76 cb750 original shocks stiff / what to get?

[keeleydavis]

I still have my stock rear shocks and at this point when I hit any kind of bump, it doesnt seem to suck up much of the punch. It actually hurts my lower back especially with that quick jolt. What would be a good upgrade on the cheap that would soften that blow?

 

[mlinder]

What do you mean by cheap?

What is your budget?

 

[SONICJK]

What's your preload set on?

 

[keeleydavis]

When you say preload do you mean the notches that look like a mountain scene? Sorry for the novice talk. If so l, it was at the highest setting and now it is at its lowest. Both feel the same. And when I say cheap I just mean in the 200 range or so.

 

[SONICJK]

Yeah thats your preload adjuster, you want to adjust it so that the spring is as long as possible for the softest ride.
For 200 look into some hagon shocks

 

[keeleydavis]

Sounds great. Yeah the spring is at its longest. Will it be much of a difference with the new ones? Is this what happens to older suspension

 

[SONICJK]

If i were you I'd call hagon and progressive suspension and ask them what you need.
In my experience new shocks are stiffer than the stock ones.

Theres a chance that your stock shocks have leaked out their oil and are just bottoming out over bumps, which will cause a really unpleasant slamming sensation, making your kidneys feel like they are going to fall out your ass.

 

[coyote13]

I've got Progressives on my '78, and they are a fantastic upgrade for the money. Like said above, Hagons are also worth looking into, but for 30 year old shocks, pretty much anything would be an upgrade.

 

[keeleydavis]

I've got Progressives on my '78, and they are a fantastic upgrade for the money. Like said above, Hagons are also worth looking into, but for 30 year old shocks, pretty much anything would be an upgrade.

Can you describe the difference after you upgraded?
Did you get the 12 series Progressives?

 

[coyote13]

Yeah, I got the 12 series in all black. The difference is night and day. It's been 2-3 years since I switched out the stockers, but it was like riding a whole new bike. No more teeth jarring over big bumps, the bike really sticks to the road, the ride is about 100x smoother, and I can ride 2-up without bottoming out the back tire. They also have adjustable preload like the stock shocks, so you'll be able to tune them to your weight/riding style.

 

[keeleydavis]

Is it difficult to add the springs? Also I read a review that they have a plastic top? Do they look quality?

 

[mlinder]

He is mistaking "stiff" for "bottoming out."

Call Hagon USA and ask for "Hagon Road shocks - Application Type SA"

Phone number is (760) 308 8124.

They are 199.00 bucks. They will ask you a bunch of questions, like what bike it is, what you weigh, do you carry passengers, or a bunch of crap like camping gear around. They'll ask you how much your girlfriend weighs. Then they'll take your credit card number and send you shocks set up specifically for you.

 

[coyote13]

No it is not difficult, yes they look quality

 

[keeleydavis]

He is mistaking "stiff" for "bottoming out."

Call Hagon USA and ask for "Hagon Road shocks - Application Type SA"

Phone number is (760) 308 8124.

They are 199.00 bucks. They will ask you a bunch of questions, like what bike it is, what you weigh, do you carry passengers, or a bunch of crap like camping gear around. They'll ask you how much your girlfriend weighs. Then they'll take your credit card number and send you shocks set up specifically for you.

Just ordered them! Thanks so much for the advice everyone. I cant wait to arrive to my destination without my kidneys punching back.

 

[mlinder]

Just ordered them! Thanks so much for the advice everyone. I cant wait to arrive to my destination without my kidneys punching back.

Good man. I like Hagons quite a bit.

 

[ApriliaBill]

Suspension has a tremendous effect on a bike, it can affect steering braking and traction. Now that you have rears coming in, maybe take a look at the front. Is it spongy? Do you have a decent fork brace? Are there any leaks? When was the last time the fork oil was changed? My father always taught me, if you have an issue at one end, it's always good to look at the other end. A balanced bike makes for a safer ride.

 

[mlinder]

Hagon makes front springs Usually pretty inexpensive, if I remember correctly, maybe 80 bucks for the pair?

 

[coyote13]

Yeah Linder, I think the Progressive fronts are about the same, haven't used them though so I can't personally comment on them.

 

[ApriliaBill]

I've used the Progressive on many bikes, they work really well...

 

[keeleydavis]

Just a tip to other newbies, don't grip the bottom of the shock in a place that could clamp hard and fast onto your hand when changing spring height.

I was stuck for a few minutes and all I could think of was wasting an evening in an emergency room with a shock clamped on my hand. My wife was strong enough to pull the spring up to free me. Glad I married miss universe!