I've never liked the shocks that came with the RYCA kit. They are over sprung, under dampened and only provide 2 inches of travel. I've been looking at various solutions and have considered them all; everything from the $1,000 range RaceTech, Ohlins and Fox Podium Shocks to low buck Chinese knock-offs of the aforementioned shocks for less than $100. I couldn't bring myself to try anything in the upper end and figured why bother at the low end.
I was doing some research one day and came across a forum where CB350 cafe riders were discussing various shock options. The discussion turned to made in china RFY and TEC shocks where people (who never tried them) said they were junk and others who have used them said that they actually aren't bad. Further research brought me to a Triumph forum where there was the same exact discussion. The difference with this discussion was someone with significant experience with high-end shocks actually took apart the RFY shocks and compared them to Ohlins. As suspected the RFY shocks are copies of the Ohlins, and it turned out good copies too. The poster noted that a good setup could render serviceable shocks. Doing some research on the poster I came across his website, CL Mototech. There the poster, Chris, had details on RFY and TEC shocks. His reviews are honest and complete; if something is crap he points it out and if something is well built he also shows why. Check out his website at
https://chrislivengood.net/wp/clmototech/You will see that Chris sells custom built shocks from RFY shells. I provided Chris with the particulars (weight of the bike with and without me at the front and rear wheels) and some other information on the bike and Chris built me custom shocks for my bike for around $200.
The shocks measure 340mm eye to eye (about 13-3/8") and have 2-3/4" of travel; 3/4" longer then the shocks supplied by RYCA. It doesn't sound like a lot, but it's a significant difference. The springs installed are dual-rate 80-100 lb-in and seem well matched to the bike. These are the lightest springs Chris carries for the RFY shocks and are well suited to a 300 pound bike with a 175 pound rider. I believe that Chris reworks the shim stack in the damping circuit for the weight of the rider and bike.
I've only ridden these briefly, but they make a huge difference. The shocks, together with my custom forks, provide a balanced and comfortable ride. I have yet to set the static and race sag for the shocks and then reset my figures for the forks to compensate for the reduced rake and trail from the longer shocks. And I probably won't get to it in the coming weeks because my bike is getting torn apart to finally get paint.
Here are some photos.