the short shocks I just took off can have them for shipping cost only!

You soon changed your mind ::) ::) ::) I thought you were going to melt them down ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

Sam. ;)
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Offline mmtsquid

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Re: Shocks make all the difference.......
« Reply #13 on: July 19, 2007, 06:01:32 AM »
It's only when I realized that I hadn't the heat necessary to completely destroy these instruments of torture.
If I put them in the trash, some poor schmuck might actually attempt to put them on their bike, unaware that they are preparing to pad the pocket of the local chiropractor.
If I give them to someone who understands the risks of using these f#&%ing things, I'll sleep better at night....... ;D
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77 CB550K4

Offline c_kyle

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Re: Shocks make all the difference.......
« Reply #14 on: July 19, 2007, 08:06:36 AM »
What kind are they?
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Izanami, my 1979 CB650Z:  Clicky

Offline mmtsquid

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Re: Shocks make all the difference.......
« Reply #15 on: July 19, 2007, 08:13:17 AM »
I have no idea what kind of shocks these are, only that they are 1.5 inches shorter than stock.
I know that isn't very helpful - maybe if I strip off the paint i can find some identifying marks.
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77 CB550K4
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