Topic: Forsa and other rear shock companys, what do you think?

[strangedaze39]

I've been looking around to buy some new rear shocks to replace my OEM CB350F shocks, made by pogo-stik inc. 

I would like to get off easy and not spend the $200+ that progressive shocks ask for, and I think I've found some pretty good alt. but haven't heard anything about them. Hopefully someone here can give some input on there performance.

First: A pair of NOS after market shocks from the 70's made for the CBs. $145
NOS Pair

Second: These look like progressive copy's, they're made by Forsa which I've heard of before but not sure on the quality of their products. These are the cheapest @ $80
Forsa's Shocks

Third: Don't know much if anything about these, assuming no one else does either but worth a look.
Third

[fastbroshi]

  Never used Red Wings, but I've heard they suck.  Second set, no way.  Look like they were meant to be sold on the aisle next to Go-Bots.  Third, maybe I'd spring for those, but there's no way to tell about the quality.  Can they be rebuilt?

[Triffecpa]

The Forsas actually work quite well.  I have used them on vintage race bikes.  I typically use the longest ones available to raise the back of the bike and quicken the steering.  The only draw back is that the longest ones have springs that are too stiff.  The spring ratings are typically listed on the auctions though, so you may be able to find a set with lighter springs.

Tracy

[fixahonda]

I have the Forza shocks on my 350F and they seem to work just fine. Pretty solid damping for the price if you ask me.
The springs are a bit on the heavy side. I weigh 170 or so and have them on the lowest preload setting and it only sags about 20mm when I hop on.

Compared to the stock (not) dampers, damn near anything would be an improvement in my eyes.

[strangedaze39]

Thats what I was worried about, I weight 120 pounds. Most shocks are rated and allow you to choose for your appropriate weight. Although, for $70 I'll still be looking at a pretty good upgrade compared to these stock shocks right? Or do you  think I would have problems because of my weight?

Thanks for the replys everyone, much appreciated 

[MoTo-BunnY]

HERE'S A COUPLE OF APPLICABLE OLDER POSTS (BUT UPDATED) ON THE FORSA SHOCKS:
(I have been using them now on a daily driver for over 2 years and love them - mine are the 'short shocks' but I have seen them make regular length shocks, as well - they are really good quality with good chrome and similar to stock in appearance)





This seller, TAS Classic MotorSports Lists them all the time - none up at the present, though. He normally sells the short shocks at $71.00 / BIN $76.00. I personally bought from him and have used these shocks for almost 2 years, daily driving, and I LOVE them.  . . .single best improvement EVAH as they really allowed me to feel comfortable on the bike (and touch the ground with both feet, at the same time. . ..lol.) I have long legs but I am only 5'6" - I put these shorter shocks on and a lower seat and its actually a tad lower than I need, but I really like it. Also, they seem a tad stiff, even using the lowest setting, but I only weight like 110#. They NEVER bottom out though - even when I am running a load of heavy manuals to the Post Office (like as in both saddle bags full, AND a stack bungeed on the passenger seat.  . .lol.   

TAS-Classic-MotorSports claim compatibility for the following bikes: (see my mod in below post for use on CB500 and maybe others, that don't need the metal bushing in the shock head)

1974 CB360
1974 CB360G
1975-76 CB360T
1975-77 CB400F Super Sport
1968-72 CB450K Super Sport
1971-73 CB500K
1975-76 CB500T
1975-77 CB550F Super Sport
1974-78 CB550K
1979-82 CB650
1980-81 CB650C Custom
1976-78 CB750A Hondamatic
1980-82 CB750C Custom
1975-82 CB750F Super Sport
1969-1978 CB750K
1982-83 CB750SC Nighthawk
1976-77 CJ360T
1974-75 CL360K Scrambler
1968-74 CL450K Scrambler
1979-81 CM400A Hondamatic
1981 CM400C Custom
1980-81 CM400E
1979-81 CM400T
1982-83 CM450A Hondamatic
1982 CM450C Custom
1982-83 CM450E
1975-79 GL1000 Gold Wing

PART NUMBER: 32-1152 (from the side of the box)



Comparison of old to new (a good two inches shorter or so) (note residual black spray bomb paint job from APO - I'm STILL finding and scrubbing remnants of this madness off, after two years! 



Here was the only "complication". On my bike, the top shock mounting lug has a built in larger 'boss' after the threads that is NOT removable. The new shocks came with a metal bushing inside the rubber, that wouldn't fit and they wouldn't come out easily.



Here is my jenky assed press custom fabricated, high strength shock tool. (two sockets, long bolt, washers.  . lol). Tightening the bolt pushed the bushing right out, no prob. Then, the new shocks fit like a champ - very tightly.


Also, I didn't lower the front at all, though most would probably tell you to, to retain stock ride dynamics? I liked the look though - barely noticeable and the ride didn't seem to change much. Hope that all helps?      I sure love mine - one of my all time fave mods I have done to my scoot, yet!!!