Motorcycle Repair: Shocks, honda magna, shock assembly

Question
Hello
I need to know what kind of smaller shocks I can use on 84 700 magna. A friend of mine used a atv shock on his v65 to lower the bike and it worked fine but I dont know what kind of atv shock it was. I'm aware of clearance but, I've got 6 inches I can eaisly lower a couple more. Can you tell me what shock I can use? Honda, Kawasaki, Yammy etc... that will fit?

Answer
Mark, I have amassed quite a bit of general Honda knowledge, however I haven't put a database of ATV shock applications together for use on a Magna.

There are Sabre/Magna sites out there who may have some specific applications for shocks, or you can contact shock manufacturers like Works Performance, Progressive Suspension, or IKON to see what they can cook up for you.

With the bike on the centerstand, measure the free length of the shock assembly and then check with local salvage yards or on EBAY to see who has shocks a couple of inches shorter from a similar sized/weight machine.

From this link:
http://www.ikonsuspension.com/content/application_lists/shock_absorbers/honda_sh...  it looks like your shock may be around 15" from eye to eye. Check with them to be sure and match their chart to what you find on your own bike.

http://www.bikebreed.com/Honda-magna-&-sabre-info.html#suspension
for some tips.

http://wiki.sabmagfaq.org/ and other similar sites out there in support of the early V4 Hondas.

Bill Silver