Upgraded trailing link front suspension

[rks]

I have never been real happy with the trailing link suspension on the front end of my scoot. Read something on another forum, about an upgrade involving the use of Honda shocks.....did a little research....and decided to go for it.

To start with, the OEM shocks, are not shock absorbers at all....but rather just a coil spring, covered with plastic, to look like a shock. Sellers of original equipment replacements, state that they have NO dampening effect.

The Honda shock on the other hand is the real deal. It is the rear shock off of a Honda Metropolitan NCH 50(the ones I got were both from 2013 models), but they used the same one on many different years, and even different models, such as The Ruckus NPS 50.

Other than a slight modification to the top shock mount on the forks, they fit perfectly. Only got to take a 3 mile test ride, due to incoming weather...but noticed a big difference just going across the lawn from the barn door to the driveway. I will update after I get a decent ride in.

A few photos are available here....

http://s1271.photobucket.com/user/rks3526/slideshow/Front%20Suspension

[rks]

With just over 300 miles on the new (to me) front shocks, I have to say this upgrade wes well worth the money. Front end feels a lot more stable, less shaking, vibration in windshield, mirrors and the like. Handling in corners such as intersections, is much improved. Especially noticeable in town where they tend to have patches and rougher pavement.

I can actually take one hand off of the grips to wave at a neighbor, without the front end starting to shake. Front tire on my scoot is the original, with just 8000 miles on it.....lots of tread left, but it is cupping, and I know it isn't rolling as smoothly as it should. Front end should improve further when I install the new Michelin City Grip before next years riding season begins.

These shocks are $80.00 each if purchased new. I got mine on Ebay, and both came off of 2013 model scooters (hard to tell from new), for a total of $77.00, delivered. You can find them cheaper, but I didn't want to put 10 or 12 year old shocks, on my 4 year old scooter.

http://i1271.photobucket.com/albums/jj622/rks3526/Front%20Suspension/344aaf36-89fc-40cd-b3d0-1403265d1edb.jpg (http://s1271.photobucket.com/user/rks3526/media/Front%20Suspension/344aaf36-89fc-40cd-b3d0-1403265d1edb.jpg.html)