11 inch shocks on a CX500 Custom

CX Customization and Modifications

11 inch shocks on a CX500 Custom

joe 07-14-2008, 9:19 PM
I came across a post where someone swapped out the stock shocks with 11 inch shocks on their custom. I checked the Oldys site from that post and they're out of stock. Does anyone know of another store with 11" shocks that would fit this bike?

Also, I see you can adjust the shock height, but I have no idea how. Sorry if this question has been asked already. I tried google site search but couldnt find anything. Any advice? Thanks!

Re: 11 inch shocks on a CX500 Custom

Blindstitch2002 07-14-2008, 10:05 PM
My shocks were a bit rusty so what I did was put it on the stand and took a set of channel locks and with a wash cloth under them and pulled it toward the front or the back to go up or down.

1978 Honda Cx500 Maggot
1979 Honda Cx500 Custom
1980 Honda Cx500 Deluxe Couch Project Bike

CX500 Factory Service Manual
Courtesy of Randall-in-Mpls

Re: 11 inch shocks on a CX500 Custom

LRCXed 07-14-2008, 10:54 PM
Hay Joe, here is a site I found and am planning on buy my shocks from them soon.
http://www.jerryscycles.com/catalog/i177.html

If your going to do something, do it right, don't do it half as@*d.
http://globalcxglvtwins.hostingdelivered.com/

Re: 11 inch shocks on a CX500 Custom

iradiate 07-17-2008, 5:27 PM
When you lower the rear, what do you do to the front to lower it down to match???

Re: 11 inch shocks on a CX500 Custom

LRCXed 07-17-2008, 6:32 PM
Loosen the triple tree clamps on the front tubes and raise them up to lower the front end.

If your going to do something, do it right, don't do it half as@*d.
http://globalcxglvtwins.hostingdelivered.com/

Re: 11 inch shocks on a CX500 Custom

iradiate 07-17-2008, 7:03 PM
I'm looking forward to seeing this done. May be something I like to do to mine....

How many inches lower does it make the bike from stock?

Re: 11 inch shocks on a CX500 Custom

dean 07-21-2008, 8:03 PM

iradiate wrote:
I'm looking forward to seeing this done. May be something I like to do to mine.... How many inches lower does it make the bike from stock?

good question. i'd like to know the answer to that too. and these are 11 inch shocks... what are the stock shocks?

83 Gl650I

Re: 11 inch shocks on a CX500 Custom

LRCXed 07-21-2008, 10:53 PM
The stock shocks are 12 3/4 inch long. I don't know how much it lowers the bike, as we have not done it yet to my sons 80 Custom. Put pics here if someone does!

If your going to do something, do it right, don't do it half as@*d.
http://globalcxglvtwins.hostingdelivered.com/

Re: 11 inch shocks on a CX500 Custom

joe 07-22-2008, 10:43 AM
Well I just slapped some of those 11 inchers on my 79 cx500 custom and there was a noticeable change in the bikes profile and handling. it looks much cooler now IMO and my feet are comfortably flat on the ground. a shorter seat would definitely improve the look too. that damn stock seat is TALL. I'll post some pics when I get home tonight if I have time.

Re: 11 inch shocks on a CX500 Custom

WisconsinCX 07-22-2008, 5:22 PM
Years ago I lowered a 81 750F for my soon to be exwife in this manner. It worked very well. Yeah, she got the house, car, AND bike.

83 650 Silverwing Interstate Phoenix
81 Deluxe
80 Custom
78 Maggot

Re: 11 inch shocks on a CX500 Custom

blondeangel1145 07-25-2008, 5:42 PM
I got mine from http://www.crc2onlinecatalog.com/rear_shocks.htm (at the very bottom of the page). When you put them on don't forget the lower the fork tripple trees. My bike just got done this week and I took it for my first ride last night and it was perfect. I cut down the seat and put the lower shocks on, now my feet perfectly touch. I will put up pics soon.

Re: 11 inch shocks on a CX500 Custom

Anonymous 07-25-2008, 5:55 PM
You still made out well, less one wife.

Re: 11 inch shocks on a CX500 Custom

tntchitwood 07-25-2008, 7:35 PM
Yea, I've given away everything I own 3 times. Trust me it was worth it considering the wife I have now.
Tom

'82 Silverwing Chopper
'02 750 Shadow

http://choppercharles.com/cs/forums/29599/ShowPost.aspx

Re: 11 inch shocks on a CX500 Custom

wridley 07-25-2008, 8:19 PM
11 inch shocks, harley dyna wideglide seat, highway pegs, and new hard bags!

Willy
1982 CX500C
1980 CX500D
1981 GL500I (wife)

Re: 11 inch shocks on a CX500 Custom

LRCXed 07-25-2008, 9:04 PM
Now that what I call "sittin in the weeds"

Looks nice and comfortable!

If your going to do something, do it right, don't do it half as@*d.
http://globalcxglvtwins.hostingdelivered.com/

Re: 11 inch shocks on a CX500 Custom

joe 08-04-2008, 7:03 PM
How do I lower the fork triple trees and how much should I lower them after putting on the 11" shocks?

Re: 11 inch shocks on a CX500 Custom

Blindstitch2002 08-04-2008, 8:40 PM
Wridley Nice seat. It looks comfortable.

You can lower the forks by loosening the two bolts holding each fork to the tripple tree. Slide the forks up matching distances so it doesn't sit wierd or bind causing the seals to leak.

1978 Honda Cx500 Maggot
1979 Honda Cx500 Custom
1980 Honda Cx500 Deluxe Couch Project Bike

CX500 Factory Service Manual
Courtesy of Randall-in-Mpls

Re: 11 inch shocks on a CX500 Custom

Blindstitch2002 08-04-2008, 8:42 PM
How do you like the windshield. I have a small one that I cant seem to convince myself to put it on.

1978 Honda Cx500 Maggot
1979 Honda Cx500 Custom
1980 Honda Cx500 Deluxe Couch Project Bike

CX500 Factory Service Manual
Courtesy of Randall-in-Mpls

Re: 11 inch shocks on a CX500 Custom

Natrik 08-04-2008, 11:34 PM
I like it! Those hard bags look great. I'd even remove the blinkers on the tail light and wire in the ones on the bags. I can't wait to lower mine. That's the next thing I'm going to do, I have my eye on a set of Sportster 11" shocks.
Also, that's the first of my highway bar design that I've seen on another bike! Looks great!

If it wasn't for physics and law enforcement, I'd be unstoppable.....

1980 CX500 Custom, Hondian (found someone new)
2005 Honda VTX 1800 Retro, customization in progress