Suitable rear dampers.

[gtmdriver]

I'm looking to fit a set of Hagon 2810 adjustable spring/damper units to my 1974 CB350F in place of the worn OEM units. These OEM units are 320mm centre to centre.

Hagon don't specifically list this bike in their catalogue but Part No 31011 is listed for the later CB400F/F2 and the CB350T of the same period. This damper is 310mm centre to centre. Hagon don't have a 320mm damper with a forked lower fitting in their 2810 range. Would I notice the difference with a 10mm shorter damper? The next size up is 335mm which would jack the back end up 25mm (1") over standard.

[Nurse Julie]

I'm not sure what difference the change in length would make but I had those Hagons fitted to my CB400/4 when I got her and they were bloody horrible. It was like riding a hard tail, no flexibility at all and it made the back end rock solid so very 'skippy'. In my very limited knowledge of these things it would seem logical that if you increase or decrease the length of the shocks, would it not affect the geometry of the bike ?. BTW, forum member MrT has now got my old Hagons on the Café he has just built, so maybe worth contacting him for some advice.

[gtmdriver]

I wouldn't mind the rear springing being stiffer as I weigh 14 stone and my wife, a regular pillion passenger, weighs 10 stone so it may be what we need.

Shorter or longer shocks certainly will affect the rear ride height and therefore the geometry. I'm just asking how big the effect is being as how Hagon specify the 310's for bikes that originally had 320's fitted.

[K2-K6]

I don't think there's an excess of clearance on these bikes as standard so a reduction may see the tyre too close or touching the rear mudguard on full compression.
As they're (most bikes of that era) not particularly quick steering anyway I'd feel you've more tolerance to go with the longer shock as it will only steepen the fork angle marginally,  you're only looking at 15mm longer (320 std to 335 new) anyway on a non loaded bike.
Given what you say about two up work, you're probably going to end up with it at more or less what honda intended for solo work so it may reduce that very slightly vague feeling you get with a passenger of board.
I know that doesn't take into account the spring and shock rates but I'm not sure they give you much choice in that.

[royhall]

These are the shocks I used on my CB350F. They look right, they ride right, and the price is right. They are also the right length. They are a superb ride on my 350, supple with good damping. The bike handles well and I am 16 stone (nearly), not tried them 2 up though.    http://shop.tecbikeparts.com/products/cb250k-cb350k-cj250-cj350j-cb360-shocks

[Chris400F]

I used the tecbikeparts shocks on my 400. Quite possibly the same units as Roy used but without the chrome shrouds.
I seem to remember when I bought them that there were a number of recommendations around for them as offering very good value for the money.

[royhall]

Your correct Chris they are the exact same shocks without the shroud. The shroud should be there for 350f.

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[Nurse Julie]

They are what I replaced my Hagons with and do the job very nicely on my 400/4.

[gtmdriver]

They look promising. I'll check them out.

Anybody used them 2 up?

Thank you.

[wolfheze]

Yes. Got some on my 550. Absolutely fine two up.

[gtmdriver]

Fair enough.

I've just ordered a pair.

[Laverda Dave]

I fitted Hagons to my original 400 and replaced them within 6 months, too hard, great on the 350 Morini though 
I have bought a pair of TEC's for the 400 project, good price and really nice finish with good reports of handling.  Good enough for me 
Dave