Another shock thread, but SHOWA

[Tev62]

My friends, I could use some coaching. I deeply admire great engineering and hold tradesman in equally high regard. I can usually recognize fine products when I see them.

I have followed this particular thread with great interest. The links were fascinating to review because it appears to me that there are significantly different approaches to motorcycle suspension system from leading suppliers.

Tev62 post was very informative.

http://epmperformance.com/products/shock...-2014-2018

I have seen these shocks on sport tourers and baggers. They are beautiful, and when I asked riders about them, their response has always been incredibly favorable. Now that I see the costs, part of that enthusiasm may be in part to assure themselves that the cost is justified.

I was also very impressed that Frankenstein has had a long, rewarding history with IKON 761 on the many motorcycles he has owned and upgraded. Although I have never seen an IKON 761 “in person,” it is obvious that Frankenstein has great insight and experience, just like Tev62.

My problem is that I am ignorant. I know how to wrench, and I know how to research. I know how to ride, and I am confident, experienced motorcyclist.

But I have never, ever ridden a motorcycle which has had a suspension upgrade. I also find the stock system on a CB1100 comfortable. That opinion, I fear, may be related to my lack of experience and knowledge about suspension systems.

Here are my goals. I welcome any guidance or direction you care to share.

I want to do everything which is reasonable to make the riding experience on my 2017 CB1100EX comfortable. I like a neutral ride. I enjoy the sport feel of my motorcycle, but I also want to limit stress and strain on my body over the years I plan to ride. My rides rarely exceed 100 miles in a day. Riding two up is a very rare experience for me. Finally, i travel light. 15 Lbs of luggage is a heavy load. Often, it is just me, a helmet, and protective gear. I am 5’11” tall and I weigh 152 LBs. I estimate my boots, pants, jacket, gloves, and helmet add another 10-12 LBs.

For those of you in the know, what susoension system upgrades should I consider if any given my riding habits and goals? Should I just accept the OEM system I have now until such time there is a true problem I can articulate? Would a suspension upgrade take my riding experience from very good to fantastic? If you have time, I welcome your response. Thanks in advance. David

This is a personal opinion and no more than that. The front forks I would leave well alone on a 2017. The dual bending valve design is there to take the harshness out of the change from low speed to high speed shocks on the bike, e.g. undulating normally (slow) and shocks from bumps, potholes etc (high). I think it does a very good job at that. Better than my all electronic Dynamic suspension up front on my 2023 BMW GS on a bad road . These forks were an upgrade to the pre 2017 bikes and they appear as expensive "suspension upgrades" on a number of Harleys. So for me I think they are very good even though they offer no damping adjustment.

I think the stock rear is pretty good, nice reasonable shocks and well suited to everyday use. But definitely room for improvement if you want a specific ride, e.g. very plush/very sporty. Not really a criticism of Honda, they had to choose a ride characteristic to please the majority of riders at some sort of average weight and they went for a good all round solution at a certain price.

I would invest on the rear only if you get to chose the build with a certain amount of input, such as what Wilber's and many other lower cost providers offer. They will normally deliver with the preload set (as they know the weight of the bike and you have provided your details). That just leaves you to find your favourite type of road, max out the damping, see how it goes. Then wind the damping right off and do the same run. Now you know the range you have to work with. From there on you can adjust the damping somewhere in between those limits to suit. I would have no hesitation swapping out the rear shocks if I rode this bike daily.

Another manufacturer is Nitron, a UK company (available in NA) that do twin shocks for the CB1100 but the earlier models. I would be surprised if they didn't do them for the 2017MY too though.