Topic: CB900F shocks on a CB750F

[nick55555]

I am wondering how many of you have put CB900F shocks on a CB750(F), and what your experiences are/were. I am in the middle of a CB750F café build and am considering getting some CB900F/Cb1100F shocks for my machine. Is there a noticeable performance difference, or is it just for looks?

I read on another thread that, if the shocks are too tall for ones liking, the springs can either be cut down or swapped with the original CB750 springs. Anyone had any experience with either of these options?

I am also planning on lowering the front and rear ends 1-2" or so (if I lower both ends my steering shouldn't be effected too much, right?). In the rear I suppose I could cut the springs down or go with lowering block... any insight or pointers on these ideas?

Thanks doods,
-Nick

[andy750]

The CB1100F shocks with external reservoir make a big difference in height at the back. I did this on my K4 but never got a chance to test ride as the shocks interfered with stock exhaust. On the F this wont be an issue...sorry I cant comment on handling....but Id try them if I were you 

good luck
Andy

[fuzzybutt]

well, you could remove the top eye on the shock, cut the shaft and re-thread it along with an appropiately shortened spring as well and that should get you back to stock ride height. thats what i'm hoping for anyways on the set of 1100f shocks i just got off of fee-bay

[nick55555]

fuzzybutt - I bet you are the one who out-bid me!!! I figured it would be someone from this forum... haha, kudos.

Let me know what you think when you modify them and have them installed. Are you going to be able to ride right away (where are you located... so I can come steal them from you)? Spring is coming pretty quickly here in MN, and I am anxious to get the bike all put back together for a ride!

Thanks for the insight guys. Anyone else?

[jdawg]

Andy was kind enough to sell me his CB1100F shocks.....

I did find another method to lower them. You have to grind off the little nubbin that allows the the lower spring retainer to be adjusted up and down. I then purchased a split ring collar from McMaster Carr that fit over the shock body and allows the spring to come further down on the reservoir body. It does lower the shock an inch or more. However, it does remove all the preload on the shock when the shock is on the bench and there is no load on it. But, on the bike under it's own load it appears to be fine. The bike is in many pieces, so I can't comment on the ride.

Easier than threading that shaft and finding a new spring. The spring is kinda hard to find (impossible) as the lower diameter is smaller than the top diameter. It's sort like a progressive spring - only in diameter vs coil spacing.

I have pictures I can post tonight.

[Geeto67]

for the money and time you are going to invest in reworking a pair of shocks that by modern standards are crappy (cb900f and 1100f shocks are only an upgrade on SOHC because the stockers are worse, really they were an upgrade back in the day because there wasn't much better out there and they are currently a cheap upgrade provided you use them as is), you could buy a set of new progressive suspension, or yss shocks already setup to your weight and length specs. Really you just need a decent 11" shock with a clevis end setup for a 500 lbs bike.

You are going to have to lower a 900f or 1100F shock a lot if you are dropping your bike because as they stand stock they are at least an inch taller than a SOHC shock.