Best suspension mods?

[gretle_2.0]

Hey guys, I love how the CB1100 drives but I feel like for me it is to soft when taking corners. Any good suspension mods you recommend? I recently installed a super brace and IM thinks rear ohlins shocks and something for the front end like stiffer fork springs?

Much thanks!

 

[Tev62]

I have a 2017MY EX which I believe has slightly different suspension from the earlier models but before you do anything I would get the pre-load setup nicely. If you are anything over the weight of an average Japanese fella I would add one or two notches up on the rear pre-load and back off the front forks one ring of pre-load too (from stock settings). It sharpens the bikes handling up no end as you have effectively shortened the bikes trail up front. Changing the tyres can also have a significant impact on the sharpness of steering. I swapped out the stock tyres for T31's and the difference was to significantly sharpen up the front end, a little too much in the end. I was able to add almost all of my front pre-load back and still get a great handling bike.

I know I am a little off your original query on the suspension being too soft for your liking and pre-load will do nothing to address that of course but it is fundamental to get the bikes stance on the road correct before addressing the damping side of things, to my mind anyway. Use the forum search tool, I believe a good few owners went for cartridge kits in the forks and Ohlins STX rear shocks which made a difference to them.

 

[RedRoevr_imp]

I recently swapped to Ikon rear shocks which I'm excited to get more miles on. I haven't had a lot of opportunity to determine too much of a difference from stock... BUT! In addition to spring preload you can also adjust rebound dampening, which is an improvement over stock. And for the price, it feels like a no-brainer to me. I'll report back once I've played with them more. I think there's also a few folks on here who've gone with Ikon shocks and could tell you more about the ride quality...

Here's the link to what I ordered: https://www.ikonsuspensionusa.com/product/ikon-dial-a-ride-7610-1507/

 

[PowerDubs_imp]

I upgraded my '14 to the '17 FSD forks- and the improvement was well worth it.

So noticeable that the rear end felt WORSE even though it was the same.

I then put the Ikons on the rear and yes- they are much better than what the bike comes with from the factory.

 

[Olyrider]

I really like my Ohlins. I got the black springs without the reservoir since it really isn't need to cool the oil for my riding style. The adjustment tool is about the same size as a 4mm Allen wrench (not the same, just similar size) so it is easy to pack along in a pocket. I ride, and then make minor adjustments until I "sneek up" on exactly the feeling I like.

The Race-Tech emulators came too stiff for my taste, but that was fixed by changing from 10w to 5w oil. And backing off a tad on rebound/compression.

 

[Sparky80_imp]

I put Traxxion Dynamics AR-25's in the front with a 1.0 spring. Made a huge difference.
Eventually I'll get around to putting some Ikons in the back if I don't sell it first.

 

[Tev62]

If you order rear shocks at any stage it is well worth going to a supplier who makes them for your specific weight and style of riding. These suppliers often just have pull down menus to select the best fit, e.g. rider weight, street riding, comfort orientated etc. Most of these companies charge no extra for this service and it makes a big difference.

One of the biggest area you can help yourself is deciding whether you will carry a pillion or not. Honda would of chosen the spring rate and fixed damping design based on the maximum carrying capacity on the bike and the bike weight. When riding solo you can struggle to achieve full suspension stroke because it is designed to have enough in reserve for that higher carrying capacity.

If, when ordering a pair of custom shocks you can say "no pillion" then they can make the shock up for the bikes weight and your weight in a much more defined and accurate manner. e.g. design it for 250kg bike, plus 100kg rider who has a preference for comfort ride. Whereas Honda have to go 250kg bike plus 50kg to 170kg rider and pillion in some "reasonable" setting.