Who's using Honda Rebel shocks?

[xHolepunchx]

Hey everyone, I was curious from those of you using shocks off the rebels to lower, how would you say it changed the ride? Also, anyone riding two up on these ever? Working a dropseat-style build but would like to be able to occasionally have my girl ride along while dropping the tail a bit.

 

[xHolepunchx]

So all the guys running these and no one has an opinion?

 

[Capt_Zoom]

I might be able to tell you after this weekend if I get out for a test ride? just gotta finish the wiring, plumb it up and hope it runs.

I do know that if you have a s-model you might have some clearence issues on the left side with the sproket. Its very close...far too close for a belt guard. Now sure how they would fit on a standard model. I also noticed that I'll probably set the preload to the lightest setting, at least that where I got a feeling it should be after mockup.

 

[Ghetto]

Mine is a non chop. Been riding around with the Rebel shocks and love them. It firms it up a little bit but no issues.

 

[xskrenzer]

I havent riden with them on, but on the bike i bought the previous owner had them on there for a brat build. ride height looks appropriate and the seemed a bit firmer that the stockers. Im going hardtail, decided to sell the brat kit and rebel shocks, not my particular cup of tea

 

[jamesgs4]

Mine are set on the highest preload because my bike is pretty low. It makes for a stiff ride, but will sometimes scrape the pipes or kickstand on the ground if I hit a bump mid turn.

 

[Capt_Zoom]

Mine are set on the highest preload because my bike is pretty low. It makes for a stiff ride, but will sometimes scrape the pipes or kickstand on the ground if I hit a bump mid turn.

Can I ask how much you weigh and how old your shocks are? My rebel shocks are brand new and I'm setting the bike up for my wife who's pretty light weight.

 

[jamesgs4]

I am 180 and the rebel shocks were from a 1985 model, so the shocks are pretty old, but they were in good shape.

 

[jonny Reb]

joining this one pretty late, I realize, but I thought I'd throw in my .02. I run new Rebel shocks on my '81 Special, stock frame. I had to remove the chain guard and the clearance between the chain and the shock skirt is about 1/16 inch, so it's about as close as it can get and still work. I keep my chain adjusted so it doesn't rub, though occasionally it will slap on a big rut... I've thought about cutting a small chunk out of the skirt just to be safe, but... I'm lazy.
As for the ride itself, I like it. I'm 5'6" so it's nice to get my boots flat on the ground at a stop, and I like the stiffened feel to the frame. No issues cornering... if anything I like the feel better than the stock suspension, but that might be due to the fact that 30+ year-old shocks are gonna be mushy. Anyway, for what it's worth, I think it's a good, cheap way to lower the stance of your bike without resorting to struts... I've done that too, and the kidneys were NOT pleased.