What are my options for raising rear suspension? (and extending a chain)

Tristan

Tristan

Been Around the Block
A problem I was afraid of for a while was the clearance between the hoop I installed and my rear tire...turns out it might really be a problem.

As it sits, there is about 1 1/2 inches clearance, which really sketches me out....one big bump and I'm toast.

Do you guys have any ideas to increase the gap between hoop and tire without simply cutting off the hoop?

Maybe longer shocks, or a bracket that will attach to my shocks to extend them?

And what shocks will be compatible with my cb350 if I end up having to simply install longger ones?

*Sigh*
 
Re: What are my options for raising rear suspension?

The problem with a bracket to extend the shock length is that if the bracket flips forwards or backwards, it will essentially lower the rear. How long are your shocks now?

You might be able to find much stiffer shocks from a heavier bike - that way that 1.5" of travel will be enough. But too stiff of a shock will of course be much harsher to ride.
 
Re: What are my options for raising rear suspension?

They're about 12 1/2" from bolt to bolt.

Do all honda CB's have the same size bolt holes, or is this going to be a long hard hunt?

At this point I'm not overly concerned with suspension comfort, I just want to make it all work without butchering what I've already done.
 
Re: What are my options for raising rear suspension?

If you look around a little, you should be able to find some 14" eye-to-eye shocks or something similar.

I'm sure somebody will jump in and give you a link - I just don't know of any myself.
 
Re: What are my options for raising rear suspension?

Just chop out the bit you screwed up on, its only time and money ;D

PJ
 
Re: What are my options for raising rear suspension?

I'm dealing with the same thing on my R5 where I added a rear hoop and a flat seat. I considered stiffer springs but was worried that that wouldn't be enough. I'm now looking at moving the shock mounts a couple inches lower. this should accomplish two things; rectifying the clearance problem but also raising the rear end a bit which will give the bike a more aggresive stance. I don't anticipate a problem with suspension with a small move but if I'm mistaken I'm all ears. (I've seen this done way more aggresively than I'm planning)

Also this is way cheaper than buying new shocks or springs. If you don't weld yourself you should be able to get it done for less than $50.
 
Re: What are my options for raising rear suspension?

diesel450 said:
I'm dealing with the same thing on my R5 where I added a rear hoop and a flat seat. I considered stiffer springs but was worried that that wouldn't be enough. I'm now looking at moving the shock mounts a couple inches lower. this should accomplish two things; rectifying the clearance problem but also raising the rear end a bit which will give the bike a more aggresive stance. I don't anticipate a problem with suspension with a small move but if I'm mistaken I'm all ears. (I've seen this done way more aggresively than I'm planning)

Also this is way cheaper than buying new shocks or springs. If you don't weld yourself you should be able to get it done for less than $50.
Click to expand...

That's a great idea, but at this point I'm just sick of modifying and chopping at my bike. I'm going to try just getting some longer shocks from a larger honda.
My only concern after doing that is chain length and clearance...oh geez.
Anyone know of a legitimate way to extend a chain if I need to?
Is it practical to install multiple master links?
 
Re: What are my options for raising rear suspension?

Tristan said:
My only concern after doing that is chain length and clearance...oh geez.
Anyone know of a legitimate way to extend a chain if I need to?
Is it practical to install multiple master links?
Click to expand...

Raising the ride height at the rear shouldn't affect your chain length (OK, maybe a few mm... ::)).

The chain might rub on the top of the swingarm pivot if you raise the height a lot, but you can use a slipper pad for that.
 
AAHH yes the point of exasperation, I know it well. Its up to you what's more important at this point, your time or your money. Also really think about what you want your bike to look like. Sometimes the hardest part is making the decision. that said if you can find shocks that work that may be the way to go.
 
Raising rear won't affect chain length at all. ::)
You still have tightest point when all 3 pivots line up.
You may have other issues as swing arm is going to be below design arc and you may have to run with excessive slack

PJ
 
Hey Tristan - about your chain length.

If you raise the rear ride height your chain will loosen, not tighten. So you should not need to add any length to your chain.

PJ is right in that you will need to run your chain "looser" with the swingarm down, but you will be limited by the chain clearance at the pivot as to how far you can jack up the rear anyway (I'm guessing about 2"), and the increased slack with such a small(ish) change should be minimal.

Jack up the rear of the bike (do you have a centrestand?), take off the shocks and move the rear end down until the top side of the chain just touches the swingarm pivot. Make sure the chain is taught (bike in gear, pull the wheel backwards). That's pretty well the lowest you can/should go. Measure the distance between your shock mounts and that's the length of the shocks you should be looking for. When the bike is off the stand (with the new shocks) the weight will be back on the rear end again and the chain will lift back off the swingarm pivot when riding.

If you still need more clearance you could either get larger sprockets (again you are limited with the front size), or if all that fails you might have to re-think your hoop.....or use struts..... ::)

Good luck with it ;)
 
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