1987 cr rear shock

[mainline]

Im looking to have the rear shock rebuilt on an 87 cr125, but having read a few reviews from back in the day they didn't sound like they were too flash to begin with.

Are they worth rebuilding or should i be looking for a WP shock or similar?

[Hoony]

look for a white power if you can Paul they are a much better shock.

[mainline]

Thanks Hoony, have you got a spare one lying around?

[evo550]

I think YSS do a shock to fit '87 Hondas. I had a white power on a 250, the remote res can be a bit of hassle to get right.

[motomaniac]

I have a mxa issue that recommends upgrading to a 250 shock. I think Larry Brooks and other non factory riders were doing that. If you go WP or Ohlins I think you use a 86 model shock , you wont get on with the piggyback canister.

[mainline]

There's a couple for sale on vintagebikeads, and as you guys have said i can't see them fitting with that reservoir

[motomaniac]

no , you need a remote reservoir shock like the 85/86's

[D project]

I've got a WP one which I was going to rebuild and flog off.
I have only got around to having a new hose and the canister re anodised.

[Hoony]

Sorry Paulski i don't have a spare, i recommend sending it to Walter either way (standard or WP piggyback for conversion).

[Nathan S]

The 125 and 250 shocks are actually very different, despite superficially looking identical. One is a Kayaba, the other a Showa (sorry, I forget which is which).

A mono tube shock just isn't all that complicated. Unless they did something really stupid in designing the compression adjuster, then a GoldValve ought to sort out the vast majority of performance shortcomings (providing the shock has at lest a 44mm ID).

The two main failings of most 1980s jap shocks are:
1. Too small in the body ID (pretty sure the 87 CR doesn't suffer from this problem);
2. Primitive valve piston.

Older WP and Ohlins shocks aren't anything amazing inside - yes, they're very well built, but there's no "magic" technology in there. They were a big improvement because they used a decent valve piston/shim stack, came with sensible valving and were usually 46mm ID. The GoldValve eliminates two of those advantages, with the added benefit of having a recommended shim stack that will suit your weight/riding style.

[motomaniac]

The 125 and 250 shocks are actually very different, despite superficially looking identical. One is a Kayaba, the other a Showa (sorry, I forget which is which).

A mono tube shock just isn't all that complicated. Unless they did something really stupid in designing the compression adjuster, then a GoldValve ought to sort out the vast majority of performance shortcomings (providing the shock has at lest a 44mm ID).

The two main failings of most 1980s jap shocks are:
1. Too small in the body ID (pretty sure the 87 CR doesn't suffer from this problem);
2. Primitive valve piston.

Older WP and Ohlins shocks aren't anything amazing inside - yes, they're very well built, but there's no "magic" technology in there. They were a big improvement because they used a decent valve piston/shim stack, came with sensible valving and were usually 46mm ID. The GoldValve eliminates two of those advantages, with the added benefit of having a recommended shim stack that will suit your weight/riding style.

The 125 had the kayaba with the more simple "primitive" shimm arrangement. The 250/500 had the showa with the bigger 44mm bore and progressive tunable shimm arrangement similar to wp and ohlins. The main difference with the accessory shocks is the steel body, better for wear and also maintaining constant ID during a long moto when the shock gets hot.

[motomaniac]

I have a 87250 Racetech modded shock as well as WhitePower and Hulco.

[motomaniac]

What way did you end up going Mainline ?

[mainline]

Had to pass on the whitepower for the moment, i spent all my christmas money already