Honda-SOHC

SOHC.co.uk Forums => CB500/550 => Topic started by: JustcallmeMrT on January 03, 2015, 02:55:34 PM

Title: Shocks - rebuild or replace?
Post by: JustcallmeMrT on January 03, 2015, 02:55:34 PM: Took a closer look at the shocks that came on my 550f2, and wondering if you guys think they need to be rebuilt or replaced?

The mounting rubbers look pretty worn, but that's not an issue. My worry is that there seems to be some rust on the shaft that I assume will cause a leak if left as is. The internal plastic cover also cracked.

Can these be rebuilt, or would it be better to replace them?

(http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15/01/03/c2c5216c71508d3b6ff5abe6a23febcb.jpg)
(http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15/01/03/67cbc446b33d59266dd4a68db0bc44f3.jpg)
(http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15/01/03/9330bbd833dba4931948db4e39c639be.jpg)
(http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15/01/03/c410fb7b7371e00d4cd54499140d3e06.jpg)
Title: Re: Shocks - rebuild or replace?
Post by: Bitsa (Ralph Wright - RIP) on January 03, 2015, 03:02:24 PM: Mr T
If it were mine replace them.By the time you strip get bits rechromed etc to me not worth the hassle.Tried all of that and was a waste of time and money
Cheers
Bitsa
Title: Re: Shocks - rebuild or replace?
Post by: JustcallmeMrT on January 03, 2015, 03:09:52 PM: What would you replace it with? Standard? Something better?
Title: Re: Shocks - rebuild or replace?
Post by: Bitsa (Ralph Wright - RIP) on January 03, 2015, 03:26:03 PM: Looks like you have Konis as far as I can remember they did have a good reputation.For me and only to keep it as original as I can the hate to say this the pattern ones seem to do a reasonable job but as all ways each to there own mate
Cheers
Bitsa
Title: Re: Shocks - rebuild or replace?
Post by: Bryanj on January 03, 2015, 03:48:13 PM: Supposedly all the parts to rebuid Konis are available from Ikon in Australia and when good they are a far superior shock. If the rebuild cost is not excessive i would do them
Title: Re: Shocks - rebuild or replace?
Post by: JustcallmeMrT on January 03, 2015, 05:13:42 PM: I think, from the looks of things, the rebuild kits are for newer models than I have. A new set of Ikon shocks are just over Â£300... ouch...
Title: Re: Shocks - rebuild or replace?
Post by: Trigger on January 03, 2015, 05:22:21 PM: Try ABE in Greenwich for a rebuild. If it is only seals and set up they charge about Â£100 but, the price does go up if new springs are needed.
Title: Re: Shocks - rebuild or replace?
Post by: JustcallmeMrT on January 03, 2015, 05:40:54 PM: Quote from: Trigger on January 03, 2015, 05:22:21 PM
Try ABE in Greenwich for a rebuild. If it is only seals and set up they charge about Â£100 but, the price does go up if new springs are needed.
Just sent them a job card for a quote - thanks for the link Trig.
Title: Re: Shocks - rebuild or replace?
Post by: matthewmosse on January 03, 2015, 07:13:52 PM: I think my last 3 sets (several bikes, they lasted well) were from Custom fastners in Newtown, somewhere in the region of Â£50 - Â£60 a set oxon and yss brand, never heard of either but they handled pretty well as far as I could assess such things and were better than some I have tried, though I have not tried out the best types and am not the fastest rider.
Title: Re: Shocks - rebuild or replace?
Post by: Bitsa (Ralph Wright - RIP) on January 03, 2015, 07:21:11 PM: Mattew
Nor am I thats why the pattern ones are a ok with me never have passengers so sooner spend my bucks on the chrome ware
Cheers
Bitsa
Title: Re: Shocks - rebuild or replace?
Post by: matthewmosse on January 03, 2015, 08:58:28 PM: I have loaded my 500/4 up with 2 passengers and a sidecar, even then the pattern shocks handled fine. Not failed yet though 5 years un used in a damp shed pitted the damper rods so I do expect to replace them soon.
Title: Re: Shocks - rebuild or replace?
Post by: Bitsa (Ralph Wright - RIP) on January 03, 2015, 09:07:08 PM: Well cant moan at that then good service there mate
Cheers
Bitsa
Title: Re: Shocks - rebuild or replace?
Post by: Trigger on January 03, 2015, 09:15:50 PM: Quote from: Bitsa on January 03, 2015, 09:07:08 PM
Well cant moan at that then good service there mate
Cheers
Bitsa

I have some repro shocks on a CB450 K3 that has been in storage for the past 8 years. They still work fine and look like new ;) ;) ;)
Title: Re: Shocks - rebuild or replace?
Post by: Green1 on January 03, 2015, 10:20:53 PM: Any pattern shocks are better than the original

Mick
Title: Re: Shocks - rebuild or replace?
Post by: JustcallmeMrT on January 03, 2015, 10:32:52 PM: I'll keep these comments in mind - can't go too far wrong with a set of pattern shocks then. I won't be a very fast rider either, and as for riding two up, my wife said she'll only get on it if I survive a few years first. Nothing like a vote of confidence from the ones you love.
Title: Re: Shocks - rebuild or replace?
Post by: Trigger on January 03, 2015, 10:54:39 PM: Quote from: Green1 on January 03, 2015, 10:20:53 PM
Any pattern shocks are better than the original

Mick

I hope Bitsa doesn't read this Mick ;D I have never had problems with OEM shocks once rebuilt. They are showa Mick.
Title: Re: Shocks - rebuild or replace?
Post by: Green1 on January 03, 2015, 11:04:51 PM: Your not going fast enough then Trig the 750 soon gets out of its comfort zone when pushed on a bumpy bend with standard shocks.Same with the 250 that would lose all its rebound after about half hour and dig the main stand into the ground the second you cornered.

Mick
Title: Re: Shocks - rebuild or replace?
Post by: matthewmosse on January 03, 2015, 11:38:21 PM: Enjoy the freedom of riding solo. When I was single I ended up being designated as the transport for both my mates fiancÃ©s as neither of them trusted either of my mates riding enough to go pillion, but they were somehow happy to ride, one in the chair, one on pillion on my 500/4 sidecar outfit, despite me being rather keen on doing corners sideways with power slides and even managing a wheely with my mates other half in the chair. Those shocks sure took a bit of abuse. Too bad the exposure to winter riding and my poor storage of the bike has probably finished them off. I found Hagon shockers sounded soggy or squishy and went a bit soggy feeling after a similar milage, and were no less at risk of rust for more money on both my bmw and 500/4 sidecar.
Title: Re: Shocks - rebuild or replace?
Post by: JustcallmeMrT on January 04, 2015, 09:24:55 PM: What do you guys think of this?
http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&id=251780591572&alt=web
Title: Re: Shocks - rebuild or replace?
Post by: tom400f on January 04, 2015, 10:37:34 PM: Quote from: matthewmosse on January 03, 2015, 11:38:21 PM
When I was single I ended up being designated as the transport for both my mates fiancÃ©s

You didn't, did you?
:P
Title: Re: Shocks - rebuild or replace?
Post by: Bitsa (Ralph Wright - RIP) on January 05, 2015, 11:26:40 AM: Yeah you two did read it and surprise surprise agree with you the originals were soft as shite especially with 2 up
Cheers
Bitsa
Title: Re: Shocks - rebuild or replace?
Post by: Trigger on January 09, 2015, 12:15:38 PM: Just fitted a set of these to a CB500 cafe, and must say that they are not bad for the price >> http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Honda-CB450-CB350-CB500-four-TEC-Alloy-gas-shocks-21pbf-12-/321631227215?pt=UK_Motorcycle_Parts_13&hash=item4ae2b70d4f
Title: Re: Shocks - rebuild or replace?
Post by: Bitsa (Ralph Wright - RIP) on January 09, 2015, 12:40:25 PM: Not retro enough for me Trig don't like that bit sticking up looks like modern woman's toy but good price though
Cheers
Bitsa
Title: Re: Shocks - rebuild or replace?
Post by: Trigger on January 09, 2015, 01:23:05 PM: Quote from: Bitsa on January 09, 2015, 12:40:25 PM
Not retro enough for me Trig don't like that bit sticking up looks like modern woman's toy but good price though
Cheers
Bitsa

Just to keep you happy Mr Retro >> http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/CB450-CB450T-CB500-CB550-CHROME-SHOCKS-TEC-brand-replica-shocks-7-60s-/321637256199?pt=UK_Motorcycle_Parts_13&hash=item4ae3130c07
Title: Re: Shocks - rebuild or replace?
Post by: Bitsa (Ralph Wright - RIP) on January 09, 2015, 03:15:22 PM: Now that is better thanks Trig mine are like that but dearer than those
Bitsa
Title: Re: Shocks - rebuild or replace?
Post by: Trigger on January 09, 2015, 03:47:37 PM: Quote from: Bitsa on January 09, 2015, 03:15:22 PM
Now that is better thanks Trig mine are like that but dearer than those
Bitsa

They are not bad shock but, you do have to put spacing washers on the top mounts. Little on the slim side ;)
Title: Re: Shocks - rebuild or replace?
Post by: Bitsa (Ralph Wright - RIP) on January 09, 2015, 08:23:54 PM: Trig
Yeah not alot gets passed you mate a thick washer sorts it but the ones from DS no
Cheers
Bitsa