Topic: More shock options

[Scott S]

 I read several of the shock threads. I don't need $400 shocks. I won't be racing or doing any serious canyon carving.
 Is there an affordable alternative for a street ridden CB500?
 What about shocks from other models? I know the weight of the donor would have to be similar, etc. Has anyone found a shock from another make or model that works? Something I could maybe find at a swap meet or salvage yard?

 

[camelman]

Try http://omarsdtr.com/shox1.html
Inexpensive and "adequate".

Are your shocks rebuildable?

Camelman

[the architect]

I just picked up a set of MDI shocks for my '75 CB750 from Partsnmore.com for $75.  Decent quality, pre-load adjustable like the OEM's.  My only complaint is that the spring rates are really stiff, even on the lightest pre-load perch. But the price was just what I was looking for.

You might check these out, too:

http://www.loudfastugly.com/chrmandacc/MDI/mdi.htm

He has some decently priced options.  The MDI's are the exact ones I got from Partsnmore.

[Duke McDukiedook]

You are gonna have to spend a minimum amount if you want something that you can rebuild, that is what I wanted when I bought my Ikons. Otherwise, when they go bad and are not rebuildable, you wind up chucking them.

Depends on how and when you want to spend your money.

[Scott S]

 I still have what appears to be stock 500 shocks, so I'm guessing they're not rebuildable.

 Will the CB750 shocks be sprung too stiffly for a 500?

[Scott S]

 There's a motorcycle salvage yard near me. Any hints as to shocks from another bike or year that might work?

[Duke McDukiedook]

Odds are anything you get from that yard will be worse off than the shocks currently on your bike.

Don't know about 750 to 500 swaps.

[camelman]

I wouldn't trust anything from a salvage yard unless you are really familiar with shocks.

I read about rebuilding the stock shocks by drilling a hole to drain them about 1/4" from the bottom of the shock body, draining it, welding or JB welding a nut over the hole, refilling with fluid, then tightening a short bolt into the hole.  Might not hurt to try, and could be a fun project.

Camelman

[nokrome]

i run these on my 750 http://www.dynoman.net/chassis/progressive.html
  its a really good shock for the $$

[Greggo]

I just bought these: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItemVersion&item=150412895111&view=all&tid=474107067005 The length is the same as the stockers, so I think they'll be ok.

Just got 'em in the mail, and I'm putting them on next week, so I'll let you know how it goes if you want.

[marksman]

I also run the progressives.  About $200.00 for the pair.

[fastbroshi]

I still have what appears to be stock 500 shocks, so I'm guessing they're not rebuildable.

 Will the CB750 shocks be sprung too stiffly for a 500?

No they're not.  CB750 shocks are about .5" longer I think, but they'll work.  Your butt will just be a little higher in the air, and the springs are most likely stronger.  So if you're over 175lbs that's probably a good thing.

[Alan F.]

I understood that shocks from CB750/CB900/CB1000/CB1100 79-83 will also bolt right up, maybe some of those are available as cheap nos?

[fastbroshi]

If you feel like spending some dough, Ohlins model HO140 would work, but they're pretty long, like 14.5 inches.