CB/CL 350 RACE BIKE FAQ SUSPENSION MODIFICATIONS PAGE
- Chris Marshall, Suspension modifications: I use modified Marzocchi 35mm dirt bike
forks, revalved for increased damping both ways. I use Progressive Suspension CB750 shocks
in the rear. They are adjustable for preload and rebound damping and are
high quality. Tapered roller head bearings are a must, as are new
swingarm bushings. I had mine built by Hoyt McKagen and they are very
good. I also use 78 CB750 triple trees, which have less offset, and
therefore more trail, making the bike more stable in fast corners. Other
good forks are CB500T forks with straight rate springs from a CB400F in
them.
- Hoyt McKagen, Rear dampers are not up to racing. Progressive springs are winners on
both ends. Swing Arm has good cast iron bushings and they're fine if not loose. But
inner sleeves are wear-prone and should be replaced with chromed items.
Fork needs better damping, stock unit with some machine work would be OK
but really too small for the performance and weight, should be 35 mm min
and better at 38. Billet clamps and stiff well-fitted stem make more
difference than can be imagined. Good fork is the XL250/350 unit: 35 mm,
more overlap, axle fits CB wheel, four-bolt caps, stem fits CB Steering Head and
bearings, slightly longer travel which you set to pref with damping rod
spacers or springs. Or the legs can be used with any 35 mm tubes. Plenty
of them on hand, just ask me. Good solid axle mounting probably helps with
chatter and brakes work better, etc. CPSO fork/damper oil makes a real
difference in striction. Two words: fork brace.
- Chris Ford, Mike Gill, the Service manager at Fredericksburg Motorspots here in
Fredericksburg, rebuilt my front forks to stock specs, but changed the
oil viscosity to a slightly thicker mixture. At the back, I bought two
five way adjustable shocks with greater valve diameter than stock, and
stiffer progressive wound springs. I would tell you where I got them,
but they are no longer available. The best advice I could give on this
issue, would be to see Hoyt's comments.
- Buff Harsh, unload the stock rear shocks and get anything else...
it does not have to be top of the line at first, I used Progressives for
two years. Also a part of the suspension is the swingarm. You must make
sure the bushings have no slop. The way you do this is buy new ones and
learn how to put them in! The front gets much more complicated. First of
all invest in the best steering dampner you can afford, it will save your
butt somewhere down the line. Next, install some tapered steering head
bearings and check the steering head nut torque frequently.( I just
learned this one) The stock front end will work fine until you you start
pushing the bike harder. Eventually 35mm forks can be fitted. CB500T, 550,
or 750 forks all work and can be had at any salvage yard. A new aftermarket
spring would be a good idea at this point as well. It is worth taking these
forks apart completely to clean them and replace the seals. Vive' la
difference.
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