Aftermarket shocks and automatic compression/rebound balance

hirmalde · Derestricted Danger Joined: 25 Jun 2019 Karma :

Hello all, I have a 2016 cb650f on which I'm looking to upgrade the stock rear shock with something softer sprung and ideally adjustable for rebound at the very minimum.

The stock forks are pretty soft and undersprung as they usually are on these cheaper bikes although they seem to be about right for my weight in terms of static and rider sag and feel but the rear shock jars my spine over every single bump in the road surface! Preload is wound all the way out but still. I'm fairly light at 71kg without gear so I'm pretty sure it's the shock and nothing else. I've even reduced tyre pressures down to about 30psi front and rear from 36,42 and no difference. Bike primarily used for commuting but I hit the twisties every week or so too.

For the cb650f there aren't many options but I've looked around and narrowed it down to either YSS or Hagon which both offer a full replacement shock and will fit a softer rate spring for me. YSS with rebound adjustability and Hagon with automatic compression/rebound balance (which I have no clue how it works).

Would anyone be able to share some insight into the two brands and also clarify what automatic compression/rebound balance is and if it works well or not? (I emailed Hagon but no reply as of yet).

Thanks

wr6133 · World Chat Champion Joined: 31 Dec 2013 Karma :

I have YSS on my ZZR and had one on the ZZR before that too. I have no complaints. You can tell they are built to a price from feel and finish but ridewise it's fine (and in the case of the ZZR vastly better than stock).

hirmalde · Derestricted Danger Joined: 25 Jun 2019 Karma :

wr6133 · World Chat Champion Joined: 31 Dec 2013 Karma :

hirmalde · Derestricted Danger Joined: 25 Jun 2019 Karma :

redeem ouzzer · World Chat Champion Joined: 06 Oct 2015 Karma :

Have a YSS on my GSXR1100, works fine in what is a fairly demanding application. I’d use something better if I rode it on track but as a road shock I can’t fault it.
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MarJay · But it's British! Joined: 15 Sep 2003 Karma :

I have a nitron on my VFR. £100 more than a YSS but probably worth it. Once the compression damping was set up it's like a magic carpet.
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British beauty: Triumph Street Triple R; Loony stroker: KR1S; Track fun: GSXR750 L1; Commuter Missile: GSX-S1000F; Cheap project: CBR900RR FireBlade
Remember kids, bikes aren't like lego. You can't easily take a part from one bike and then fit it to another.

Robby · Dirty Old Man Joined: 16 May 2002 Karma :

Can you just change the spring? I recently put a pair of softer springs on the back of my Guzzi, a pair of them only cost 50 quid.

Doesn't change the fact that shocks are cheap crap, but it does mean my spine doesn't get jarred every time I hit a bump.

stinkwheel · Bovine Proctologist Joined: 12 Jul 2004 Karma :

Also Wilbers.

https://www.wilbers-shop.de/en/Motorcycle/Honda/CB-650-F-RC75/?cur=1&year=2016
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1198 · World Chat Champion Joined: 24 Jan 2013 Karma :

The best few tenners I ever spent on suspension was getting my bike set up professionally. I only paid for the static set up but if you’ve got adjustments possible at both ends I’d say it’s definitely worth it.