SOHC.co.uk Forums > CB350/400
Currently available shock absorbers?
McCabe-Thiele (Ted):
I did wonder are you sure the DS shocks are the same length as the original Honda part.
If you have the old original Honda part might be worth checking against them.
K2-K6:
Many of the offering seem to promote the same unit for 400 & 500 is that the case ?
If so, it must mean that the 400 would effectively have too hard a ride to it.
There's not too much point in having much in the way of adjustment for compression damping (that's if it's effective in the first place) as winding that up just takes it toward "boneshaker" as its supposed to move in response to bumps and load.
The rebound however being the more useful in controlling whichever rate spring is needed.
Simply put, the spring rate should change if load total shifts and not compression damping. Stronger spring to carry weight will ordinarily need raised rebound damping to match that.
Mikep328:
I don't have the originals. :-\ The DSS shock length is 315mm center to center which I understand (maybe incorrectly?) was the OEM length. I measured these shocks at the shortest setting which fouls the chain guard and almost hits the chain and came up with 320mm. From working on it yesterday, I'm thinking (without being at the bike to check) that because the spring is larger diameter than the DSS (and I assume the OEM shock) it would require at least 10-12mm extension of the shock to avoid fouling the chain guard.
I believe there is enough adjustment to do that but how it will affect handling/centerstand use is my concern. Only way to tell is to try it and see...
McCabe-Thiele (Ted):
I don't know the actual length of the original, Mr Giggle saye 315, a search here mentions 320.http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=107596.0
Mikep328:
Installed the shocks. It required them to be lengthened to the max allowed per the instructions as well as a bit of chain guard adjusting (bending/denting) to allow them to fit. With the centerstand down, the rear tire mostly clears the ground though it skims the surface a bit. I haven't ridden the bike yet but pushing down/releasing the rear suspension feels much more supple than the very stiff DSS shocks. I expect the bike will feel much more "connected" with the road though, of course, that expectation may or not be met!
Although the info says they fit a CB400F, I would call that a bit of an overstatement. They are NOT a "simply remove the original shocks/replace with these" type of fit they will require some futzing with the chain guard and if you want OEM-type rear tire/ground clearance with the centerstand down, these won't provide it.
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