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T500 M shocks

Posted: Wed Aug 05, 2009 9:43 am
by Rustygt550
Hi,

I am restoring a 75 T500m & need new rear shocks the M model shocks had a shroud on them unlike the earlier models

Could someone tell me the length between the mounting eyes?

Does anyone know where I could get a replacement set new or pattern?

Thanks

Posted: Wed Aug 05, 2009 10:15 am
by oldjapanesebikes
Reproductiondecals sells copies for that model, in that style.

Posted: Wed Aug 05, 2009 3:03 pm
by Rustygt550
Thanks, but I cant find them on the site, the only ones I see are Gt550, 750 shocks that have the long shroud that covers half the spring

Posted: Wed Aug 05, 2009 3:08 pm
by Rustygt550
Looking for shocks like on the T500M below
Image

Posted: Wed Aug 05, 2009 9:27 pm
by oldjapanesebikes
OK - my error - proof again, that I wear glasses because I need them, and not for good looks !.

The GT750/550/380 reproduction shocks measure a 1/4 inch less than the T500, but have the look you want. Not sure about the eye diameter - I can check my GT500 tomorrow (unless someone else jumps in with the answer) to see if the GT750 one would fit OK

Posted: Thu Aug 06, 2009 2:46 pm
by Rustygt550
Anyone else out there with any ideas?

Thanks

Posted: Thu Aug 06, 2009 3:11 pm
by jaybob
You could try to get some Hagon shocks from Dave Quinn motorcycles. They have a set that is not exact but very close on this page.

http://www.davequinnmotorcycles.com/cgi ... HOCKS.html

Posted: Thu Aug 06, 2009 3:32 pm
by Rustygt550
I found these on ebay, is it possible to restore these?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayI ... 2759.l1259

Posted: Thu Aug 06, 2009 8:39 pm
by advant63

Posted: Thu Aug 06, 2009 10:04 pm
by diamondj
Rustygt550 wrote:I found these on ebay, is it possible to restore these?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayI ... 2759.l1259
That's a lot to pay for a pair of clapped out stockers. The seller even states one damper shaft is rusty which means if the shock is not leaking now it will be soon. You CAN kind of rebuild stock shocks if you can get them apart. Someone here described the process of drilling a hole in the damper body and draining the old fish oil and then refilling with fresh heavier oil and plugging the hole. If you're restoring the bike as a show machine, then talk to Paul Miller about some NOS reproductions. If you want it to look stock but it doesn't have to be NOS shocks, talk to Dave Quinn about a set of Hagons:

http://www.davequinnmotorcycles.com/

And if you're just looking for a decent set of replacement shocks, check ebay for Harley shocks. The HD dudes sell off their longer 12 and 13 inch shocks for 11 inch shocks to lower their bikes all the time. They are decent shocks usually made by Showa although you can score a set of Progressives the same way.....

Jim

Posted: Fri Aug 07, 2009 3:02 am
by johnakay
paul miller was selling them not so long ago.

Posted: Fri Aug 07, 2009 10:01 am
by Rustygt550
Thanks for the info guys!

I am trying to build a show bike so looks like I would need nos shocks,

I emailed Paul Miller a few days ago but havent heard a thing :( he must be busy at the moment.

Posted: Fri Aug 07, 2009 4:34 pm
by debby
Rustygt550 wrote: I emailed Paul Miller a few days ago but havent heard a thing :( he must be busy at the moment.
Try calling him. Repeat as necessary until he picks up. :wink:

I have a set of the PM shocks on my '70 T500. They're a pretty close reproduction of the originals. If I look at an original shock next to a PM shock I can see some minor differences but it would take an expert eye to notice it on the concours line.

Unfortunately they also perform pretty much like the originals. :shock: If you plan to actually ride the bike I would suggest a pair of Hagons. I'm planning to buy a set.

Debby

Shocking!

Posted: Sun Aug 09, 2009 5:47 am
by Rustygt550
Hi
I have an old pair of gt750 shocks that have the short shroud, I was thinking of buy a repro set of the T500 shocks taking them apart & putting the shrouds on.

I took apart the gt750 shocks, the top eye mount was screwed on & held with a locking nut underneath. I wonder if the non-shrouded repro shocks are held together the same way?

then i could get the shrouds rechromed, take apart the new shocks & put the shrouds on!

All in the quest of original looks :D