Rear Shocks (Factory Style) | Honda CB350 / CB360 / CB450 / CB550
Forty years on, the original rear shocks feel more like pogo sticks than dampers — the spring sags, the damping oil is long gone, and every bump pitches the back end. These factory-style rear shocks are our stock replacement: the closest match to the original Honda shock, sold as a pair.
Why You Need This
Worn shocks let the rear end wallow, bottom out over bumps, and chatter the tire through corners. Our factory-style shocks are the entry point in our rear-shock lineup — the closest shock to the original Honda part, chrome with a chrome spring and a standard spring-preload adjuster. They bolt straight on and bring back a controlled, factory-correct ride.
Choose them with the classic chrome shroud covering the spring, or with the spring left exposed — both are the same shock, with the same mounts and the same fitment. They’re the right call for lighter riders on the 350 and 360 twins; if you’re a heavier rider, ride two-up often, or want rebuildable shocks with adjustable rebound, step up to our Ikon Rear Shocks.
Specifications
| Spec | Detail |
|---|
| Replaces OEM Parts | 52400-286-670XW, 52400-455-670XW, 52400-317-670XW, 52400-317-700XW, 52400-369-000, 52400-458-670, 52400-292-670XW, 52400-390-681XW, 52400-323-010XW, 52400-318-670, 52400-456-670 |
| Fits Models | CB350 / CL350 (1968–1973), CB360G / CB360T (1974–1976), CL360 / CJ360T (1974–1977), CB450 K1–K7 / CL450 K1–K6 (1968–1974), CB500K (1971–1973), CB500T (1975–1976), CB550K / CB550F (1974–1978) |
| Sold As | Pair (one left, one right) |
Dimensions
| Measurement | Value |
|---|
| Eyelet to Clevis Eyelet (center-to-center) | 12.75" |
| Upper Eyelet ID | 0.375" (9.5mm) |
| Upper Eyelet Width | 0.75" |
| Clevis Inside Width | 0.75" |
| Clevis Bolt Thread | M10 x 1.25 |
Note: These use a 0.375" (9.5mm) upper eyelet. Our Ikon and CB175 / CB200 shocks use a larger 16mm upper eye — check the mount size before swapping between styles.
Installation
Difficulty: Beginner
Tools needed: Wrenches for the upper and lower mount bolts, plus a spanner to set the spring preload.
- Before fitting, knock the metal spacer out of the upper rubber bushing — it isn’t used.
- Grease the rubber bushings with bearing grease so they slide onto the frame mounts more easily.
- Bolt the shocks on with the eyelet end up and the clevis end down.
- Set the spring preload for your weight — tighter if you ride two-up. With you seated on the bike, the shock should compress about 20–30% of its travel. Measure travel from the bottom of the rubber bumper on the chrome tube down to the piston seal on the lower body, and turn the preload collar one notch at a time to dial it in.
Our rear-shock adjustment video walks through setting preload and sag.
Our rear-shock overview video shows the Ikon’s rebound adjustment and a full rebuild.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I get the shroud or no-shroud version?
It’s purely a styling choice. The shroud is a chrome cover over the spring; the no-shroud version leaves the spring exposed. Both are the same shock with the same mounts, fitment, and dimensions — pick whichever matches your bike’s look.
Will these fit my bike?
They fit the CB350 / CL350 (1968–1973), CB360 / CL360 / CJ360 (1974–1977), CB450 / CL450 (1968–1974), CB500K (1971–1973), CB500T (1975–1976), and CB550 / CB550F (1974–1978). For the smaller CB175 / CL175 / CB200 twins, use our CB175 / CB200 factory-style shocks; for a CT90, use our CT90 rear shocks.
How do I set the preload?
Set it for your weight: with you seated on the bike, the shock should compress about 20–30% of its travel. Turn the lower preload collar one notch at a time — tighter for a heavier rider or when carrying a passenger.
What’s the difference between these and the Ikon shocks?
These factory-style shocks are our straightforward stock replacement with a standard spring-preload adjuster. The Ikon shocks are a premium, rebuildable upgrade with adjustable rebound damping and a larger 16mm upper eye — a different mount size, so check the dimensions for your build.
Are they sold individually or as a pair?
As a pair — you get one left and one right shock.
You Might Also Need
Last updated: June 2026
