Re: Rear shock How to measure?

Posted by sgtslag on Jun 04, 2013; 8:17pm
URL: http://vintage-and-classic-hondas.81.s1.nabble.com/Rear-shock-How-to-measure-tp4041780p4041789.html

The best shocks, near that price range, are Progressive 12 Series:  Standard Duty, and Heavy Duty Springs are available.  DO NOT purchase the Heavy Duty Springs:  I did, and on their lowest setting, they are still too stiff, riding two-up, with full saddlebags, and a full trunk!  The Standard Duty will suffice, single, or double, with full luggage...  They have five pre-load settings, like the OEM shocks, and we ran our '79 K on the lowest setting with the HD Springs, bike fully loaded; on our 800# Voyager, with Standard Duty Springs, we run it at setting #2 (#1 being the softest), riding two-up, full saddlebags, and a full trunk!

The Progressives have a "progressively wound spring", which means, dual-rate springs (acts like both a heavy duty spring, for deep holes, as well as a gentler spring, for smooth roadways -- all from one spring). They are not as good as Ohlins, but they are damn nice.  I put the same model on my Voyager 1200 touring machine (OEM were air-assisted, oil filled, PITA's...).

A word of warning:  if you get the 12 Series on the rear, you will find the front Fork Springs woefully lacking -- they have those, too, progressively wound.  The full combination will transform both the ride, and the handling:  it will ride, and handle, like a modern bike -- amazing difference on my '79 K model, couldn't believe the difference, and the comfort!

Here is the price breakdown from their online catalog ("What fits my ride?") (other online sources sell them for less...  shop around -- it pays!):

12 Series Shocks (pair) for 1980 CB750F:                   $203.52
Black Springs, Standard Duty (Chrome are $16 more):   $76.95
Fork Springs (pair):                                                      $92.95
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                                                                     Total = $373.42

                              Without the Fork Springs:  Total = $280.47


With regards to measurements, contact Progressive's tech support via their web page 'contact us':  link.