Commando Rear Shock Length

If you're a bit short of inseam, as I am, then longer shocks are NOT better for street riding. I found that the ability to ground both boots at a stop is essential to relaxed riding. The standard 13" shocks carry the standard loaf-of-bread Commando seat 34" above ground. If your inseam is less than 34", you'll approach every stop wondering if you should ground the left or right boot; grounding both is not an option. I was obliged to use 12" shocks, at a cost of an additional 0.75" of rake (slightly less quick side-to-side but a bit more stable on the straight). If this is not your problem, then at least be aware that the rake will decrease with increased shock length, making the bike a bit more nervous in its handling.

Interesting scope of needs and side effects. Here's a long lecture on swing arm angle with shock length and other factors.

http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/6031806

What? 3 to 4 inches?
I don't believe that for a minute.

Do a Google image search of "Norton Commando" and look at the stock Commando's on center-stands.
They all have both tires touching the ground (except for Dave Edwards goofy Interback).
Oh there might be the odd one or two bikes with a sliver of clearance but they probably have short shocks.

Flat feet on the ground topic:
I'm a 34" inseam. The Commando feels quite normal with a comfortable reach to the ground (my V-Strom on the other hand...)

Mark

Mine clears just barely after I replaced the centre stand spring. Seems like a longer than stock rear shock might increase weave potential as rear wheel is unloaded some.?

if you plan on actually riding the bike you could always get some good shocks that are adjustable and just return those mediocre ones for a refund

http://www.worksperformance.com/html/home.html

http://gazisuspension.com/


pair

mschmitz57 said:

What? 3 to 4 inches?
I don't believe that for a minute.

Do a Google image search of "Norton Commando" and look at the stock Commando's on center-stands.
They all have both tires touching the ground (except for Dave Edwards goofy Interback).
Oh there might be the odd one or two bikes with a sliver of clearance but they probably have short shocks.

Flat feet on the ground topic:
I'm a 34" inseam. The Commando feels quite normal with a comfortable reach to the ground (my V-Strom on the other hand...)

Mark

Click to expand...

I have a problem with $500 shocks on a 40 year old motorcycle with a rubber mounted swingarm. That's a lot of dough.
I won't use the "spats on a pig" analogy but it's along those lines. There are so many shortcomings on a 40 year old bike. It's a slippery slope.
I don't race, I live in Illinois where the roads are mostly straight and flat, and I'm sort of cheap.
The NJB shocks are probably a little better than the Girlings that came stock on the bikes back in the 70's.
For $500 I could buy another basketcase.

Mark

Hi Mark

Normans shocks are a good product better than Girlings & even new Hagons for the price. 2 out of 3 Commandos (mine) just drag the rear tyre when on the stand. The one that doesn't has no wear on the stand or the bolt or the cradle . It had probably never been fitted
All have longer shocks & never been a problem even when I had a puncture.

Chris

Oh NO Mr. Bill !! Not just plain jane shocks on a rootin tootin 4 decade old Commando, what will rest of the world think. For me and my buddy on budget Commandos, we are in your camp Mark, just spend and do enough to be road worthy and not try to test limits of nothing but day light and temps to get home with a grin again. If me and Wes get better suspension it just temps us to go a tad faster on THE Gravel trap washbords and ruts and lumps then no reserves for the emergencies flashed into our path. If we upgrade one thing it shows up the limits of something else, so no end once started till most the real Norton eliminated. There is some satisfaction to just order part numbers from the good book and tool along fast as modern traffic no problemo keeping eye out on tire and chain bargains. Only way to resolve the dilemma is get at least two as long as the 2nd one ain't a chopper, like my 3rd one will be if ever finish the 2nd one and recover normal wear show stopper on the plain one.

understand - but does make me chuckle - like the guys at the shop say the only thing cheap on a norton is the rider :mrgreen:

mschmitz57 said:

I have a problem with $500 shocks on a 40 year old motorcycle with a rubber mounted swingarm. That's a lot of dough.
I won't use the "spats on a pig" analogy but it's along those lines. There are so many shortcomings on a 40 year old bike. It's a slippery slope.
I don't race, I live in Illinois where the roads are mostly straight and flat, and I'm sort of cheap.
The NJB shocks are probably a little better than the Girlings that came stock on the bikes back in the 70's.
For $500 I could buy another basketcase.

Mark

Click to expand...

OK, Maybe "Cheap" isn't the right word. I just don't like to overpay for stuff. I bought Hagon's for my `71 Commando 10 years ago and didn't feel much difference over the old original Girlings with 20K miles on them. I think they were around $180 at that time.
I read the story how Norman (NJB shocks) used to work for Girling and now he assembles shocks in the U.K. for vintage bikes. I'm hooked by this.
This is probably a big reason I'm giving these shocks a try (price is a factor too). I want an "old" bike, warts and all (OK, maybe I'll take electronic ignition over points).

OK, I'm sorry for rambling. I've had a few beers.
What was the question?

Mark

$500.00 for shocks OUCH!!!!
Take a close look at the so called budget Norton shocks available in the UK

Packed in Plain brown boxes and sell for around £75.00 / $110.00 per pair and look identical to the NJB
possibly even from the same source
if you buy the 12.9" Commando specific shock not the stock 12.9" which most traders will try sell

the packing actually states Norton Commando on the bar code label the spring rate is good and the mounting bushes are correct
for Norton commando I have a pair fitted and they are excellent for normal road use at a fraction of the cost of NJB / Hagon
problem is I threw away the box so not sure who actually makes them

I think to many owners can get sucked in with the ( must have ) high end branded product
the only gain will be weight saving as your wallet will now be empty

unless you are going to push your 40 year old motorcycle to it`s limits every time you go out my advice is don't pay the extra
for branded product

The condition of Uk roads and common sense dictate my riding style , slow and steady dodging pot holes and traffic

I gave-up on these NJB shocks. After sending the "too long" shocks back to Walridge they sent the 13" shocks but when fitted to the bike
I noticed the lower portion of the spring and preload hit my shiny new chain guard. This is due to the NJB shocks using longer springs
and the pre-load adjuster extending down the shock body further. This episode annoyed me so much I bit the bullet and ordered a set of Hagons from Old Britts. They fit perfectly and don't require flimsy plastic bushings to fit properly on the shock mount bolts.
Plus I got the cool black springs which look great. I guess I'm stuck with the NJB shocks due to the high cost of shipping to Canada ($45) so I'll just stash these on the shelf where I won't see them. Maybe they'll fit the Atlas Cafe Racer or go on eBay.

Anybody need a set of 13" NJB shocks?

Mark

Chris said:

Hi Mark

Normans shocks are a good product better than Girlings & even new Hagons for the price. 2 out of 3 Commandos (mine) just drag the rear tyre when on the stand. The one that doesn't has no wear on the stand or the bolt or the cradle . It had probably never been fitted
All have longer shocks & never been a problem even when I had a puncture.

Chris

Click to expand...

Chris is right about wear. Centre stand pivot holes elongate very quickly. Welded and machined the centre stand to suit new fitting kit I machined and initially was easy to put on the centre stand, only force required was to stand on the centre stand extension. 10,000 miles later, don't really know how many centre stand operations that equates to, but now I have to lift with hand under rear subframe as well. Centre stand pivots need beefing up, sealed deepgroove ball bearings could work well. With pivot points in good condition you get approx. 1 inch rear tyre clearance, 100/90 19 Avon Roadriders fitted.

Hi,

I had this problem too, but if you put it on the mid position it should fit. This position works well for me (70Kg).

Edit: Hagons are the better choise without any doubt, but the NJB are not such bad.

Ralf

After re-bushing and futzing with the pivots and having it all wear out/vibrate out again, I welded some extensions on the end of the center stand feet - just found a pair of matching nuts, big diameter but thin ones.

mschmitz57 said:

I gave-up on these NJB shocks. After sending the "too long" shocks back to Walridge they sent the 13" shocks but when fitted to the bike
I noticed the lower portion of the spring and preload hit my shiny new chain guard. This is due to the NJB shocks using longer springs
and the pre-load adjuster extending down the shock body further. This episode annoyed me so much I bit the bullet and ordered a set of Hagons from Old Britts. They fit perfectly and don't require flimsy plastic bushings to fit properly on the shock mount bolts.
Mark

Click to expand...

So you're saying the Hagons don't hit the chain guard? I guess you just did. Do you have a picture of your Hagons in that area? Here's my NJB ones. As I remember the originals also hit the guard too, but they may not have been original for all I know. I never saw a name on them. I put an extra washer under the lower shock mount to space mine out from the guard, and I too don't care for those plastic shims. The Hagons aren't that much more than the NJB if it gets rid of those problems.



Dave
69S

DogT said:

So you're saying the Hagons don't hit the chain guard? I guess you just did. Do you have a picture of your Hagons in that area? Here's my NJB ones. As I remember the originals also hit the guard too, but they may not have been original for all I know. I never saw a name on them. I put an extra washer under the lower shock mount to space mine out from the guard, and I too don't care for those plastic shims. The Hagons aren't that much more than the NJB if it gets rid of those problems.

Click to expand...

The originals don't hit the chain guard. They have shorter springs. The Hagons are optically indentical with the originals. I did not try the Hagons myself, but I guess they fit perfectly.

I added a washer at this location too.

The CLOSED length , eye to eye , might be more the issue . Maybe theyre stock there & have a 1/2 in. more travel ? ?

Original old girlings were just rebound damped . The flash Gas girlings of around 1980 were Two Way Damped .
With these the back doesnt ' pump down ' on bumpy bends - under load , so you maintain your Ground Clearance .