New to me CB-1 any changes to make?

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Hi all,

It's nice to own a CB-1 again.  Mine is more or less bone stock as it was the one recently for sale in NH. I am thinking mainly of suspension changes.  My wife is about 130 lbs and I am closer to 200.   Does anyone know the rate of the stock spring?   I assume the bike will benefit from some Race Tech Gold Valves.

Incidentally, a lot of people have been using these http://www.debrix.com/41mm-Fork-Damper-Valve-2000-up-Harley-FXST-Softail-p/24-0361-vt.htm on SV650s and they seem to work well.

As far as the rear goes I remember the stock shock being pretty good, but it is 21 years old.  Any advice or conventional wisdom there.

If I am keeping the stock pipe can the jetting be improved?

I don't want to make any major changes, I just want to improve a classic.

Thanks all.

Adam

[Efreeman55]

Best change I've made to my CB so far was ditching the stock shock and putting a Hagon on.  Pricey at over $500 but so much better damping.  Had to wait for a custom spring since I weigh about 240 and that is more than the normal Hagon spring is designed for.  I also fitted Michelin Pilot Power tires which are simply fantastic and grip like nothing I've had before.

Eric

[ptlcb1]

Hey Hey Adam,
     Welcome!  Just about any adjustable rear shock will be better than the stock shock, as long as it prepped for your weight and the type of riding you will be doing.  The front end is abit on the soft side.  Stiffer springs, (again, based on your weight), and fresher fork oil will make the front end feel much better.  I have the Race Tech Gold Valve Emulators in my forks and I really love my front end! 

The stock jetting is probably best for the stock exhaust.  The only sensible way to improve on that would be to book an appointment for some dyno time. 
 
A stock CB-1 works well.  At this point, if you want to improve anything, spend your money on getting better suspension.

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I just got my plate late this morning and took a short ride on it.  Wow, it is pretty soft both front and rear. My other ride is a 2001 SV650 which I have updated the front (CBR600 F3 fork internals and uppers on SV lower legs) and a Fox Twin Clicker rebuilt for me by http://www.daughertymotorsports.com/.

Riding the CB-1 took me back.  Wow, stock Japanese bikes from the period tend to be way soft and the CB-1 is no exception. I will for sure do fork with emulators and springs and may buy one of Jamie's rebuilt shocks.

Wow!  I've owned a CB-1 before but I was surprised by the experience of riding it. Mine has been gone for more than a decade. zzzzzzzzzzing~!  That is a singular motorcycle.

Is there a direct swap for the rear shock?  What is the length and stock spring rate?

Thanks

Adam