Topic: '73 350F suspension advice...

[The Mayor]

Hey all. So my winter project for the little guy is to revamp that old, worn suspension.
Right now I've got the original rear shocks and springs, and ditto on the forks (though in good cosmetic shape).

I don't wan't to break the bank on this bike - it's merely a fun commuter cafe that get's to play in the occasional curves off the Blue Ridge Mountains,
and I figure that anything has got to be better that what I'm riding on!
What do you guys recommend I look for and/or do to give it a better ride and feel?

Thanks!

[flybox1]

still running stockers on my 350F there chief, but you might find something here that will be better, and not be the price of Progressives...
http://www.jerryscycles.com/catalog/c15_p1.html
others, i'm sure will chime in. 

[HondaMan]

Just be sure to get ones that will clear the chain guard: this usually means they have a longer "naked" section near the lower clevis, with shorter springs overall.

For the front: cut off a 1/2" or so piece of 3/4" electrical conduit, or make a similar stack of 3/8" washers, to fit inside the forks on top of the springs. This preload will help a lot. You can also drill the caps and install some tire valves in each one, and run up to 10 PSI of air pressre in them for a more sublime, tunable ride.

[camelman]

Omarsdtr.com has some good replacement shocks that won't break the bank.  Just changing the fork fluid to something realistic will help out a lot too.

For total handling though, check your steering head bearings and swingarm bushings.  MASSIVE gains to be had there alone.

Camelman

[The Mayor]

Finally getting around to this...

Check with Omar's DTR... said he's now dealing Hagon shocks.
Said that he could get me a set a Hagon's, with springs, shipped for $199.
The only other options I've seen where the part-n-more type for $80ish (other than going well over $200 for body & springs)...

My gut is telling me the Hagon's for that price are the best bang for my buck??

Steering head bearings are definitely getting replaced with some tapered rollers.
Thanks for the tips on spacers/preloading the forks... I'm guessing that means I can't replace the springs in those forks then?

Getting excited - think she's getting some fresh paint and a few other goodies too.
Currently all stock minus the paint, exhaust, and handle bars, and thinking I may go a little more custom with it (but not cutting the frame or getting rid of the stock parts... just in case...)

Thanks for the help again guys, the input is welcome and always helpful.

As she is...

[camelman]

Pretty bike.

Definitely go with the Hagons.  I have a set right now, and they are worth the $200.  Check your swingarm too.  If it is loose in there, then you might want to consider sending it to Hondaman.  Other cheap things to replace that make a big difference are:
1) front fork oil
2) front wheel bearings
3) rear wheel bearings

The wheel bearings aren't all that hard to do.  The front is usually trouble free, and the rear just need a tool made up.  There are a few homemade tool ideas on this forum that should work well.  I don't recommend the chisel and hammer method though, since you can tear up the retainer ring very quickly, and it will take you more time and frustration than making up a simple tool.

PS, if you decide to go custom with it, I have some easy and effective ideas.  Just PM me if you want to chat about it.  I don't really feel like typing it all out.

Camelman