Author Topic: Cb550 suspension  (Read 186 times)

Online DomP

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Cb550 suspension
« on: November 29, 2025, 10:30:42 AM »
I need to replace the leaking, possibly original shocks on my bike and while I'm at it I think I might as well do the forks.  Im considering either yss ecoline or Hagon shocks, with emulators in the forks with new springs.  Does anyone have any input into this idea, ie progressive springs or standard and do I need to be careful with matching front to rear spring rates?
1975 XS650B
1976 CB550F1 current project
2012 Triumph Daytona 675

Offline Johnwebley

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Re: Cb550 suspension
« Reply #1 on: November 29, 2025, 11:43:03 AM »
Do you want it to look standard?

I used TEC rear shocks  a good look alike, but the spring rate is too soft, and the damping faded after 30 miles,

My experience with Hagon is disappointing

Got a pair for my 200,spring far to hard, and the unit was about 20mm to long, making wheel removal complicated, need to remove exhaust as well,

Seemed fairly expensive, but look good quality,
Let's face it, these bikes will never handle like an RC30  ,or be ridden like one,

The front fork are quite good, I use ATF,but if a little soft, add some 30 oil to make it thicker, play until you get what you want,



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Offline Bryanj

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Re: Cb550 suspension
« Reply #2 on: November 29, 2025, 12:18:08 PM »
If you can afford it get Ikons,(used to be koni) unbeatable but dear! As to forks standard build with the medium fork oil BUT need to be pit free and straight, Phillpots

Online DomP

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Re: Cb550 suspension
« Reply #3 on: November 29, 2025, 12:31:13 PM »
Definitely not looking for a standard look, crap roads around me too so a more compliant shock is probably wise. 
1975 XS650B
1976 CB550F1 current project
2012 Triumph Daytona 675

Offline Skoti

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Re: Cb550 suspension
« Reply #4 on: November 30, 2025, 09:24:43 AM »
As Bryan says get Ikons if you can.

I fitted proprietary shockers from DS which are very similar to TEC ones with no manufacturers name stamped on them, they leaked after about 2 years, so a waste of money.

See photos here:-

https://photos.app.goo.gl/19Z7J2ZBX4GEyStA9


Then I replaced them with Ikons which transformed the ride, plus they're fully adjustable for spring tension and damping.
That was over 7 years ago and 18,000 miles of mostly two up touring. 

The other thing is they are fully serviceable, with all replacement parts available.

« Last Edit: Today at 08:29:19 AM by Skoti »
Skoti


Motorcycling is Life, anything B4 or after is just waiting...

1976 Honda CB750F1

Online DomP

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Re: Cb550 suspension
« Reply #5 on: November 30, 2025, 12:38:13 PM »
I can't seem to find a seller of Ikon in the UK
1975 XS650B
1976 CB550F1 current project
2012 Triumph Daytona 675

Offline Skoti

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Re: Cb550 suspension
« Reply #6 on: November 30, 2025, 01:13:11 PM »
Skoti


Motorcycling is Life, anything B4 or after is just waiting...

1976 Honda CB750F1

Online DomP

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Re: Cb550 suspension
« Reply #7 on: November 30, 2025, 04:29:57 PM »
Thats coming up as an article from 2014 for me
1975 XS650B
1976 CB550F1 current project
2012 Triumph Daytona 675

Offline Skoti

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Re: Cb550 suspension
« Reply #8 on: November 30, 2025, 04:40:38 PM »
Thats coming up as an article from 2014 for me

Link in the article:-

Call 01926 430562 or visit www.ikonshocks.co.uk for details of fitments and prices.
Skoti


Motorcycling is Life, anything B4 or after is just waiting...

1976 Honda CB750F1

Online DomP

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Re: Cb550 suspension
« Reply #9 on: November 30, 2025, 06:04:09 PM »
Ah fair enough😄
1975 XS650B
1976 CB550F1 current project
2012 Triumph Daytona 675

Offline Grewth

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Re: Cb550 suspension
« Reply #10 on: November 30, 2025, 10:56:41 PM »
I can remember buying a brand new set of Konis for my GT750 back in 1978, total cost about £42 which equated to about a weeks wages back then.
Best shocks I ever had !
Can't remember exactly what I did with them, but I put the std shocks back on the GT when I sold it in '87.
I also remember having a GS750 which I fitted with brand new Koni "dial a rides" with the adjustable damping.
Can't remember what I did with those either.
Probably swapped or sold them at some point.
Youth is a wonderful thing,  but sadly it's slipped away completely now.
If only I'd kept all those wonderful things that I sold for peanuts back in the day.
On a brighter note,  I picked up a pair of mint Progressive Suspension units for my 750 Four for the princely sum of £26.
Seller just wanted shot of them.
About $350 new in the US I believe

Online DomP

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Re: Cb550 suspension
« Reply #11 on: Today at 08:25:14 AM »
Hagons seem popular and not excessively priced too
1975 XS650B
1976 CB550F1 current project
2012 Triumph Daytona 675