Topic: Which Shock (750-K8)??

[brewsky]

I have 3 sets of shocks to choose from for my K8..originals are gone.
Attached pic shows choices
The chrome one is from a 750 K6 and is 13" c-c
The middle one is a replacement (MD1 2DA) that came on the bike and is 13 1/2"c-c
The right side one is a MIDI (FC 605E) and is 14 1/2" c-c
Which one to use? Don't know the length of the original.

[seaweb11]

I've been riding with 13" for years on my K8 and I like it. Stock is 14" I believe.

[brewsky]

Thanks for the reply, seaweb, I've been using the 13" chrome ones just for looks mostly, but I'm adding hard bags so might need something a little beefier?
The ones in the middle of the pics have a slightly offset clevis for some reason, wonder if the stock ones did?

[seaweb11]

Here's mine with a full load. They have always been fine. But they are new. I have no idea what kind of shape yours are in.

[vanillagorilla]

brewsky, let me know which ones you decide on, i'd like either of the two on the right side... if you decide to sell 'em, of course.

[brewsky]

Seaweb, that is a load!....where did you sit??...and is that a CT on the back?

Vanilla, I might sell whichever set I don't use, probably the ones on the right, looks like the same ones cyclex is selling, they are new in box...will let you know

[seaweb11]

CT?  Not sure what you mean?
It has done a couple of major road trips like that with no problems

maybe this is a better shot. Bags sit on the bump at the rear

[brewsky]

"CT"...slang for "car tire" some people use on the rear. "Darksiders" they call themselves.
I was joking about your bike...the rear shot makes the rear tire look pretty wide.
Good looking bike, by the way!

[seaweb11]

Can't remember what tire was on that wheel when I got it.  That is a 16" rear in that photo.
I have also run the stock 18 on it with the shorter 13" shocks as well with no problems.
That one was bald by the time I got home

[brewsky]

Mine came stock with a 4.50x17" rear, and I'm using a 130/90 now, which is a little taller than stock.
We used 5.00x16's (if my memory is right)  to build choppers in the late '60's. and they looked huge at the time.
I've had mine pretty well loaded up also, (Vetter fairing, hard bags, trunk, luggage rack, etc. heading out on a camping trip, but I had the middle shocks on at the time. They are larger diameter than the other two sets.
That is probably why the clevis is offset, to allow clearance for the chainguard.
After re-measuring, the ones on the right are closer to 14", and are probably stock size for the K7 & 8's.

[seaweb11]

Good luck with your choice. Hell, try all 3 a see how they feel

[vanillagorilla]

Vanilla, I might sell whichever set I don't use, probably the ones on the right, looks like the same ones cyclex is selling, they are new in box...will let you know

That'd be cool. They'd look pretty rad on the Gorilla.