[ancientdad]

Moved to the correct section.

There are many manufacturers who sell shocks that fit your bike, from the inexpensive to the highest-priced (some believe the best). Emgo sells shocks that fit for around $60, Hagon sells the high-priced units for (I believe, may be wrong) over $200. A quick internet search will give you quite a few selections

 

[ancientdad]

You did see the Emgo reference above, right? I realize the shipping and other fees would prevent you from buying them from 4into1, but I'm sure someone else over there would have access to them

Emgo Black With Chrome Spring Shorty Shocks - Eye to Clevis - 290mm (11.4")

Emgo performance shorty rear shocks for Japanese motorcycles. Black body with chrome springs and 5 step preload adjuster.

4into1.com

 

[ancientdad]

So you mention 280mm Hagons, but you did not mention the length you're actually looking for... I believe the stock length is 13" or 330mm

 

[ancientdad]

My mistake - the flat piece of steel blurred my vision, thinking about incorrectly mounting a set of shocks as an alternative. So you're intending to lower the bike? I believe the stock shocks are 13" because I would imagine they would be the same length as a stock CB450. I used the 11.4" Emgos on my 450 to lower the bike about 1.5". There are many on this page to look at

Vintage Honda Motorcycle Suspension - 4into1.com - Page 2

Suspension parts for your vintage Honda motorcycle. Front and rear suspension, New shocks, Front fork springs, fork oil and more. Take a look. . .

4into1.com

 

[ancientdad]

Form over function once again... mine rides firm, but does not bottom at either end. As far as the front tire hitting one of the pipes, it looks like it wouldn't happen unless the front wheel was turned a bit - the gap in between the pipes might be enough when going straight, but still too little travel, especially at the rear... and those tires... don't plan on cornering too hard

 

[ancientdad]

Yes, don't go on Facebook either - the opinions expressed will be far stronger than here, as well as any other motorcycle forum compared to here. When safety is an issue, or a significant change in handling will happen as a result of a desired style, most here automatically make sure the OP understands the effect the changes will have. I lowered my 450 and made modifications to many things on it, but what I did had only changed the ride to a more firm feel and didn't compromise handling. I think you'll be fine at 280 to 290mm, as long as any other changes will clear the wheel travel - my original rear fender bracket was about 1/4" too low and with the 11.4" Emgos it bottomed a few times, so when other things had to be repaired on the frame we raised the rear bracket. Custom efforts require plenty of thought and mock-up