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Author Topic: Rear shock length help.  (Read 258 times)

Offline OLDN64

  • Posts: 63
  • CB350F/CB400F Frankenstein
Rear shock length help.
« on: Apr 12, 2012, 10:24:28 »
G'day guys,

I'm building a CB350F with a 400F engine.
I've ordered, and received my beaut tank and seat combo from Legendary Cycles in the US. Mock fitted it, and decided not to go with the loop on the frame as the seat is a little wider than the frame and I think it would look odd. So now I'm at the point where I need rear shockies. I don't have an original set to work from and new sets come in so many different sizes. In short, I have no idea what size I need. I measured the distance from eye to clevis and 340mm would suit alright, but I can't test this without purchasing a set that need to come from Niche Cycles in the US. I'm trying to stick to a budget after all.

I suppose my real question is, will the 340mm still sit like that once I add the bulky 400F engine into the frame? Or will I experience some "sag" once the engine is in?

The engine weighs about 70kgs, which is about my weight. Should I go for something more like a 365mm to allow for this? I don't want the bike to sit "ugly" in the arse. I want that nice level even look to it.

As always, any help is most appreciated.


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Cheers,
________________
Dan - OLDN64
Perth, Australia.
Regards,
__________________________
Dan - OLDN64
Perth, Australia.

Offline AlphaDogChoppers

  • Posts: 2024
  • Science is true whether you believe in it or not.
    • Alpha Dog Choppers
Re: Rear shock length help.
« Reply #1 on: Apr 12, 2012, 10:59:02 »
Sag is dealt with by adjusting spring pre-load or spring rate, not by adjusting shock length.
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Offline teazer

  • Site Supporter
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  • Posts: 5018
Re: Rear shock length help.
« Reply #2 on: Apr 12, 2012, 12:30:16 »
Prop the bike up and raise it until you get a slight downward angle on the swingarm - a couple of degrees is sufficient.  Then measure how long the shocks need to be.  Then contact IKON in Sydney and see what they have that will work.

As ADC mentioned, all shocks sag.  The amount they sag is a function of weight of the bike and spring rate. IKON should be able to recommend a suitable spring.

If you want really cheap shocks just until you can afford good ones, there's a group out of QLD that sell cheap shocks on ebay.  Better to get good shocks, but needs must, as they say.