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Message started by paulmarshall on 08/05/14 at 22:14:22

Title: A Shocking Question
Post by paulmarshall on 08/05/14 at 22:14:22

Is 13 inches the standard length for a Cafe conversion shock and are the mounting holes at either end of the shock a standard size for all brands?

Title: Re: A Shocking Question
Post by Michael L on 08/05/14 at 22:48:54

Ha! ;D

I don't believe there's a standard on cafe shock length.. It all varies and depends on the specific bike setup.. But there May be for the ryca build. Take a look at their website.

No, the holes are of different size from bike to bike, but some do have the same size.. Alot of times, shocks come with two sets of bushings..

Title: Re: A Shocking Question
Post by paulmarshall on 08/06/14 at 01:34:09

Been looking on EBay for replacement rear shocks for my Cafe racer project and there are heaps. What kind of things do I need to look out for eg. weight ratings etc?

Yes the White bobber is converting into Snow White the cafe racer.
Will load pics after I get a half way through the build. Will be asking allot of questions to those of you who have previously traveled down this path.

Title: Re: A Shocking Question
Post by Dave on 08/06/14 at 03:24:58

I tried to use 12.5 inch Progressive shocks on my RYCA copy, I had hoped to lower the seat height a bit and keep the swing arm a bit more level. It just wasn't going to work with the RYCA seat and rear fender as the shocks had too much travel and even with spacers to limit the shock travel I was going to have a fender rubbing problem. I ended up using 13" Progressive shocks.

Dave

Title: Re: A Shocking Question
Post by paulmarshall on 08/06/14 at 03:36:54

Yes I have noticed that issue with the swing arm.

Title: Re: A Shocking Question
Post by paulmarshall on 08/06/14 at 16:43:54

I know you get what you pay for but would these Chinese knock offs work on our Cafe racers. Wont be carrying pillions and lost the heavy rear fender so I am thinking these will do? Suggestions?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/321202039990?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

Title: Re: A Shocking Question
Post by jcstokes on 08/06/14 at 20:23:46

320mm = just under 12.6 in.

Title: Re: A Shocking Question
Post by paulmarshall on 08/07/14 at 03:29:30

I just brought some cool looking old school showa rear shocks 345mm centre to centre for $35.

I hope showa is a OK brand? I think Harleys use them.
A bit old and banged up but will clean up good when Im finished. ;)

Title: Re: A Shocking Question
Post by WD on 08/07/14 at 07:28:50

Showa is a Honda subsidiary. They make shocks and forks, used by not only HD, but the metric Big 4, British and Italian bikes, even some of the old Iron Curtain bikes. Just depends on the model year of the bike.

I prefer Ceriani over Showa, a bit heavier duty. Had an early 1970s set of Ceriani racing shocks on a 1963 Honda that were still fine when the bike went for parts a year or so ago. Bike was junk, Ceriani shocks were functionally flawless. As was the stock issue Showa fork.

Those shocks should be fine. A set of new bushings and you'll get a lot of miles out of them.

Title: Re: A Shocking Question
Post by paulmarshall on 08/08/14 at 17:33:28

Roughly how much does a rear shock compress when holding its own weight? The shocks I have ordered are 345mm long eye to eye but haven't arrived yet and I want to use timber like what Dave done here.
What length should the timber be eye to eye?
http://i1300.photobucket.com/albums/ag91/PaulMarshall1977/6d5df1b9-9af5-4175-973e-de3770d10c65_zps094ad25a.jpg?t=1407543940

Title: Re: A Shocking Question
Post by Dave on 08/08/14 at 19:04:03

Yep, I used my flat stick of wood....so I could keep my fancy shocks in the box while I was welding on the frame! 8-)

I was lucky enough that Progressive lists the compressed length of the shock - so I made a stick of wood that length to check for clearance.

Dave

Title: Re: A Shocking Question
Post by paulmarshall on 08/08/14 at 19:31:22

Thanks Dave. :)
Kind of got it set up how I want it now. Of course I will lose the forward controls. " Which are for sale" and some clip ons.
http://i1300.photobucket.com/albums/ag91/PaulMarshall1977/CafeRacer020_zpsef23626f.jpg
http://i1300.photobucket.com/albums/ag91/PaulMarshall1977/CafeRacer026_zps1e890684.jpg
http://i1300.photobucket.com/albums/ag91/PaulMarshall1977/CafeRacer024_zpsa45382d3.jpg
http://i1300.photobucket.com/albums/ag91/PaulMarshall1977/CafeRacer016_zps26eac65e.jpg
http://i1300.photobucket.com/albums/ag91/PaulMarshall1977/CafeRacer022_zpsf2a771a9.jpg