1991 CT70 Rear shock upgrade?

C

cornflakejoe

Member
Looking for a upgrade for rear shocks for my 1991 CT70.

From what I've heard the 91-94's had upgraded rear shocks compared to the 6v bikes...not sure if that's true or not.

Regardless, I'm only a 150lbs but i've taken my CT70 (now running the Nice 110 motor) through some rough stuff and compared to my 86 CT110...its much rougher ride.

It could be the Nice 110 motor is heavier...but seems the shocks aren't as good as they used to...or I'm just getting older lol.

I found some CHP new shocks on Ebay that seem alright...they say they are better than stock. I'm not sure if there is any longer travel version or if the ride is limited to the suspension geometry and design.

Looking forward to replies!
 
6

69ST

Well-Known Member
Even with the added mass of the Nice motor & its attendant running gear, you've maybe added 10lbs, total. And that's split front-to-rear. I've always felt that the stock shocks were weak. If they're bottoming-out...watch out. The instantaneous shock loading is brutal on the frame and swingarm mounts. Coming up with really good shocks is possible, but neither easy nor cheap. I've not seen anything out there, in the sub-$350pr range that I'd run, in a very long time now. Ideally, you want a 4-way (compression, rebound, preload and height) adjustable, with variable rate springs. I'm still not ready to pull the (expensive) trigger on testing new shocks...but that's coming.

That said, the low-end shocks currently available are still an improvement over the weakly-sprung stockers. While they don't have much (if any) actual damping capability (valving costs money) nearly all of them have stiffer springs and overly stiff springs are better (up to a point) than pathetically weak springs. If the springs are too stiff, your fillings (not to mention kidneys) will get rattled but the shock mounts won't be sledgehammered.
 
Donald_50

Donald_50

Member
Would it make any sense to purchase a "Used" set of "Ohlins" and rebuild them or have them rebuilt...
I have purchased two sets of "Used" Ohlins and had them rebuilt for around $375/$400 per pair !
I'm 5 ft 10 inches tall...250lbs. !
Looking to purchase a "Honda NICE 110 (154cc "Stroker, Big Bore" engine)!!!
 
6

69ST

Well-Known Member
Ohlins is top-quality product. Biggest challenges will be getting the proper spring rate and damping rates (compression and rebound).

I don't recall a 154cc Nice tune. I know of 110, 120, 127, 137, 142, 146, 158, 164 & 176cc flavors. Try here.
 
Donald_50

Donald_50

Member
Racer X...
Thank You for correcting me on the Honda NICE displacement !
Perhaps, a 146cc OR 158cc would be the best size to carry my Large Frame?!?
 
6

69ST

Well-Known Member
That's your call to make. A stocker can take you past the 60mph. My daily rider (w/stock 110 Nice power) pulls my 185lbs into the low 60s on the flat, pretty reliably; under ideal conditions, I've gotten 66mph. Adding a 120lb passenger only decreases top speed by ~3mph...it'll still cruise along at a steady 53-58mph, depending upon grades and headwinds. Seriously, I've seen 64mph while riding two up. The biggest impact is on acceleration. In terms of top speed, aerodynamic drag is the major factor

FYI, the smaller tunes 120/127 can pull 70mph. I started out with an early 137 tune that I've taken to 78mph...not as enjoyable as you might think. The added displacement will increase torque in a big way. 146 is the limit with the stock 55.5mm crank. 158-164 tunes come fitted with a billet steel 62mm crank. How fast do you need the bike to be? If cost is no object, 176cc can be had...courtesy of a 66mm crank.

Personally, I prefer the stock configuration...if one can live with that power level. It "punches above its weight" into the low 50s, pulls acceptably into the high 50s, then gradually runs out of breath above 60. Those last 5mph are kinda fragile, as they require ~30% more hp. Would I like to have more ponies in the boiler room? Of course, I'm a hardcore gearhead. That said, most of my saddle time accumulates while rolling along in the 50-55mph range, so I live with the single compromise of marginal horsepower. Aside from that, the bike is smooth, keeps up with suburban traffic, and very durable. The motor just hit the 24,000 mile mark yesterday...still wearing the factory valve lash adjustment and sparkplug. The parts replacement list consists of a crankshaft oil seal, which began seeping around the 17000 mile mark.
 
Ozpall

Ozpall

Member
cornflakejoe said:
Looking for a upgrade for rear shocks for my 1991 CT70.

From what I've heard the 91-94's had upgraded rear shocks compared to the 6v bikes...not sure if that's true or not.

Regardless, I'm only a 150lbs but i've taken my CT70 (now running the Nice 110 motor) through some rough stuff and compared to my 86 CT110...its much rougher ride.

It could be the Nice 110 motor is heavier...but seems the shocks aren't as good as they used to...or I'm just getting older lol.

I found some CHP new shocks on Ebay that seem alright...they say they are better than stock. I'm not sure if there is any longer travel version or if the ride is limited to the suspension geometry and design.

Looking forward to replies!
Click to expand...
 

Attachments

  • IMG_20180719_220257_773.jpg
    IMG_20180719_220257_773.jpg
    2.5 MB · Views: 302
Ozpall

Ozpall

Member
no i haven't, I'm getting the frame from the power coater tomorrow. then i can start assemblying the bike.
the shocks are trail buddy shocks.
 
Top